The United Airlines flight attendant pay scale currently starts at $38.21 per flight hour and reaches $87.47 at Step 13.
If you are considering applying, review the complete United Airlines flight attendant hiring process before submitting your application.
Your actual United Airlines flight attendant salary depends on seniority, credited flight hours, reserve status, boarding pay, per diem, international flying, and other additional compensation.
This updated 2026 guide explains United’s current hourly pay scale, first-year salary, boarding pay, reserve pay, additional compensation, benefits, and how much United flight attendants can realistically make.
How Much Do United Airlines Flight Attendants Make?
United Airlines flight attendants currently earn between $38.21 and $87.47 per flight hour, depending on their pay step. These rates became effective in August 2026.
Current United Airlines Flight Attendant Pay Scale
| Pay Step | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
| 1 | $38.21 |
| 2 | $40.53 |
| 3 | $43.12 |
| 4 | $45.92 |
| 5 | $50.56 |
| 6 | $57.26 |
| 7 | $62.97 |
| 8 | $64.99 |
| 9 | $66.80 |
| 10 | $69.29 |
| 11 | $71.19 |
| 12 | $74.58 |
| 13 | $87.47 |
These base rates do not include boarding pay, reserve pay, per diem, international overrides, language-qualified pay, or other additional compensation.
How United Airlines Flight Attendant Pay Works
What Is a United Flight Attendant Flight Hour?
United’s hourly rate applies to credited flight time, not every hour a flight attendant spends working or away from home. Under the current agreement, flight attendants receive the greater of the scheduled flight time or actual flight time for pay purposes.
This means a $38.21 starting rate cannot be calculated like a traditional 40-hour-per-week job. Monthly earnings depend on credited flight hours, schedule, reserve status, boarding pay, per diem, and additional compensation.
Does United Pay Flight Attendants for Boarding?
Yes. United Airlines now pays flight attendants for boarding. Boarding pay is calculated at 50% of the flight attendant’s applicable hourly rate for the standard boarding time assigned to the aircraft.
Boarding pay is additional compensation paid above the monthly guarantee. If customers are required to deplane and board again, eligible flight attendants receive boarding pay for each boarding. Boarding pay is also retained when a flight is boarded and later canceled.
Additional United Airlines Flight Attendant Pay
United flight attendants can earn more than their base hourly rate through per diem, international overrides, language-qualified pay, galley pay, and other contractual premiums.
United Airlines Flight Attendant Per Diem
United pays flight attendants $2.97 per hour for domestic assignments within the continental United States and $3.54 per hour for international assignments outside the continental United States.
Per diem begins at the scheduled or actual report time, whichever is later, and continues until the flight attendant’s duty or assignment ends upon returning to their home domicile.
International and Language-Qualified Pay
United flight attendants receive a $2.00 international override for each applicable hour worked on an international assignment.
Language-qualified flight attendants working a designated language position receive an additional $3.75 per credited flight hour, including applicable ground-holding time.
Other Premium Pay
Additional earning opportunities may include:
- $2.00 per applicable hour for qualifying galley positions
- Sit pay when scheduled ground time exceeds two hours and 30 minutes
- Incentive pay of up to 150% for designated trips or days
- Short-crew pay of $9.25 per hour under qualifying circumstances
United Airlines Flight Attendant Bonuses and Profit Sharing
United Airlines flight attendants may receive profit sharing when the company meets the qualifying earnings requirements. Flight attendants become eligible after completing one year of service by December 31 of the applicable earnings year.
Eligible flight attendants may receive their profit-sharing payment in cash or direct a percentage into their 401(k). Payments are made no later than April 30 of the following year.
United may also offer White Flag or Purple Flag incentive pay when additional staffing is needed. Qualifying trips are paid at 150% of the flight attendant’s applicable hourly rate.
United Airlines Flight Attendant Holiday Pay
United Airlines flight attendants based in the United States can receive holiday pay for six qualifying holidays.
Crew members have an unforgettable way to remember them: J-BITCH.
- J: Juneteenth
- B: Birthday
- I: Independence Day
- T: Thanksgiving Day
- C: Christmas Day
- H: Hire-date anniversary
Working flight attendants receive holiday pay in addition to their regular compensation. The amount is calculated using credited flight time, the hours spent away from home, and the portion of the trip that falls within the holiday.
Reserve flight attendants may also qualify for holiday pay when they are on Ready Reserve or receive an eligible assignment. A reserve who is released on the holiday does not receive holiday pay.
Knowing which dates qualify for holiday pay is important when bidding for your schedule. Strategically bidding to work these holidays can help United flight attendants maximize their monthly paycheck.
United Airlines Flight Attendant Reserve Pay
United Airlines reserve flight attendants have a monthly guarantee of 78 hours, provided they remain fully available for their scheduled reserve days.
At the current first-year rate of $38.21, the 78-hour guarantee equals approximately $2,980.38 in monthly base paybefore taxes, deductions, boarding pay, per diem, reserve override, and other additional compensation.
Reserve flight attendants also receive a $2.00 override for each credited flight hour. Boarding pay is paid above the monthly guarantee.
A reserve’s guarantee may be reduced when they are unavailable for scheduled duty without pay. Actual monthly earnings vary based on assignments, credited hours, boarding pay, per diem, and additional flying.
Future United Airlines Flight Attendant Pay Raises
United Airlines flight attendants receive pay increases as they advance through the 13-step seniority scale. The current contract also includes scheduled annual increases to the entire pay scale through 2030.
| Effective Date | Starting Rate | Top Rate |
|---|---|---|
| August 2026 | $38.21 | $87.47 |
| August 2027 | $39.36 | $90.09 |
| August 2028 | $40.64 | $93.02 |
| August 2029 | $42.06 | $96.28 |
| August 2030 | $43.74 | $100.13 |
These scheduled increases apply to the pay scale itself. Individual flight attendants can also receive seniority-based increases when they advance to their next pay step.
United Airlines Flight Attendant Perks
One of the most valuable United Airlines flight attendant perks is space-available travel. Eligible flight attendants can travel across United’s extensive domestic and international network, subject to availability and applicable travel rules.
Eligible family members may also receive travel privileges. Flight attendants can use available partner-airline agreements to access destinations beyond United’s network, although fees, taxes, eligibility, and booking priority may vary.
These travel privileges can provide significant value, especially for flight attendants who enjoy international travel or have family living in another city.
United Airlines Flight Attendant Benefits
United Airlines flight attendant benefits add substantial value beyond hourly pay and travel privileges.
Benefits may include:
- Medical and prescription-drug coverage
- Dental and vision coverage
- Flexible spending account options
- Life and accident insurance
- Long-term disability coverage
- Paid vacation and sick leave
- Paid parental leave
- A company-sponsored 401(k) retirement plan
- Space-available travel privileges for flight attendants and eligible family members
For new hires, eligible insurance benefits begin on the first day after completing flight attendant training.
United’s 401(k) benefits include a company direct contribution equal to 5% of eligible earnings, even when the flight attendant does not contribute. United also matches employee contributions up to an additional 4% of eligible earnings. Company contributions are subject to the applicable vesting schedule.
Benefit costs, coverage options, and eligibility requirements may change, so flight attendants should review the current enrollment information provided by United.
Candidates who receive a Conditional Training Offer can review the complete United Airlines flight attendant training guide to understand the 6.5-week program, stipend, hotel accommodations, and graduation requirements.
How United Airlines Flight Attendant Pay Compares
United’s current starting rate of $38.21 and top rate of $87.47 make it competitive with other major U.S. airlines. The top rate is scheduled to reach $100.13 in August 2030.
Hourly rates do not tell the entire story. A meaningful comparison should also include boarding pay, monthly guarantees, reserve overrides, per diem, premium pay, profit sharing, retirement contributions, and healthcare benefits.
Does United or Southwest Pay Flight Attendants More?
The answer depends on seniority, schedule, and total credited time. Southwest uses a Trips for Pay system rather than a traditional flight-hour system, so its published rate cannot be compared directly with United’s hourly rate.
United offers a 78-hour reserve guarantee, 50% boarding pay, international earning opportunities, premium-pay positions, and scheduled annual pay increases. Candidates should compare total compensation and quality-of-life factors rather than choosing an airline based only on the highest published rate.
United Airlines Flight Attendant First-Year Salary
A first-year United Airlines flight attendant earns $38.21 per credited flight hour. The examples below show estimated base pay before boarding pay, reserve override, per diem, premium pay, taxes, and deductions.
| Monthly Credited Hours | Estimated Monthly Base Pay | Estimated Annual Base Pay |
|---|---|---|
| 78 hours | $2,980.38 | $35,764.56 |
| 85 hours | $3,247.85 | $38,974.20 |
| 100 hours | $3,821.00 | $45,852.00 |
The 78-hour example represents the full reserve guarantee. Actual first-year earnings can be higher with boarding pay, reserve pay, per diem, additional trips, international flying, and other premium compensation.
These figures represent gross base pay, not take-home pay. Flight attendants are not paid like traditional hourly employees, so credited hours should not be confused with every hour spent working or away from home.
Is United Airlines Worth It for Flight Attendants?
United offers competitive starting pay, 50% boarding pay, scheduled annual raises, international flying opportunities, travel privileges, healthcare benefits, profit sharing, and valuable retirement contributions.
However, getting hired by United is highly competitive. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee that an applicant will advance through the assessment and interview process.
Frequently Asked Questions About United Airlines Flight Attendant Pay
How much do United Airlines flight attendants make?
United Airlines flight attendants currently earn between $38.21 and $87.47 per credited flight hour. Actual earnings depend on seniority, credited hours, boarding pay, per diem, reserve status, and premium compensation.
What is the United Airlines flight attendant first-year salary?
A first-year flight attendant with a full 78-hour monthly reserve guarantee earns approximately $35,764.56 in annual base pay. Boarding pay, reserve override, per diem, and additional flying can increase total earnings.
Does United pay flight attendants for boarding?
Yes. United pays flight attendants 50% of their applicable hourly rate for the standard boarding time assigned to the aircraft. Boarding pay is paid above the monthly guarantee.
How much is United Airlines reserve pay?
United reserve flight attendants receive a 78-hour monthly guarantee and a $2.00 override for each credited flight hour.
When is the next United flight attendant pay raise?
The next contractual pay-scale increase is scheduled for August 2027. The starting rate will increase to $39.36, and the Step 13 rate will increase to $90.09.
Prepare for Your United Airlines Flight Attendant Interview
Understanding the pay is only the beginning. United evaluates how candidates communicate, exercise judgment, demonstrate emotional intelligence, and respond to realistic workplace situations.
The Flight Attendant Interview Success Program gives you a structured preparation system so you can stop collecting scattered advice and start preparing strategically for every stage of the interview process.