Flight Attendant Hourly Pay in Birmingham, AL: $28.20 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a flight attendant working in Birmingham, AL runs $28.20 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,664 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2031). Weighted against Birmingham's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.09 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,199 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Birmingham, Alabama, the typical flight attendant earns a median hourly wage of $28.20, slightly below the national median of $31.02. This rate has significant implications for those working part-time or on a per-diem basis, as many flight attendants commonly work three days a week, resulting in a flexible yet stable schedule. In the context of commercial aviation, these professionals navigate the vibrant environments of aircraft cabins on various models, including the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320. The hourly pay structure in the city ranges from $16.36 at entry-level positions, all the way to $43.71 for top earners. This structure is a reflection of the industry’s seniority-based pay scale, where experience significantly influences earnings. Flight attendants working for major airlines or in premium service roles often benefit from enhanced opportunities that can elevate their hourly compensation beyond the local averages.
About the Birmingham Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Flight Attendant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.36 | $130.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.12 | $177.00 |
| Median (P50) | $28.20 | $225.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.10 | $288.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.71 | $349.69 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Birmingham
Based on $28.20/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.20/hr, a flight attendant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Birmingham, AL can expect to earn approximately $58,664 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,845. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Birmingham.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Birmingham
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,128.16 | $4,889 | $58,664 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $676.90 | $2,933 | $35,199 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $451.27 | $1,955 | $23,466 |
Compare FA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Flight Attendant (Birmingham) | $28.20 |
| 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 Birmingham, AL earn a median of $58,664 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.09% lower than the national median of $64,527 and 5.10% above the Alabama state average of $55,818.
Flight Attendant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.20/hr = $35,199/year (purchasing power: $40,044).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,664/year (purchasing power: $66,740).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.76/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.79/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.20/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+15.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Flight Attendants in Birmingham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.49% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.76/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.81/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.94/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.87/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.88/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.43/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.79/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.20/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.62/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for flight attendants in Birmingham grew 12.3% from $24.76/hr (2019) to $27.79/hr (2025). At a 1.49% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.62/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 Birmingham 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 Birmingham
For those considering part-time roles, a flight attendant working approximately 24 hours per week might anticipate an annual income that's significantly lower than full-time colleagues, illustrating the versatility and trade-offs inherent in the profession. Per-diem pay, often cited in conjunction with trip expenses, typically ranges from $1.80 to $3.00 per hour for international flights and $1.80 to $2.30 for domestic trips, providing an additional layer to their compensation. Within Birmingham's job market, hourly rates can fluctuate widely depending on the type of airline, with major US carriers usually offering more benefits but lower hourly rates than regional or low-cost airlines. Negotiation can play a critical role; knowing when to prioritize a higher hourly wage versus essential health benefits can shape one’s career trajectory as a flight attendant in Alabama. Understanding these dynamics is crucial as one navigates opportunities in both the regional airline sector and corporate aviation landscapes.
More salary data for Birmingham, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 Birmingham. 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 Birmingham 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