Flight Attendant: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Flight Attendant programs equip students with the specialized training required to ensure passenger safety, comfort, and operational efficiency aboard commercial aircraft. This career-focused curriculum emphasizes both technical competencies and interpersonal skills essential for success in a high-pressure aviation environment.
- Aircraft Safety Protocols: Mastery of emergency procedures, including evacuation techniques, fire suppression, and handling of hazardous materials, to maintain safety during critical in-flight situations.
- Passenger Service Excellence: Development of communication and customer service strategies to deliver personalized, professional support throughout the flight experience.
- Regulatory Compliance and Documentation: Understanding of aviation regulations, boarding procedures, and documentation requirements to ensure legal and operational adherence during all phases of flight.
- Emergency Response and Crisis Management: Training in medical emergencies, turbulence response, and conflict de-escalation to maintain order and safety under unpredictable circumstances.
- Aviation Health and Hygiene Standards: Knowledge of sanitation practices, food safety, and health protocols to uphold hygiene and prevent the spread of illness in confined cabin environments.
Flight Attendant Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Flight Attendant Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Flight Attendant degrees, including Flight Attendants. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 130,110 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight Attendants 53-2031 | $67,130 | $34,030 - $138,040 | 130,110 | N/A |
Flight Attendant Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $38,130 in Arizona to $128,050 in New York—a 236% difference. The highest-paying states include New York, Washington, and Connecticut. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 130,110 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Flight Attendant by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 4 institutions offering Flight Attendant programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Flight Attendant is found at Cypress College (25 graduates), Orange Coast College (OCC) (10 graduates), Sinclair Community College (9 graduates), and Glendale Community College (GCC) (3 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 47 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cypress College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
25 | Cypress, California | Public | cypresscollege.edu |
| Orange Coast College (OCC) |
Associate's
|
10 | Costa Mesa, California | Public | orangecoastcollege.edu |
| Sinclair Community College |
Other Award
|
9 | Dayton, Ohio | Public | sinclair.edu |
| Glendale Community College (GCC) |
Other Award
|
3 | Glendale, California | Public | glendale.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Flight Attendant programs
How much can I earn with a Flight Attendant degree?
Salaries for Flight Attendant graduates vary by role and location. Flight Attendants earn a median of $67,130 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in New York average $128,050 compared to $38,130 in Arizona. Approximately 130,110 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Flight Attendant programs?
Currently 4 accredited institutions offer Flight Attendant degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Cypress College (25 graduates), Orange Coast College (OCC) (10 graduates), and Sinclair Community College (9 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Flight Attendant growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 72 in 2010 to a peak of 73 in 2020, before declining slightly to 47 in 2023-24. This represents a 35% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Flight Attendant degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Flight Attendants. Related occupations employ approximately 130,110 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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