Flight Attendant Hourly Pay in Federal Way, WA: $33.01 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a flight attendant working in Federal Way, WA runs $33.01 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $68,676 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2031). Weighted against Federal Way's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.74 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,202 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Flight attendants in Federal Way, Washington, earn a competitive median hourly rate of $33.01, surpassing the national median of $31.02. This figure is indicative of the flight attendant hourly pay in WA, reflecting not just the operational demands of the role but also the cost of living in the area. For part-time flight attendants working approximately 24 hours per week, this rate can still provide a significant income, especially when factoring in per-diem compensation. Typical environments include commercial aircraft cabins such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320, where attendants fulfill responsibilities at galley service stations and during takeoff and landing. The hourly pay range starts at $19.15 for entry-level attendants, reaching up to $51.18 for top earners, demonstrating the potential for growth in this field as flight attendants gain experience and seniority.
About the Federal Way 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) | $19.15 | $153.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.70 | $213.62 |
| Median (P50) | $33.01 | $264.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.26 | $338.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.18 | $409.45 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Federal Way
Based on $33.01/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.01/hr, a flight attendant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Federal Way, WA can expect to earn approximately $68,671 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,618. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Federal Way.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Federal Way
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,320.59 | $5,723 | $68,671 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $792.35 | $3,434 | $41,202 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $528.24 | $2,289 | $27,468 |
Compare FA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Flight Attendant (Federal Way) | $33.01 |
| 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 Federal Way, WA earn a median of $68,676 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.43% higher than the national median of $64,527 and 0.90% below the Washington state average of $69,300.
Flight Attendant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.01/hr = $41,202/year (purchasing power: $38,363).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $68,671/year (purchasing power: $63,939).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.98/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.53/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.01/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+15.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Flight Attendants in Federal Way (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.49% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.98/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.21/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.54/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.62/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.98/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.38/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.53/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.01/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.51/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for flight attendants in Federal Way grew 12.3% from $28.98/hr (2019) to $32.53/hr (2025). At a 1.49% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.51/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 Federal Way 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 Federal Way
When considering earning potential on a part-time basis, a flight attendant working three days a week may bring home approximately $41,150 annually, contrasting sharply with full-time income levels, which can significantly benefit from additional overtime and per-diem payments. For those on per-diem contracts, the compensation can vary; for instance, international travels typically yield per diem rates of $1.80 to $3.00 per hour. This additional pay structure can elevate effective hourly earnings, potentially hitting as high as $80 per hour during peak international routes. The diversity of employer types in Federal Way—ranging from major carriers to regional airlines and corporate flights—can also influence remuneration, with major airlines often offering more comprehensive benefits at the cost of slightly lower hourly rates. Finally, negotiating for specific terms, considering both hourly pay and benefits such as health insurance, becomes essential for those navigating their career trajectories in this competitive market.
More salary data for Federal Way, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for flight attendants in Federal Way in 2026?
How much do part-time flight attendants make in Federal Way?
Are flight attendants in Federal Way paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time flight attendant make per year in Federal Way?
Do flight attendants earn more per hour working part-time in Federal Way?
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 Federal Way. 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 Federal Way 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