Flight Attendant Hourly Pay in University Place, WA: $32.67 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a flight attendant working in University Place, WA runs $32.67 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,963 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2031). Weighted against University Place's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.42 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,772 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Flight attendants in University Place, Washington, can anticipate a favorable hourly pay, with the median rate projected at $32.67 in 2026. This places University Place above the national hourly median of $31.02, reflecting a competitive compensation landscape for this profession. Given the unique demands of the job, such as accommodating passenger needs aboard various aircraft (like Boeing 737, A320, and 787) and operating from locations like galley service stations and hotel layovers, part-time workers—typically those on a 3-day work week—can see earnings align with this hourly rate. Entry-level flight attendants start at around $18.95, whereas seasoned professionals can reach up to $50.64 per hour, making the financial prospects for such roles appealing in local contexts. This range helps illustrate the potential for both new entrants and established flight attendants leveraging their experience in University Place.
About the University Place 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) | $18.95 | $151.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.30 | $210.37 |
| Median (P50) | $32.67 | $261.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.82 | $334.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.64 | $405.15 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in University Place
Based on $32.67/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.67/hr, a flight attendant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in University Place, WA can expect to earn approximately $67,953 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,204. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in University Place.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in University Place
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,306.79 | $5,663 | $67,953 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $784.07 | $3,398 | $40,772 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $522.71 | $2,265 | $27,181 |
Compare FA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Flight Attendant (University Place) | $32.67 |
| 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 University Place, WA earn a median of $67,963 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.32% higher than the national median of $64,527 and 1.90% below the Washington state average of $69,279.
Flight Attendant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.67/hr = $40,772/year (purchasing power: $37,962).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,953/year (purchasing power: $63,271).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.68/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.19/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.67/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+15.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Flight Attendants in University Place (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.49% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.68/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.90/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.21/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.28/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.62/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.98/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.19/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.67/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.16/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for flight attendants in University Place grew 12.3% from $28.68/hr (2019) to $32.19/hr (2025). At a 1.49% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.16/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 University Place 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 University Place
When examining the nuances of per diem flight attendant pay in University Place, it becomes evident that there are strategic choices impacting total compensation. Part-time flight attendants working three days a week, equating to approximately 24 hours, may bring home a modest income, yet they also benefit from per diem compensation during layovers, which can significantly inflate their effective hourly earnings. For instance, per-diem rates often sit between $1.80 and $3.00 per hour internationally and $1.80 to $2.30 domestically, providing tax advantages that enhance earnings. Junior reserve flight attendants, however, may face unpaid hours while on standby, reflecting the unpredictable nature of the job. Notably, employers in University Place range from major airlines like Delta and Southwest to low-cost carriers and regional operators, each presenting varied hourly rates. Consequently, some flight attendants may opt for roles that offer lower hourly rates but include health benefits, which can affect long-term financial planning and job security. As potential candidates consider positions, negotiating factors like schedule flexibility and total compensation packages become essential strategies in ensuring their chosen role aligns with both financial and lifestyle goals.
More salary data for University Place, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 University Place. 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 University Place 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