Ever dreamed of a career that combines travel, customer service, and a dynamic work environment? Becoming a flight attendant with a major airline like Southwest can be incredibly appealing. But one of the first questions that often comes to mind is: how much does a Southwest Airlines stewardess make?
It's a great question, and the answer isn't always a simple number. Flight attendant salaries are influenced by a variety of factors, from experience to scheduled flight hours and even location. Let's embark on a detailed journey to understand the compensation landscape for Southwest Airlines flight attendants, with a clear, step-by-step guide.
The Sky's the Limit (But Let's Get Down to Earth on Pay)
Understanding flight attendant pay is crucial for anyone considering this exciting career. It's not just about a base salary; there are various components that make up the total compensation package.
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| How Much Does A Southwest Airlines Stewardess Make |
Step 1: Let's Break Down the Basics - What's the Average?
So, you're curious about the numbers. As of mid-2025, the average annual pay for a Southwest Airlines Flight Attendant in the United States is around $47,079 per year. Now, that's an average, and it's important to remember that salaries can range significantly.
Sub-heading: Hourly vs. Annual – How They Calculate It
Southwest Airlines, like many airlines, primarily pays its flight attendants on an hourly basis for their flight hours. This means they are compensated for the time they are in the air, from block-out to block-in.
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Hourly Wage: The average hourly wage for a Southwest Flight Attendant is approximately $22.63 per hour.
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Weekly and Monthly Equivalents: This breaks down to roughly $905 per week or $3,923 per month.
It's important to note that this hourly rate doesn't necessarily include time spent on the ground during layovers or while waiting for flights, unless specifically stipulated in their union contract (which can vary).
Step 2: Experience Matters - The Stairway to Higher Earnings
Just like in many professions, seniority and experience play a significant role in a Southwest flight attendant's earning potential. The longer you've been with the company, the higher your hourly rate and the more control you often have over your schedule.
Sub-heading: Early Career Earnings (0-4 Years Experience)
For new hires or those in their early career (1-4 years of experience), the total compensation typically falls on the lower end of the spectrum. You might expect an average total compensation (including tips, bonus, and overtime pay) of around $27.49 per hour. Some sources indicate starting annual salaries can be in the $45,000 to $50,000 range.
Sub-heading: Mid-Career Progression (5-9 Years Experience)
As you gain more experience, your earnings naturally increase. Mid-career flight attendants (5-9 years of experience) might see an average total compensation around $26.50 per hour, though other data suggests experienced flight attendants (after a year or more of service) can earn upwards of $60,000 to $70,000 annually.
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Sub-heading: Seniority Pays (10+ Years & Lead Roles)
This is where the real earning potential kicks in. Senior flight attendants, especially those with many years of service or who take on leadership roles like Lead Flight Attendant or Purser, can earn significantly more. Salaries for these experienced individuals can range from $80,000 to over $100,000 per year. The top earners (90th percentile) can even make around $69,000 annually on average across the United States, with some reaching as high as $98,000 or even $153,000.
Step 3: Beyond the Base Pay - Unpacking Additional Compensation
A flight attendant's income isn't solely based on their hourly flight pay. Several other factors contribute to their overall take-home earnings.
Sub-heading: Per Diem - Your Daily Allowance
When flight attendants are on duty away from their home base, they receive a per diem. This is a daily allowance to cover expenses like meals and incidental costs. For 2025, domestic per diem rates are around $2.85 per hour, and international rates are approximately $3.40 per hour. This adds up, especially on multi-day trips.
Sub-heading: Overtime and Premium Pay - Boosting Your Income
Just like in many jobs, flight attendants can earn overtime pay for hours worked beyond their scheduled limit. Additionally, some flights or situations might offer premium pay, such as holiday pay or international flight premiums, which can significantly boost their monthly income. This can add hundreds or even thousands of dollars to a paycheck.
Sub-heading: Profit Sharing and Bonuses
Southwest Airlines is known for its strong company culture and its commitment to employees. This often translates into profit-sharing programs and bonuses, which can be a substantial addition to a flight attendant's annual earnings, ranging from $0 to $3,000 or more depending on company performance.
Step 4: Location, Location, Location - Does It Affect Pay?
Yes, the base location can impact a flight attendant's salary. While Southwest aims for competitive pay across its network, the cost of living in different cities can lead to slight variations in average salaries. For example, a Southwest Airlines Flight Attendant in New York, NY, might earn slightly more than the national average, with an average annual pay of around $51,839.
Step 5: The Perks of the Job - Beyond the Paycheck
While salary is important, the benefits offered by Southwest Airlines are a significant part of the overall compensation package and a major draw for many.
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Sub-heading: Travel Privileges - The Ultimate Perk
This is arguably one of the most attractive benefits. Southwest Airlines offers free, unlimited travel privileges for employees and eligible dependents (spouse/partner, dependent children, and parents) on Southwest flights. They also have pass agreements with other airlines and discounts on rental cars, hotels, and theme parks, making personal travel incredibly affordable.
Sub-heading: Health and Wellness Benefits
Southwest provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
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Medical and Prescription Drug Coverage: Competitive and affordable plans for employees and their families.
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Vision Coverage: Optional coverage for eye exams, contact lenses, or glasses.
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Dental Coverage: Options for preventive, basic, major, and orthodontic care.
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Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs): Opportunities to save for eligible healthcare expenses with tax advantages. For 2025, HSA contribution limits are increasing, providing more ways to save.
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Short-Term Disability: Income protection in case of illness or injury.
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Life and AD&D Insurance: Basic term life insurance at no cost, with options to elect additional coverage.
Sub-heading: Retirement Savings - Planning for the Future
Southwest Airlines offers a robust 401(k) retirement savings plan with a generous company matching contribution (up to 9.3% of eligible compensation). Employees can contribute pre-tax or Roth (after-tax) dollars and have a variety of investment options. They also offer an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) with a discount on company stock, allowing employees to share in the company's success.
Sub-heading: Additional Employee Benefits
Beyond the core benefits, Southwest often provides other perks like:
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Adoption Assistance Reimbursement
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Paid Adoption Leave and Parental Leave
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Child and Elder Care Resource and Referral Programs
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Employee Discount Programs on purchased flights (20% for employees and eligible travelers).
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SWAG Points for recognition, redeemable for merchandise, gift cards, or Rapid Rewards points.
Step 6: The Path to Becoming a Southwest Flight Attendant - What It Takes
Considering a career as a Southwest flight attendant? Here's a brief overview of what you'll typically need and the training involved.
Sub-heading: Eligibility Requirements
While specific requirements can vary, general eligibility usually includes:
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Age: Generally 20 or 21 years old at the time of application.
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Education: A high school diploma or GED is usually required, with a college degree preferred.
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Physical Requirements: Ability to meet physical demands, including reaching, lifting, and fitting into confined spaces. Height requirements are often between 4'11" and 6'4" without shoes.
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Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen or legally authorized to work in the U.S.
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Background Check: Successful completion of a comprehensive background check and drug screening.
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Customer Service Skills: A strong emphasis on exceptional customer service, problem-solving, and communication.
Sub-heading: Training Period and Compensation During Training
Once hired, new flight attendants undergo an intensive training program at Southwest's training facility. This typically lasts several weeks (3-6 weeks). During this period, while you are not yet flying revenue flights, you do receive compensation. The exact amount can vary, but generally, it's a lower hourly rate than a certified flight attendant, possibly around $25 per hour during initial training.
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Step 7: Career Progression - Growing Within Southwest
Southwest Airlines emphasizes internal growth and provides opportunities for flight attendants to advance their careers.
Sub-heading: From New Hire to Senior Crew
The most common progression is gaining seniority, which leads to better pay, more desirable schedules, and more control over routes. As mentioned, senior flight attendants can also take on Lead Flight Attendant or Purser roles, which come with increased responsibilities and higher compensation.
Sub-heading: Beyond In-Flight Roles
For those interested in management or other areas of the airline, opportunities exist to transition into roles such as:
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Flight Attendant Manager
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Base Manager
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Safety Instructor
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Recruitment Specialist
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Inflight Service Trainer
Further education in aviation management or hospitality can also open doors to roles like air traffic controller or airline marketing.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions about Southwest Airlines flight attendant compensation and careers:
How to Calculate a Southwest Flight Attendant's Monthly Pay?
A Southwest flight attendant's monthly pay is primarily calculated by multiplying their hourly flight rate by the number of block hours flown in a month, plus any per diem, overtime, or special pay. On average, this is around $3,923 per month, but can be higher with more experience and flight hours.
How to Increase Earnings as a Southwest Flight Attendant?
To increase earnings, a Southwest flight attendant can gain seniority to access higher hourly rates, bid for more flight hours (including overtime and premium trips), take on lead or purser roles, and benefit from profit-sharing and bonuses based on company performance.
How to Apply for a Southwest Flight Attendant Position?
You can apply for a Southwest Flight Attendant position directly through the "Careers" section on the official Southwest Airlines website. Look for open positions under "Flight Attendants & Inflight" and follow the application instructions, ensuring you meet all eligibility requirements.
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How to Qualify for Southwest Flight Attendant Benefits?
Southwest flight attendant benefits like health insurance, 401(k), and travel privileges typically become available after a probationary period and upon meeting specific employment criteria, such as full-time status. Details are usually provided during the hiring process.
How to Know the Starting Salary for a Southwest Flight Attendant?
The starting annual salary for a new hire flight attendant at Southwest Airlines is typically in the range of $45,000 to $50,000 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of approximately $25 during initial training and increasing after that.
How to Become a Senior Flight Attendant at Southwest?
Becoming a senior flight attendant at Southwest is primarily based on accumulating years of service with the airline. Seniority allows access to better schedules, more desirable routes, and higher pay scales, as outlined in union contracts.
How to Factor Per Diem into Total Southwest Flight Attendant Compensation?
Per diem is added to a Southwest flight attendant's total compensation as an allowance for meals and incidental expenses incurred while on duty away from their home base. It's calculated based on an hourly rate (e.g., $2.85/hour domestic, $3.40/hour international) for the duration of their layover or time away.
How to Understand Southwest's Profit-Sharing Program for Flight Attendants?
Southwest's profit-sharing program is a benefit where a portion of the company's annual profits is distributed among eligible employees, including flight attendants. The specific amount can vary each year based on the company's financial performance.
How to Get Paid During Southwest Flight Attendant Training?
During the initial 3-6 week training period, Southwest Airlines flight attendants typically receive a compensated hourly rate, though it's usually lower than the rate they will earn once they are certified and actively flying.
How to Transition from a Southwest Flight Attendant to Other Airline Roles?
Southwest flight attendants can transition to other roles within the airline by applying for internal job openings, leveraging their experience in customer service and operations. Opportunities exist in areas like management, training, recruitment, or airport operations, often requiring additional skills or education.
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