How much does United flight crew get paid?

The estimated total pay for a Flight Attendant at United Airlines is $31 per hour. This number represents the median, which is the midpoint of the ranges from our proprietary Total Pay Estimate model and based on salaries collected from our users. The estimated base pay is $30 per hour.



In 2026, the salary for United Airlines flight crew depends heavily on role and seniority. For Flight Attendants, entry-level pay starts at approximately $28–$30 per hour, with an annual base around $31,000 to $45,000 before "per diem" and overtime. However, senior flight attendants (13+ years) can earn over $67 per hour, often reaching six figures with high flight hours. Pilots earn significantly more; a new First Officer on a narrow-body jet starts around $100,000–$110,000, while a senior Captain on a wide-body aircraft like the Boeing 787 can earn upwards of $350,000 to $450,000 per year. In 2026, these figures reflect the historic pay raises following the 2023-2025 contract negotiations. All crew members also receive "per diem" payments (roughly $2.50–$3.00 per hour away from home) to cover meals, alongside comprehensive health benefits and "standby" travel privileges for their families.

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Hourly pay at United Airlines, Inc. ranges from an average of $15.41 to $63.15 an hour. United Airlines, Inc. employees with the job title Flight Attendant make the most with an average hourly rate of $34.77, while employees with the title Ramp Agent make the least with an average hourly rate of $17.03.

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For seasoned flight attendants looking for earning potential, JetBlue, $103,000, and Alaskan Airlines, $113,000, are the highest paying airlines. Being a flight attendant can be a great long term career path.

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Flight Attendants made a median salary of $61,640 in 2021.

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For aspiring flight attendants, Delta Air Lines, ranked by its employees as one of the best places to work, is also one of the most difficult places to get a job. It's harder to get invited to Delta flight attendant training than it is to get into Harvard University.

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Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, and Singapore Airlines are commercial airlines that pay the highest pilot salaries.

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Do flight attendants get free hotel accommodation? Yes, flight attendants often receive complimentary hotel stays during layovers (also called a stopover) as part of their job benefits. However, this only applies when the flight attendants are on duty and are required to layover in a different city or country.

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Is United Airlines a good company to work for? United Airlines has an overall rating of 3.9 out of 5, based on over 6,302 reviews left anonymously by employees. 75% of employees would recommend working at United Airlines to a friend and 68% have a positive outlook for the business.

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In fact, United Airlines flight attendants are provided with a comprehensive benefits package that includes company-funded medical and dental insurance, a pension plan, and paid vacations. Those interested in joining can take advantage of an employee stock purchase plan, 401(k), and credit union.

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Employees will be paid bi-weekly on the second Thursday following the close of the pay period, with each week for payroll purposes starting on Sunday and ending on Saturday.

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$28,500 is the 25th percentile. Salaries below this are outliers. $46,500 is the 75th percentile.

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The estimated total pay for a Pilot at Lufthansa Group is $93,082 per year. This number represents the median, which is the midpoint of the ranges from our proprietary Total Pay Estimate model and based on salaries collected from our users. The estimated base pay is $84,679 per year.

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Flight attendants work primarily in the cabins of passenger aircraft. Dealing directly with passengers and standing for long periods may be stressful and tiring. Occasionally, flights encounter air turbulence, which may make providing service more difficult and cause anxiety in some passengers.

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Which airlines have the happiest flight attendants?
  • Alaska Airlines.
  • Delta Air Lines.
  • American Airlines.
  • United Airlines.
  • Southwest.


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They often work nights, weekends, and holidays because airlines operate every day and have overnight flights. They may spend several nights per week or per month away from home. In most cases, a contract between the airline and the flight attendant union determines the total daily and monthly workable hours.

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New flight attendants typically work a reserve schedule and must be close to the airport, or sometimes wait at the airport for a call to duty. Senior flight attendants enjoy more flexibility in their schedule and choice of destinations. Both roles enjoy the same travel benefits with about 12 days off per month.

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