HOW MUCH DO DELTA FLIGHT ATTENDANTS MAKE? 2023 Salary

Have you ever wondered about the financial rewards of a career as a Delta flight attendant? It’s a captivating profession, offering the excitement of exploring the world and servicing people at 30,000 feet. Let’s look at how much Delta flight attendants make. Delta flight attendants enjoy various benefits, which we have described in this writing and the levels of flight attendants that enjoy such benefits.

How Much Do Delta Flight Attendants Make?

Delta flight attendants make an average salary of between $33,000 and $45,000 per year. Long-standing higher earners can make as much as $118,000 per year. The starting rate for a Delta flight attendant is $32.50 per hour, and by year twelve, it can go up to $74.50 per hour. The average hourly pay for Delta flight attendants is approximately $35.36, which is 37% above the national average. The base salary for flight attendants at Delta Airlines ranges from $73,510 to $102,720, with an average base salary of $86,418. It’s worth noting that these figures are estimates and can vary based on factors such as experience, seniority, and flight hours.

Components That Make Up Delta Flight Attendant Salary Package

Delta flight attendant salary packages consist of several components. While the exact details may vary based on factors such as experience and seniority, the following components are commonly included:

#1. Base Salary

This is the fixed amount of money that flight attendants receive on an annual basis. The base salary for Delta flight attendants ranges from $73,510 to $102,720, with an average base salary of $86,418.

#2. Hourly Pay

Flight attendants are paid an hourly rate for the time they spend working on flights. In Delta’s case, the starting hourly rate for flight attendants is $32.20, which went into effect on May 1, 2022. The top rate for experienced flight attendants with 12 years of service is $72.38 per hour.

#3. Flight Hours

Flight attendants earn additional compensation based on the number of flight hours they work. The more flights they take, the more they can earn. Flight hours make up a significant portion of a Delta flight attendant’s pay.

#4. Benefits

Delta provides various benefits to its flight attendants, including health insurance, retirement plans, and travel privileges. These benefits add value to the overall compensation package.

#5. Incentives

Delta offers additional incentives to its flight attendants, such as performance bonuses and overtime pay. These incentives can contribute to increasing a flight attendant’s overall earnings.

#6. Per Diem

Flight attendants often receive a per diem allowance to cover expenses such as meals and accommodations during layovers and trips. This allowance is typically a fixed amount per hour or day.

Delta offers profit sharing to its employees, including flight attendants. A portion of the company’s profits are distributed among eligible employees, providing an additional source of income. The amount can vary each year based on the company’s performance.

#8. Language Pay

Delta provides additional compensation to flight attendants who are fluent in certain languages. This language pay incentivizes multilingual flight attendants who can assist passengers in their preferred languages.

#9. Premium Pay

Flight attendants may receive premium pay for working on certain flights or during specific times, such as holidays, weekends, or overnight shifts. This additional pay recognizes the extra demands and potential disruptions associated with these flights.

#10. Vacation Pay

Delta offers vacation pay to flight attendants, allowing them to take paid time off. The amount of vacation pay may be based on factors such as years of service or seniority within the company.

#11. Career Progression

As flight attendants gain experience and seniority, they may have the opportunity for career progression, which can come with higher pay. Advancement can include being promoted to positions such as lead flight attendant or purser, which often come with increased responsibilities and compensation.

#12. Union Benefits

A labor union, such as the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA), represents Delta flight attendants. Union representation can provide additional benefits and protections, including negotiated salary increases, improved working conditions, and access to resources and support.

Benefits of Being a Delta Flight Attendant.

Becoming a Delta flight attendant offers a range of unique benefits and opportunities that make it an appealing career choice for many individuals. These benefits

#1. Travel Privileges

Delta flight attendants enjoy travel benefits, allowing them and eligible family members/companions to travel on standby on all Delta flights. This enables them to explore new places and experience diverse cultures.

#2. Competitive Salary

Delta offers a competitive salary package for flight attendants, including a base salary, hourly pay, and additional compensation based on flight hours and other factors. The salary range for Delta flight attendants is between $73,510 and $102,720, with an average base salary of $86,418.

Delta provides profit-sharing to its employees, including attendants. As a result, qualifying employees receive a percentage of the company’s profits as a source of additional income.

#4. Retirement Savings Plan

Delta offers an attractive retirement savings plan to help flight attendants save for their future. This can include contributions from both the employee and the company, helping to secure financial stability in the long term.

#5. Health Insurance

Delta provides health insurance benefits to flight attendants, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. This ensures that flight attendants have access to healthcare services and can take care of their well-being.

#6. Life Insurance and Disability Benefits

Flight attendants have access to life insurance options and disability benefits, providing financial protection in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

#7. Training and Professional Development

Delta invests in the training and professional development of its attendants. This includes initial training programs and ongoing opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge.

#8. Inclusive Culture

With a commitment to fostering a sense of community and advancing fair opportunities for all workers to achieve, Delta is devoted to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The workplace is supportive of this inclusive culture.

#9. Flexible Schedules

Delta flight attendants often enjoy flexible scheduling options, which can be beneficial for those seeking work-life balance or who have personal commitments outside of work.

#10. Recognition and Rewards

Delta recognizes and rewards exceptional performance through various programs and initiatives, such as employee recognition programs, awards, and career advancement opportunities.

Levels of Delta Flight Attendants

As a Delta flight attendant, there are several levels or statuses that you can achieve within the company. These levels are often referred to as “Medallion Status” and offer various benefits and privileges. Here are the different levels and a brief explanation of each:

#1. Silver Medallion

Silver Medallion status is the entry-level tier of Medallion status. One can earn it by accumulating a certain number of Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) or Medallion Qualification Segments (MQSs) and meeting the required spending threshold (Medallion Qualification Dollars or MQDs) within a calendar year. Silver Medallion members enjoy benefits such as priority boarding, complimentary upgrades, preferred seating, and waived baggage fees.

#2. Gold Medallion

Gold Medallion status is the next level up from Silver Medallion status. The benefits received at the Gold Medallion are that members enjoy higher upgrade priority, access to Delta Sky Club lounges when traveling internationally, and enhanced customer service.

#3. Platinum Medallion

Platinum Medallion status is a higher tier within the Medallion program. They receive all the benefits of the Silver and Gold Medallion, along with additional advantages. Such as higher upgrade priority, access to Delta One lounges when traveling internationally, and increased mileage bonuses.

#4. Diamond Medallion

This is the highest level of Medallion status. Diamond Medallion members receive the most comprehensive benefits and privileges, including exclusive access to Delta Sky Club lounges, priority waitlisting, higher upgrade priority, dedicated phone lines, and additional mileage bonuses.

How To Become a Delta Flight Attendant

To become a Delta flight attendant, there are several steps and requirements that you need to fulfill. Here is a general overview of the process:

#1. Meet the Basic Requirements

Delta Air Lines has certain basic requirements that you must meet to be eligible for the flight attendant position. These requirements typically include being at least 21 years old, having a high school diploma or GED, being legally authorized to work in the United States, and having the ability to fly both domestic and international routes.

#2. Submit an Application

Start by applying through the Delta Air Lines career website. The application will require you to provide personal information and work experience, and answer some job-related questions. It’s important to ensure that your application is complete and accurate.

#3. Review and Screening

The recruitment team at Delta will review your application after you submit it. If your application meets the initial requirements, you may be invited to the next stage of the screening process, which may include online assessments, video interviews, or other evaluations to assess your suitability for the role.

#4. In-Person Interview

If you pass the initial screening, you may be invited for an in-person interview. Usually, a group of Delta recruiters or hiring managers conduct the interview. During the interview, you will be assessed based on your communication skills, customer service orientation, teamwork abilities, and other relevant qualities.

#5. Background Check and Drug Test

If you successfully pass the interview stage, Delta will conduct a background check and drug test to ensure that you meet their safety and security requirements.

#6. Probationary Period

When hired as a Delta flight attendant, there is a probationary period that lasts for a certain duration. During this time, new flight attendants undergo training and are evaluated on their performance and adherence to company standards.

#7. Training

Once you have been selected as a Delta flight attendant, you will undergo a comprehensive training program. This training covers a wide range of topics, including safety procedures, emergency protocols, customer service, and aircraft-specific training. Successful completion of the training program is necessary to become a certified Delta flight attendant.

Are Flight Attendants Highly Paid?

Flight attendant salaries depend on the airline, experience level, region, and additional responsibilities. While some flight attendants may earn higher salaries, others may earn lower wages. Salaries can range from airline to airline, with some airlines, such as Delta, Southwest, JetBlue, United, American Airlines, and Alaska Airlines, often offering higher salaries. The average salary for flight attendants in the United States is approximately $62,280 per year.

What Benefits Do Delta Flight Attendants Get?

Delta flight attendants enjoy a range of benefits. Some of the benefits include a competitive salary, an industry-leading profit-sharing program, performance incentives, and a 401(k) retirement plan. They also receive medical, dental, and vision coverage, life insurance options, and disability benefits. Additionally, they have the opportunity to enjoy occasional free and discounted flights, and their family members can also benefit from these perks.

Does Delta Pay For Training?

Delta does provide training pay for flight attendants. Once hired as a flight attendant with Delta, individuals receive a monthly training pay of $1,822.17. This training pay helps cover expenses during the training period. Additionally, Delta also covers hotel accommodations for those whose address is greater than 25 miles from the Delta Training Center.

Do Flight Attendants Get Paid Every 2 Weeks?

Flight attendants’ pay frequency depends on the airline and its policies. While some airlines may pay flight attendants every month, others may pay on a bi-weekly or weekly basis.

Do Delta Flight Attendants Get Paid Hourly?

Yes, Delta flight attendants are paid hourly. The average hourly pay for Delta flight attendants is approximately $35.36. However, pay rates can vary based on experience level, seniority, and additional responsibilities. The hourly pay for new hires at Delta starts at $30.96 per flight hour, and pay rates can increase with years of experience.

What Airline Do Flight Attendants Get Paid The Most?

The airline that pays flight attendants the most varies depending on the source and the specific criteria used to determine pay. However, some airlines that have high-paying flight attendant positions include JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, Delta Airlines, American Airlines, and Alaskan Airlines. Flight attendant salaries can vary based on experience, location, and seniority within the company.

Conclusion

Training and professional development are invested in, and the company fosters an inclusive culture. Flexible scheduling options are available for those seeking work-life balance. To become a Delta flight attendant, you must meet basic requirements such as being at least 21 years old, having a high school diploma or GED, being legally authorized to work in the United States, and flying both domestic and international routes. Apply through Delta’s career website, which will require personal information, work experience, and job-related questions. After submitting the application, Delta’s recruitment team reviews it, and if it meets the initial requirements, you may be invited for an in-person interview.