Aviation is an exciting industry that offers qualified men and women many opportunities to assist passengers in reaching their desired destinations. That means flight attendants are a significant part of travel as it’s through them that passengers get different quality services that guarantee comfort and safety.
The roles include serving beverages, and food, outlining the safety regulations, and welcoming passengers to the plane. However, the roles of Australian flight attendants differ in pay based on their flight routes, hours, and services. Read on to learn more about what flight attendants earn and the reasons behind it.
Flight Attendant Salary Australia
Australian flight attendants’ average salary is generally between $ 50,000 and $60 000, based on where you work and your experience level.
While the pay might seem decent, the million-dollar question remains whether the amount can enable flight attendants to have a decent life in Australia or the amount you can get through a bonus supplementary to your salary.
Some people have even questioned and checked optional career paths after retirement and what they have to offer. To know more about Australian flight attendant wages, keep reading.
How Much Do Flight Attendants Earn in Australia?
According to Payscale statistics through September 2022, the mean base Australian flight attendant income is $50,951. While that’s the case, the average hourly pay is $28.13, with a range of $19.97 per hour-$59.80 per hour.
However, based on information collected by Glassdoor, the typical flight attendant’s compensation is $48,000, with the lowest base wage estimated at $40k while the greatest salary is valued at $75,000 per year. Nonetheless, remember the articulated salaries are tied to the airline you partner with as well as your level of experience.
Is This Considered a Good Salary in Australia?
Australia’s basic flight attendant income might not meet living costs considering that permanent employees must make more than $91,000 to be deemed above-average earnings.
The compensation does, however, include several extras, such as bonuses, commissions, and per diem income. Let’s have a look at some of the additions flight attendants secure besides their salary:
Bonuses
According to Payscale conclusive data, Australian flight attendants secure $750-$33k bonus in a year. This can facilitate some of their expenses, and while it might be enough for others, the overwhelming majority fall below the rating bar.
Flight Pay
Generally, the hourly pay rate applies to your time from launch to touchdown. Where you travel and how many trips you take every month affect your flight pay. This might be useful to cater to certain costs based on your living standard.
Travel Allowance
Flight attendants are given this sum as compensation for all the night shifts they complete. The airline typically determines the cost rate depending on the flight’s length and the return trip. This is a reasonable way to appreciate flight attendants for the nights they don’t spend with their families.
Commission
A 5-10% commission based on onboard sales could be distributed to the cabin staff. According to Payscale, Australian airline attendants may earn as much as $16,000 in commissions annually.
Salary Increases
Long-term airline employees or flight attendants should get yearly wage increases of up to 5% and a compensation boost after a qualification period. This is one-way airline employees add to their monthly wages to sustain themselves.
Factors That Affect The Average Flight Attendant Salary
Experience
Your pay will increase as you get more professional experience. Depending on your years of experience working in the tourism or hospitality industries, here is an approximate figure of how much you anticipate earning.
It is uncommon for someone to work as a flight attendant for over twenty years, but those who do may expect to earn an average salary of $69,634 annually.
Airline
The wage of a flight attendant fluctuates in Australia depending on the flight company that hires them, with larger airlines generally compensating more than low-cost airlines.
According to Payscale, Qantas, the largest airline in Australia, now pays flight attendants a median income of $45,930. The mean hourly salary is $57 and ranges from $31-$60. The range of total yearly salary, which includes bonuses up to $26,000, falls between $44,000-$126,000.
The annual flight attendant wage at Virgin Australia is predicted to be $46,826; cash bonuses included, it might raise your take-home income by $14,205. Salary ranges from $37,590- $75,000 per year.
Glassdoor suggests that most workers claim that salaries increase to a particular level before levelling off. Virgin Australia is a better option for individuals just beginning their careers than Qantas, which raises pay for devoted workers.
The largest domestic and local airline within the nation, Rex Airlines, offers an average annual salary of $45,844, with incomes ranging from $39,500 to $65,000 according to Payscale.
Overseas flight attendant salaries are approximately $47,000 annually, less than the typical Australian flight attendant salary. Nevertheless, reimbursement for international flights is bigger, ranging between an average of $4,800-$20,000 per year.
The reason behind all this is that international flight has huge travel allowances and other bonuses, making it look more appealing. However, tourism contributes $60.8 billion to Australia’s GDP despite the average flight attendant wage.
Gender
If you keenly analyse the Salary Explorer report, you’ll realise that male flight attendants often receive 5% less income than females in the same field. Men only pay $64,600 yearly, whereas ladies get $68,000.
This makes it one of the jobs that pay women more than men in Australia. Furthermore, ladies dominate the overwhelming majority of the industry, which currently stands at 74%. This is information that the Labour Market insight for clarity has confirmed.
City
Based on Glassdoor research, Adelaide, based in SA, leads with the biggest average base income and the greatest compensation. However, Melbourne records the least average salary for flight attendants at $45,864.
Distribution Of Flight Attendant Salaries In Australia
While we’ve looked at the statistical and analytical data of flight attendant salaries in Australia, It’s only right we also check the balance of distribution of wages for a better understanding of how flight attendants earn in Australia:
Salary Ranges
It’s no secret that Australian flight attendants take home 33,000 AUD-100,700 AUD on average, a balanced figure based on the market.
However, the gap between the highest and lowest amounts is a useful measure of salary variability. Both employers and workers may apply it to determine the rate they anticipate paying.
Median Salary
Its universally known that Australian flight attendants take home 62,600 AUD, the middle value if you consider the minimum and maximum earning range.
However, the deeper meaning of this statistic indicates that the overwhelming 50% earn below 62,600 AUD while the rest of the 50% of flight attendants take home the same amount. That means that those earning about the average figures are being composed appropriately.
However, if your income falls short of 62,600 AUD in this field, then that’s a clear indication that you’re earning enough and that your sole focus should be increasing or doubling your earning capabilities. This can be done by looking for a higher-paying job or requesting a pay rise, in which case your employers have a decision to make.
Percentiles
Comparable to the average wage, percentiles examine the figures at the highest and lowest point of the spectrum rather than the centre number. 25% of Australians make less than a median Flight Attendant income of 45,000 AUD, whereas 75% earn more.
25% of the general population make upwards of 78,700 AUD, while 75% make under 78,700 AUD.
The 25th and 75th percentile incomes may be implemented, like the average salary, to identify which quartile you belong to, letting you know whether your wage is adequate relative to colleagues in your field and area.
Flight Attendant Salary By Education Level In Australia
Your education level significantly impacts the amount of money you can make and your employment experience. High levels of academic achievement are necessary for many better-paid jobs, but how significantly can they boost your pay?
To determine the additional income available at every stage of education, we analysed the earnings of workers in the same profession and job level with various degrees of education. Where you live, and the job path you pick will significantly impact the payment you may expect to earn depending on your degree.
To determine if higher schooling would result in higher compensation, we examined the median pay for a flight attendant in Australia depending on the workers’ educational backgrounds. With a qualification or certification, an Australian flight attendant may make a standard income of 46,000 AUD.
In Australia, a flight attendant possessing a bachelor’s degree is anticipated to make a median wage of 69,600 AUD. Airline attendants holding a master’s degree in Australia will likely make a median wage of 100,900 AUD.
Flight Attendant Salary By Experience Level In Australia
While your level of education plays a pivotal role in determining the amount of money you’ll make in a particular field, especially as a flight attendant, the experience also comes into play at certain times. The more your experience, the better your paycheck will be has been a policy implemented by employers for years.
After conducting conclusive research on Australian mean flight attendant income by using their years of duty and experience, here are results to help you know how much you’ll likely earn in this field after years of experience:
- Australian flight attendants with 0-2 years in the field will take home 39,000 AUD due to their better experience.
- If you have 2-5 years working as an Australian flight attendant, expect to earn 50,600 AUD, increasing inexperienced folks’ salaries.
- However, flight attendants who have worked for 5-10 years will be guaranteed to take home 70, 100 AUD.
- Your earning muscle will increase if you have 10-15 years of experience, as you’ll get a salary of 83,800 AUD.
- Flight attendants with 15-20 years of experience in the Australian field will receive 88,500 AUD as compensation for their long years of service and hard work.
- Those who will benefit the most will be flight attendants who have surpassed 20 years in the field and will get 96,000 AUD.
How To Become A Flight Attendant In Australia?
It’s clear how much flight attendants may earn and how years of experience can work in your favour to increase your earning muscles. However, knowing the criteria for becoming a flight attendant is essential. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Have An SSCE
You will be given a Senior Secondary Certificate of Learning if you finish Year 12 and pass your last examinations. However, if you haven’t graduated high school, TAFE may be able to help you get occupational credentials that are similar.
Although a degree in tourism or comparable work in the transportation or hospitality industries can help you stand out from other applicants, higher education may not be that necessary.
2. Obtain A Responsible Service Of Alcohol Certificate
Thanks to your RSA certificate, you may offer drinks or booze to grownups on the aircraft. You must complete a course in person or online that covers all the rules governing the delivery and usage of liquor and how to spot underage drunkenness. Before starting your training program, the certificate must be good for six months. You must undertake the course after three years.
3. Obtain A Senior First Aid Certificate
This certificate’s training course lasts up to two days and includes topics including CPR and first aid for minor injuries. The certificate is good for three years, but each year you may need to do new CPR training. The Senior First Aid certificate must be enforceable for at least 12 months when seeking employment.
4. Apply With An Airline
Be sure to emphasise your organisational and communication abilities. If you are selected by an airline, you will often be asked to return on recruiting day or to begin the apprenticeship program right away.
However, Airlines often have requirements you must meet to secure the job. Some of the requirements include:
- Height
- Language fluency
- Age
- Physical fitness
While these are the main requirements that cut across all airlines, a few in New Zealand and Australia require applicants to be permanent residents of these two states. After your application, you may have to wait a couple of weeks before you hear back from the airline.
5. Receive Full Training
Aspiring flight attendants may enrol in intensive training programs offered by prominent airlines. These programs examine your health and fitness and educate you on vital skills like making food and beverages for passengers, interacting with customers, and ensuring safety procedures are followed.
Flight Attendant Bonus And Incentive Rates In Australia
The magnitude of an incentive and bonus you get at work is an additional variable in your total pay. Certain positions will have bigger bonus rates and a greater possibility of paying bonuses than others.
Usually, positions that entail more direct income generating will get bigger incentives depending on how well they achieve their revenue targets.54% of workers who work as flight attendants report receiving a minimum of one bonus in the twelve months before the survey, somewhat bonus-based employment.
In the past 12 months, 46% of respondents said they weren’t given any incentives. The disclosed bonuses varied between 3%-5% for the workers who did earn incentives in the preceding 12 months.
Do Flight Attendants Get Paid By The Hour?
With salaries that vary between $31-$48 hourly, flight attendants typically make $39 per hour. The mean cumulative hourly monetary reimbursement accounts for basic pay and immediate incentives records at $40, although it may vary between $32-$50.
Over 20,000 individuals have endorsed a petition asking that flight attendants receive compensation as passengers board. Presently, they only receive an hourly wage for their work on planes.
If you look at how flight attendants are paid in the United States, you’ll be surprised by why the President has been called upon to respond to the matter due to a lower hourly rate than the federal minimum wage. While flight attendants only dedicate 100 hours of duty monthly, that doesn’t mean the number stops at 100, as highlighted.
Even though lengthy flights require much relaxation, flight attendants are paid while working. Most American airlines merely compensate flight attendants after leaving their jobs, and they then start paying hourly compensation.
Flight attendants and other aviation professionals get some of the best salaries in the country. They may choose between biweekly or monthly payments, depending on how many monthly trips they take.
US Airlines offers a six-week educational program for flight attendants. Along with the biweekly and monthly pay, US Airlines also covers your accommodation and food and provides three nutritious meals daily.
Flight Attendant Salary Compared By Gender
There ought not to be a salary difference between gentlemen and ladies today. Sadly, this is still a large pay gap between men and ladies when assessing the pay for comparable positions across multiple sectors.
An Australian guy who is a flight attendant makes, on a median, 63,700 AUD, whereas a women flight attendant makes, on average, 66,100 AUD, which is quite unfair for the same job, hours, and experience.
This shows that a guy flight attendant makes around 4% less money doing the same work than a lady flight attendant.
The Many Perks Of Being A Flight Attendant
Flight attendants devote most of their service to standing in confined spaces, and work is challenging and risky. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show that in May 2021, a flight attendant earned an average yearly salary of $62,680.
The epidemic caused a 10% increase in salary. Around the holidays, it’s typical for flight attendants to get an increase in salary as employers appreciate their job performance.
However, some flight attendants receive compensation based on night flights, routes, and long flights to receive massive demand. Some airlines appreciate their workers by providing late flight bonuses or when passengers increase.
Regardless of their challenges, flight attendants typically have an excellent balance between work and their lives. Airlines usually provide their staff with adjustable schedules, compensated time off, medical coverage, and other perks.
Do Flight Attendants Get Good Pay?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the mean yearly wage for a plane attendant stands at $62,680. In contrast, before the pandemic, pay was raised by 10%. The Bureau reports that in May 2019, the mean salary throughout the country was $56,230.
The average annual salary of a US Airlines aeroplane attendant is $43,460. The wealthiest ten percent of flight attendants are anticipated to make $86,000 a year in compensation. The average yearly wage for a beginning is roughly $24,000.
Conversely, big carriers spend a lot beyond tiny local airlines. United Airlines’ aeroplane staff make a mean income of $44,219 annually. The highest ten percent may make an average yearly salary of $100,000. Like many minor airlines, Air Canada offers lower fares than more expensive carriers.
Spirit Airlines’ staff make a mean of $39,000 annually. A flight attendant with more than 10+ years of service can make, on a median, $103,000 annually. JetBlue Airlines offers initiatives to reward its airplane staff for their work, fees, and share of profits. The typical yearly pay for an airplane staff at American Airlines is around $39,000.
However, when you look at the top 10%, they make $88,000 on average yearly. At the beginning of their careers, flight attendants should earn about $29,000 annually. A typical flight attendant makes $1,600 monthly. Their payments, commissions, and hourly pay are all covered.
What Do Flight Attendants Make Starting Out?
Flight attendants often earn $50,000, which most get depending on their airline. With a 16% rise in employment anticipated over the next ten years, the career prospects for flight attendants are strong. Excellent perks, such as free or subsidised travel, are available to professionals.
The starting salary for American Airlines professionals is $28,000, and towards the conclusion of the contract, it is $56,000. They will be compensated for their travel time, overnight stays, and extras. An AA flight attendant with extensive experience may make up to $80,000 annually.
Throughout your first year as a flight attendant, you must work 18 consecutive days on reserve and always be on call. Every two months, you’ll be put on standby; the rest of the year, you’ll be on a waiting list. You have greater control over how much time and effort you put into your task. One crucial component of the airline sector is the development of co-terminal airports.
Although standby is described as being straightforward, it has many variations. If you are paid per flight hour, you will be paid for each hour that you fly. You may choose as many hours and meetings through AA as you like.
While flight attendants may not be exhausted after devoting 100 hours monthly to their routes and duty, standing throughout the flight, servicing, and engaging with passengers for 6-14 hours, flights are still tiresome. While that’s the case, most flight attendants are underpaid, negatively affecting their enthusiasm for the position.
Being paid the exact money regardless of whether you participate or not makes this a fantastic perk. Your initial and subsequent paychecks arrive on the 15th, between $600-800. The two most profitable days include the 15th, where you get $1,500-$800 optimum, and the 30th, which ensures you get $600-$800.
It makes the months that follow more enjoyable. If you get familiar with flying and learn to hold lines during your initial year, you may fly up to 00 hours without difficulty and make $3,000 minus taxes.
Because of the competitive market, the air travel industry is challenging to manage. In 2018, there were more applications for flight attendant positions than vacant slots. One percent of the inquiries resulted in employment. Carriers want employees with the required abilities and credentials.
Enrolling in flight attendant school is one technique to get an airline’s attention. The Travel Academy is one of the nation’s most renowned and well-run travel institutions. They not only have a fantastic curriculum but are also really challenging.
What Is The Average Starting Salary For A Flight Attendant?
Based on PayScale, flight attendants with 0-5 years of work history earn $38,000 annually. Older and more experienced flight attendants make a mean of $61,000 annually. While that’s the case, most people are still asking about the qualities each airline looks for in their professionals.
Each airline that employs flight attendants determines their compensation and experience based on various variables. For instance, a flight attendant with greater experience can be paid more than one with less.
Given the company they’re employed for, they could also get greater or lower pay. Normally, a new flight attendant makes $59,050 annually. An intermediate flight attendant makes $71,550 annually, while one who worked for the firm for a minimum of twelve months typically earns $81,250 annually.
Are Flight Attendants Only Paid In The Air?
No, they are not just paid when they are flying. They are compensated for their time waiting for planes and service the aircraft before takeoff.
The initial significant U.S. carrier to reimburse flight attendants while passengers check in is Delta Airlines. In June, Delta will implement a 50% wage hike for boarding. Delta intends to extend the 35-minute separate-aisle boarding window to 40 minutes.
According to the union agreement, the hourly pay for flight attendants is determined by the duration of their flight or block time. An average full-time flight attendant puts in between 75 and 100 hours a month. Based on their time on a call, they may also get a little per diem.
Not paying flight attendants and pilots before the aircraft touches the landing strip is customary. Therefore, you can only make that much money until the plane touches down at the gate.
Whenever an aeroplane professional stays on board the plane for longer than 15 minutes after the brakes are applied, they are eligible for ground pay, equivalent to 50% of their normal hourly compensation. They were relieved when they realised this move would enable them to make money to survive.
How Much Do Flight Attendants Make A Day
The annual salary of a flight attendant is around $50,000, or $24 hourly. These professionals often put in 85 hours monthly or $290 daily. You need to look at this staggering number keenly before joining the profession.
How Much Do Flight Attendants Make Per Hour Delta
Many people ask how much money those working at Delta are getting as flight attendants in America. These professionals get a $54.17 hourly rate which, when converted into a percentage, is 205% higher than the national rate.
The average hourly wage for Delta Airlines professionals will increase to $40 on August 29, 2022. Several crucial variables, such as the required level of schooling and accreditation, can significantly affect the price per hour.
You may establish a precise pay goal thanks to pay.com’s online compensation data, which is more current and updated in real-time than any other website. The role of the room attendant is to maintain aesthetically pleasing and tidy rooms and offer each guest prompt, courteous service.
The hotel’s linens are always clean, thanks to the laundromat attendant. This individual is in charge of every step of the linen manufacturing process, from the laundry collecting and weighing through the transportation and removal of the linen.
How Long Can You Work As A Flight Attendant?
The length of time a flight attendant may work varies depending on the business and the nation they are stationed in. However, most airlines typically allow you to fly until age 45 before transferring you to on-ground responsibilities.
Despite this, the airline sector has an extremely high turnover rate, resulting in numerous flight attendants quitting their jobs after three or five years. While most air hostesses leave their jobs to settle down or become married, many also cite exhaustion brought on by long shifts, limited availability, and the stringent requirements of certain carriers related to their physical traits and way of life, especially those operated by Qatar and Emirates.
What Can You Do After?
You might work on-site for the same organisation if you still want to work in the transportation sector. As a backup plan, you may work as a tour guide, travel agent or even launch a personalised travel website.
Try the cruise industry if you cannot make the most out of being a flight attendant, like the complimentary trips and the opportunity to interact with individuals from various cultures. While the travel sector suffered over $5 billion in losses due to the pandemic, traveller numbers have since returned to their original state.
Final Thoughts: Is A Flight Attendant A Good Career?
Being a flight attendant is an exciting opportunity you should not miss out on. It has many benefits:
- Discounts on hotels and gyms
- 14-30 days compensated leave
- Travelling experience to different parts of the world
- Health and personal insurance
- Reduced price tickets on your flights
While it offers excellent opportunities, it also has disadvantages like being physically demanding, which requires you to set out 12-14 hours daily. The worst part might be the pay which is way below the standard flight attendants should be paid, with Australia lagging with a pay of below $40,000.
However, this is an ideal place with incredible opportunities if you’re passion-driven. You can work hard and earn a better salary within no time. Alternatively, you can use it as a stepping stone to a better career path or position.
FAQs
1. How Are Flight Attendants Paid In Australia?
In addition to their basic income, flight attendants sometimes get per diem money for overnight stays and incentives and commissions. These depend on your level of expertise, the company you work for, and how many trips you have each month.
2. Is It Hard To Become A Flight Attendant?
Being a flight attendant is a difficult and cutting-edge process. For every 10,000 available jobs, there are often 1.5 million applicants, and training might last for three to six months. However, the return might be appealing, especially after you have a few years of experience and they raise your pay.
3. What Airline Do Flight Attendants Get Paid The Most?
Virgin Australia offers the best pay compared to other flight attendants’ income, which is $46,826. Qantas offers a somewhat lower base salary at $45,930, yet substantially more significant incentives and commissions are marketed at $26,000 compared to $14,205. However, you should also know that the pay may also differ based on your level of experience in the field.