Flight Attendant Hourly Pay in Bellingham, WA: $33.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a flight attendant working in Bellingham, WA runs $33.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $69,244 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2031). Weighted against Bellingham's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.00 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,544 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bellingham, Washington, the projected median flight attendant hourly pay in 2026 is $33.29, which is notably higher than the national median of $31.02. This figure illustrates a competitive earning potential for part-time and per-diem flight attendants serving aboard various aircraft such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320. Those working in this field, which often requires shifts in commercial aircraft cabins, galley service, and taking jumpseat positions during takeoff and landing, can expect to earn between $19.30 and $51.60 per hour, depending on their experience and seniority. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of this scale, while top earners can achieve substantial compensation, particularly when factoring in the benefits of hotel layovers at premium properties during extended assignments. Given Bellingham's cost of living index of 107.4, flight attendants can find that their hourly pay translates into a decent standard of living in the area.
About the Bellingham Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($75,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Flight Attendant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.30 | $154.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.32 | $210.53 |
| Median (P50) | $33.29 | $266.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.62 | $340.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.60 | $412.78 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bellingham
Based on $33.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.29/hr, a flight attendant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bellingham, WA can expect to earn approximately $69,241 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,946. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bellingham.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bellingham
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,331.55 | $5,770 | $69,241 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $798.93 | $3,462 | $41,544 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $532.62 | $2,308 | $27,696 |
Compare FA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Flight Attendant (Bellingham) | $33.29 |
| Airline Pilot / Copilot (National Avg) | $107.68 |
| Air Traffic Controller (National Avg) | $66.35 |
| Travel Agent (National Avg) | $22.99 |
| Hotel / Cruise Desk Clerk (National Avg) | $16.49 |
Flight Attendants in Bellingham, WA earn a median of $69,244 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.31% higher than the national median of $64,527 and 0.10% below the Washington state average of $69,313.
Flight Attendant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.29/hr = $41,544/year (purchasing power: $38,682).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $69,241/year (purchasing power: $64,470).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.22/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.29/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+15.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Flight Attendants in Bellingham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.49% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.22/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.46/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.80/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.89/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.27/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.69/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.78/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for flight attendants in Bellingham grew 12.3% from $29.22/hr (2019) to $32.80/hr (2025). At a 1.49% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.78/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem flight attendants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bellingham metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 1.49% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Flight Attendant in Bellingham
With the part-time schedule of three days a week and an estimated total of 24 hours worked, a flight attendant can expect to take home approximately $41,600 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts who can earn upwards of $69,244. The per diem flight attendant pay in Bellingham varies depending on flight routes, with compensation for meals and incidentals typically ranging from $1.80 to $3.00 per hour on international flights and $1.80 to $2.30 domestically. When factoring in this per diem pay, junior reserve attendants can effectively see their hourly compensation soar to between $50 and $80 when accounting for travel-related expenses. Hourly rates can differ across varying employer types, with major US carriers like Delta and American Airlines often offering more competitive rates compared to regional airlines or low-cost carriers. While some may choose higher hourly rates with less comprehensive benefits, others prefer the stability and health coverage offered by unionized major airlines. Flight attendants in Bellingham are encouraged to negotiate their pay and per diem arrangements to optimize their overall compensation package.
More salary data for Bellingham, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for flight attendants in Bellingham in 2026?
How much do part-time flight attendants make in Bellingham?
Are flight attendants in Bellingham paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time flight attendant make per year in Bellingham?
Do flight attendants earn more per hour working part-time in Bellingham?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Washington
Written by Emily Johnson, AFA-CWA
Career Analyst
Emily Johnson has 10 years of experience as a flight attendant. She specializes in passenger safety and service. She has worked for major airlines in the United States.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 1.49% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for flight attendants in Bellingham. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bellingham is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.49%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for flight attendants (SOC 53-2031).
Compiled and verified by Emily Johnson, AFA-CWA, a licensed flight attendant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov