Flight Attendant Career

flight-attendant-500Flight attendants help airline passengers have a fulfilling in-flight experience. They answer passenger questions, assist passengers with their basic on board needs and make in-flight announcements. Flight attendants ensure everyone on the flight is safe and are following federal aviation regulations. They are also responsible for demonstrating safety procedures, including how to use seat belts, life jackets and oxygen masks.

Flight attendants can work for a number of different airlines. Some assist on domestic flights only, while others work on international flights. Attendants may work in a team or on their own, depending on the size of the aircraft.

Flight Attendant Career Snapshot

Flight attendants can work any number of shifts, often working night, weekends and holidays as airlines are open during these times. Most attendants travel for days at a time and may be away from home for a long duration.

Further details on a career as a flight attendant are listed below (statistics from the May 2015 Bureau of Labor Statistics and Onet Online):

$44,860

is the annual yearly salary for flight attendants.

2%

increase in employment between 2014 and 2024.

33%

have some college, but no degree while 30% have a High school diploma or equivalent.

Flight Attendant Education

Most airlines require flight attendants to have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Training is provided by the airline in which the attendant is employed. Flight attendants are required to be certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); receive first aid and other safety training; and must have a valid passport.

Flight Attendant Job Duties

Most airlines require flight attendants to have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Training is provided by the airline in which the attendant is employed. Flight attendants are required to be certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); receive first aid and other safety training; and must have a valid passport.

Flight Attendant Salaries

The average median annual pay rate for a flight attendant in 2015 was $44,860 according to BLS.gov reports. The lowest ten percent of flight attendants made an average of $25,930 annually, while the highest ten percent made up to $72,090 annually. The amount of job training, the years of experience and the amount of logged in-air travel miles can all affect the amount of a flight attendant’s annual salary.

Flight Attendant Job Outlook

During the years 2014 through 2024, flight attendant jobs are expected to grow by 2%, which is slower than the average national job growth rate. The aviation industry is expected to add 2,200 jobs by 2024.

Flight Attendant Skills & Traits

Flight Attendant Skill Set:Required Abilities:Tools Used by Flight Attendants:Typical Work Activities:
• Speaking
• Service Orientation
• Social Perceptiveness
• Active Listening
• Coordination
• Oral Comprehension
• Oral Expression
• Speech Clarity
• Problem Sensitivity
• Speech Recognition
• Aircraft escape or ejection systems
• Aircraft oxygen equipment
• Cool containers
• Life vests or preservers
• Lifeboats or liferafts
• Working Directly with the Public
• Caring for Others
• Performing General Physical Activities
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
• Handling and Moving Objects

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