Flight Attendant Hourly Pay in Richmond, VA: $35.42 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a flight attendant working in Richmond, VA runs $35.42 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $73,682 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2031). Weighted against Richmond's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.9, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $36.20 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,204 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Richmond, Virginia, flight attendants can expect a robust hourly pay of $35.42, significantly outpacing the national median of $31.02. This competitive rate allows attendants working three days per week to earn a sustainable income while balancing their personal and professional lives. In roles that involve typical environments such as Boeing 737s or wide-body aircraft like the 777 or A350, attendants actively participate in varied capacities, from managing service in galley stations to assuming jumpseat positions during takeoff and landing. The hourly pay range for this occupation spans from $12.59 for entry-level positions up to $61.34 for those at the top of their game, reflecting a diverse salary structure influenced by experience and employer types within the area. The data presented is based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, highlighting a thriving opportunity for flight attendants in Richmond.
Flight Attendant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $12.59 | $100.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $12.59 | $100.76 |
| Median (P50) | $35.42 | $283.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61.33 | $490.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61.34 | $490.72 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Richmond
Based on $35.42/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.42/hr, a flight attendant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Richmond, VA can expect to earn approximately $73,674 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,504. With a cost-of-living index of 97.86 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Richmond.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Richmond
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,416.80 | $6,139 | $73,674 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $850.08 | $3,684 | $44,204 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $566.72 | $2,456 | $29,469 |
Compare FA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Flight Attendant (Richmond) | $35.42 |
| 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 Richmond, VA earn a median of $73,682 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.19% higher than the national median of $64,527 and 10.60% above the Virginia state average of $66,620.
Flight Attendant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.42/hr = $44,204/year (purchasing power: $45,172).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $73,674/year (purchasing power: $75,286).
CoL index: 97.858 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$31.09/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.90/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.42/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+15.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Flight Attendants in Richmond (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.49% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.09/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.41/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.84/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.53/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.80/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.90/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.42/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.95/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for flight attendants in Richmond grew 12.3% from $31.09/hr (2019) to $34.90/hr (2025). At a 1.49% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.95/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 Richmond 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 Richmond
Part-time flight attendants averaging a schedule of three days a week, or approximately 24 hours, can anticipate taking home around $43,045 annually, a considerable achievement for a flexible job like this. Many in the industry also enjoy per diem flight attendant pay in Richmond, which varies based on domestic or international routes, typically ranging from $1.80-$3.00 per hour internationally and $1.80-$2.30 domestically. These per-diem amounts can enhance effective hourly wages significantly, particularly during international flights, where total compensation may reach $50-$80 per hour. Hourly rates may also vary depending on the employer, with major US carriers like Delta and American Airlines often providing more benefits but at potentially lower hourly rates compared to regional or low-cost carriers like Spirit and Allegiant. Although some attendants opt for higher hourly wages without benefits from startups, others value comprehensive health coverage offered by larger airlines, highlighting a trade-off that impacts their overall job satisfaction and financial stability. For those negotiating their pay, understanding the dynamics of employer types in Richmond and recognizing the significance of per diem pay can provide valuable leverage.
More salary data for Richmond, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Richmond. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 2-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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