The Average Airline Crew Salary
Each commercial airline that transfers passengers from one location to another requires the services of an airline crew. The airline crew, also referred to as flight attendants, ensure the safety of travelers on commercial flights. Before take off, these professionals secure stowed luggage, ensure passengers are secured, then instruct passengers on how to use emergency equipment. During flights, airline crew serve meals and beverages.
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Job Requirements
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To become employed as a flight attendant, a high school diploma or GED is required. Employers prefer those who obtain a degree. All flight attendants must receive mandatory training from their employer after being hired. Along with education and training, all fight attendants must obtain certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Other members of an airline crew such as pilots, co-pilots and flight engineers undergo more extensive training, along with other FAA requirements.
National Average
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Out of 612 individuals in this occupation reporting their wages to Payscale, most received an hourly wage. Most wages are based on agreements that meet FAA regulations and are agreed upon by the flight attendants' unions and employers. In November 2010, Payscale reported an average salary ranging between $19.22 and $39.88 per hour.
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Overtime
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Airline crew receives overtime wages for hours worked over the amount of flight hours agreed upon with an employer. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, most airlines guarantee 65 to 85 flight hours per month and about 50 hours per month on the ground handling other responsibilities. Payscale reported average overtime wages ranged between $20.85 and $43.24 per hour.
Other Compensation
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Most of these professionals receive health benefits including medical, dental and vision care, as well as bonuses, profit sharing and commissions. Payscale reported average bonuses ranged between $293 and $1,930 per year, and profit sharing ranged between $306 and $1,440 per year. Commissions ranged between $102 and $786 per year. The total salary ranged between $35,225 and $70,156 per year.
Geography
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After the airline crew completes the required training, they are assigned to one of the airline's bases, which may require relocating. Popular cities for this occupation include Atlanta, Houston, Chicago, Newark and New York City according to Payscale, but airline bases can be found in other large cities where airports are located. The higest wages were reported in Newark, where average salaries ranged between $38.00 and $49.21 per hour. In Philadelphia, average salaries ranged between $24.57 and $39.90 per hour and in Atlanta average salaries ranged between $19.27 and $32.90 per hour.
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References
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