Flight Attendant Hourly Pay in Tacoma, WA: $36.03 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a flight attendant working in Tacoma, WA runs $36.03 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $74,947 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2031). Weighted against Tacoma's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,964 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tacoma, WA, flight attendants can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $36.03, which significantly surpasses the national median of $31.02. This higher rate reflects not only the regional cost of living but also the increased demand for quality service in various commercial aircraft cabins, from Boeing 737s to Airbus A350s. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this translates to a solid income potential when combined with the dynamic nature of flight schedules and per-diem rates. Per diem flight attendants in Tacoma frequently find themselves in premium hotel accommodations during layovers, contributing to their overall compensation. Hourly earnings can range from $20.90 for entry-level positions to as much as $55.85 for top earners, indicating a robust pay scale influenced by seniority and employer type.
About the Tacoma Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($75,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Flight Attendant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.90 | $167.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.81 | $230.50 |
| Median (P50) | $36.03 | $288.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.12 | $368.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.85 | $446.80 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tacoma
Based on $36.03/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.03/hr, a flight attendant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tacoma, WA can expect to earn approximately $74,940 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,235. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Tacoma.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tacoma
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,441.16 | $6,245 | $74,940 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $864.69 | $3,747 | $44,964 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $576.46 | $2,498 | $29,976 |
Compare FA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Flight Attendant (Tacoma) | $36.03 |
| 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 Tacoma, WA earn a median of $74,947 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.15% higher than the national median of $64,527 and 8.10% above the Washington state average of $69,331.
Flight Attendant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.03/hr = $44,964/year (purchasing power: $41,866).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $74,940/year (purchasing power: $69,777).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.63/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.50/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.03/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+15.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Flight Attendants in Tacoma (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.49% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.63/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.97/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.60/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.17/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.22/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.50/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.03/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.57/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for flight attendants in Tacoma grew 12.3% from $31.63/hr (2019) to $35.50/hr (2025). At a 1.49% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.57/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 Tacoma 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 Tacoma
For a flight attendant working part-time three days a week and accumulating 24 hours, the annual take-home from the hourly pay can lead to nearly $45,000. When considering per-diem compensation, which ranges from $1.80 to $3.00 per hour for international flights, the effective hourly earnings can markedly rise, exceeding $50 per hour with the right scheduling. However, not all flight attendants benefit equally; those in junior reserve positions may encounter unpaid hours while on standby, impacting their total compensation. The hourly rates can differ widely depending on the employer, with major US airlines generally offering higher wages compared to low-cost carriers. Additionally, many flight attendants must weigh the benefits of a higher hourly rate against the stability that comes with carriers providing health insurance and other benefits, illustrating the complexities when negotiating compensation within Tacoma’s aviation sector.
More salary data for Tacoma, WA:
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 Tacoma. 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 Tacoma 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