As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lead Flight Attendant in the United States is $31,811 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $15.
However, a Lead Flight Attendant's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Lead Flight Attendant's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Lead Flight Attendant's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Lead Flight Attendant | $32,204 |
| Intermediate Level Lead Flight Attendant | $32,469 |
| Senior Level Lead Flight Attendant | $32,984 |
| Specialist Level Lead Flight Attendant | $33,088 |
| Expert Level Lead Flight Attendant | $33,156 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Lead Flight Attendants. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 9.34% |
| Healthcare Services | 3.03% |
| POS System | 2.12% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
SOP
|
$37,219 |
17%
|
|
Hard Working
|
$34,038 |
7%
|
|
Organizing
|
$34,038 |
7%
|
|
Problem Solving
|
$34,038 |
7%
|
|
Organizational Skills
|
$33,720 |
6%
|
|
Commitment
|
$33,402 |
5%
|
For Lead Flight Attendant roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 65% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Internet and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Lead Flight Attendant positions in Transportation or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Lead Flight Attendant as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internet | $39,764 | $19.0 | 25% |
| Energy & Utilities | $38,173 | $18.0 | 20% |
| Software & Networking | $38,173 | $18.0 | 20% |
| Healthcare | $36,583 | $18.0 | 15% |
| Biotechnology | $34,992 | $17.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Lead Flight Attendants enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Lead Flight Attendant with a No Diploma is between $28,238 and $30,684).
Lead Flight Attendant Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 5.8% |
| High School | 52.8% |
| Associates | 13.0% |
| Bachelors | 26.0% |
| Masters | 2.1% |
| Doctorate | 0.3% |
Understanding how a Lead Flight Attendant's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on July 01, 2026Salaries for a Lead Flight Attendant can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $31,549 in 2023 to around $31,033 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Lead Flight Attendant salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $31,549 |
| 2024 | $31,396 |
| 2025 | $31,033 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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