In 2026, the starting salary for a "stewardess"—now professionally referred to as a Flight Attendant—at American Airlines is approximately $27,000 to $33,000 per year during the first year of service. This figure is based on a starting hourly rate of roughly $30 to $35, but since flight attendants are only paid for "block time" (when the cabin door is closed), they typically work 75 to 85 flight hours per month. Total compensation is bolstered by a per diem allowance for meals and incidentals while away from base, which can add a few thousand dollars annually. As they move past the probationary period and gain seniority, their pay increases significantly according to the union-negotiated pay scale. By year five, many earn over $50,000. It is important to note that training is usually unpaid or provided with a small stipend, and new hires must factor in the cost of living at their assigned base, which could be an expensive hub like New York, Miami, or Los Angeles.