United Airlines (UA) is one of the biggest names in U.S. air travel with massive route network, dozens of crew bases, and a cabin crew roster that flies both domestically and globally. United Airlines flight attendants take home one of the most competitive salaries in the world.
Flight attendants at United are more than just face-of-brand: safety, customer service, and productivity all come together under sometimes intense hours. With recent contract negotiations making big waves, 2025 looks like a turning point for United’s cabin crew pay.
United Airlines Flight Attendant Salary
United’s flight attendants earn by the hour (per flight hour) rather than a fixed salary. As of 2025, new hires begin at roughly US$28.88 per flight hour. Over time, with years of experience, this climbs steadily, eventually reaching as high as US$67.11/hour in senior years.
Here’s how the progression breaks down by year in service:
| Year | Hourly Rate (Flight Time) |
|---|---|
| 1st year | $28.88 |
| 2nd year | $30.64 |
| 3rd year | $32.59 |
| 4th year | $34.71 |
| 5th year | $38.25 |
| 6th year | $43.30 |
| 7th year | $48.41 |
| 8th year | $49.96 |
| 9th year | $51.34 |
| 10th year | $53.26 |
| 11th year | $54.73 |
| 12th year | $57.33 |
| 13th year & senior leader roles | $67.11+ |
These rates apply only when in the air (flight hours). Additional pay like per diem (for time away from base) kicks in for many flights.
UA Flight Attendant Annual Salary Estimates
What do those per hour rates translate into yearly pay? That depends heavily on how many flight hours you log. Let’s assume a flight attendant averages 75-100 flight hours per month (typical for many in mid-seniority).
- With around 900–1,200 flight hours per year (75-100 ×12), early years will bring in approx US$26,000-US$35,000/year
- Mid-career (around year 5-10) might yield US$50,000-US$80,000+ depending on extras like international flights, overnight layovers, and senior roles.
Moreover, the rumours and recent union-deal proposals suggest that those top rates (for flight attendants with 13+ years, senior assignments, or extra duties) could move beyond US$90,000–US$100,000, especially with contract changes under negotiation.
Recent Contract & Proposed Raises
In 2025, United’s flight attendants (represented by the AFA-CWA union) reached a tentative contract agreement that promises large pay increases. Key highlights:
- Starting wage would jump from US$28.88/hr to about US$36.92/hr immediately.
- By year 5, that starting rate is projected to reach around US$42.06/hr.
- Long-tenured flight attendants (those already earning in senior flight time) could see raises that take their rates from ~US$67.11/hr to US$84.78-96.58/hr in later years.
- The deal also includes half-pay for boarding time (a change from previous practice), retroactive pay covering several years without cost-of-living increases, and improvements in scheduling flexibility.
If approved, these changes would represent one of the largest compensation shifts for cabin crew in many U.S. airlines in years.
Benefits & Perks
Flight attendants at United get more than just base pay. While schedules can be tough, the perks help soften that:
- Generous health, dental, and vision insurance options, plus life insurance.
- Retirement savings via 401(k) with matching contributions.
- Travel benefits: standby travel for crew and family members on United and partner airlines.
- Paid time off including vacation, sick leave, and holidays, with accrual increasing with seniority.
- Per diem allowances for international trips or overnight layovers.
These benefits make a difference, especially when flight hours don’t always hit full potential.
Where Are United Flight Attendants Based?
Crew bases are spread across United’s major hubs: Chicago O’Hare, Houston, Denver, San Francisco, Newark, Washington D.C., and others.
Early in their careers, attendants often work reserve status – meaning being on call to fill flights. Seniority gives more control over routes, bases, and more international or premium assignments.
Schedules include domestic one-day flights, multi-day trips, long international layovers. Time away from home, irregular hours, and holiday work are normal.
Requirements to Become a UA Flight Attendant
Before you even apply, there are basic prerequisites:
- Minimum age: 21 years
- High school diploma or equivalent (GED)
- Valid passport (able to travel internationally)
- Fluency in English; additional languages are a plus
- Physical ability: reach overhead bins, handle emergency equipment, meet grooming standards
- Clean background check, pass drug screening and medical exams
These are combined with personal attributes: strong customer service, adaptability to changing schedules, working in a team, handling stress.
United Airlines Flight Attendants Hiring Process
Becoming a flight attendant at United Airlines is fairly competitive. The process is designed to vet for both skills and personality.
- Online Application — Submit your resume, proof of eligibility, background info, and any relevant certificates.
- Pre-screening/Assessment — There’s often an online situational judgment test or questionnaire, and sometimes a brief personality or customer-service orientation test.
- Interview — If you make it past the screening, a live or virtual interview with recruiters and experienced crewmembers comes next. Questions cover past customer service experience, handling difficult passengers, teamwork, and safety mindset.
- Simulator / Role-Play / Group Assessment — Sometimes there’s a mock safety scenario or group role-play (not full simulator like pilots, but situations that test your reactions, coordination, checklists).
- Offer & Background Checks — Conditional job offer contingent on passing a medical, background check, drug screening, and verifying documents.
- Training School — Once accepted, you go through United’s training program (often several weeks long), covering safety, emergency procedures, customer service, and aircraft type specifics. Training is paid, and often includes an overnight stay and meals.
- Probation / Initial Duty — After training, you’ll be assigned to a reserve or junior schedule, with gradual movement toward full scheduling and preferred routes as you gain seniority.
Summary: United Airlines Flight Attendant Salary
Here’s a summarised look at what you could expect in 2025 at different years in service:
| Years of Service | Hourly Rate (United, 2025) | Approx Annual Pay (1,200 flight hours) |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $28.88 | ~$34,600 |
| Year 5 | $38.25 | ~$45,900 |
| Year 10 | $53.26 | ~$63,900 |
| Year 13+ (Senior) | $67.11 | ~$80,500+ |
FAQs – UA Flight Attendant Salary
New flight attendants begin at roughly US$28.88 per flight hour. Over time, with years of experience, this climbs steadily, eventually reaching as high as US$67.11/hour in senior years.
United Airlines flight attendants typically earn between $45,000 to $95,000 per year, depending on seniority and hours flown.
Those at the top of seniority could see their rates rise from ~US$67.11/hr to around US$84.78-96.58/hr, depending on responsibilities and route assignments.
Yes, the tentative agreement includes half-pay for boarding, a perk that’s been pushed strongly by the union and mirrors changes at other major airlines.
Please join our Telegram Channel for the latest aviation updates.
