Flight Attendant Hourly Pay in Memphis, TN: $30.25 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a flight attendant working in Memphis, TN runs $30.25 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,922 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2031). Weighted against Memphis's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.96 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,757 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Memphis, TN, flight attendants earn a median hourly pay of $30.25, which is slightly lower than the national median of $31.02. This pay reflects a dynamic work environment that includes shifts aboard commercial aircraft like the Boeing 737 and A320, as well as varied duties at galley service stations and crew briefing rooms. For part-time flight attendants who may work three days a week, this hourly wage can yield a substantial income while still allowing for flexibility in scheduling. The hourly range in Memphis spans from $17.55 for entry-level positions to around $46.89 for more experienced attendants, illustrating a clear trajectory for career advancement within the industry.
About the Memphis Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Flight Attendant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.55 | $140.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.72 | $197.78 |
| Median (P50) | $30.25 | $242.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.72 | $309.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.89 | $375.11 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Memphis
Based on $30.25/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.25/hr, a flight attendant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Memphis, TN can expect to earn approximately $62,929 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,305. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Memphis.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Memphis
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,210.17 | $5,244 | $62,929 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $726.10 | $3,146 | $37,757 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $484.07 | $2,098 | $25,171 |
Compare FA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Flight Attendant (Memphis) | $30.25 |
| 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 Memphis, TN earn a median of $62,922 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.49% lower than the national median of $64,527 and 7.80% above the Tennessee state average of $58,369.
Flight Attendant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.25/hr = $37,757/year (purchasing power: $41,130).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,929/year (purchasing power: $68,550).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.56/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.81/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.25/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+15.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Flight Attendants in Memphis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.49% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.56/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.69/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.90/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.89/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.06/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.60/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.81/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.25/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.70/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for flight attendants in Memphis grew 12.3% from $26.56/hr (2019) to $29.81/hr (2025). At a 1.49% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.70/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 Memphis 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 Memphis
Looking deeper into the earnings potential, flight attendants in Memphis working three days a week, approximately 24 hours, might anticipate a significantly different annual outlook compared to their full-time counterparts. With the possibility of earning per diem rates — typically ranging from $1.80 to $3.00 per hour for meal costs — their effective hourly rate during international flights can approach $50 to $80 per hour. This can also vary based on employer, with major U.S. airlines often offering more competitive rates and benefits compared to low-cost carriers or regional airlines. While some flight attendants opt for the higher hourly wages associated with less job security, many prefer the stability of full-time positions that provide health insurance benefits. Negotiating effectively, especially in a city like Memphis where the cost of living is below the national average, becomes vital for those looking to maximize earnings in such a competitive field.
More salary data for Memphis, TN:
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 Memphis. 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 Memphis 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