- Salary statistics
- Steward, airliner
Steward, airliner
31 000 - 32 400 kr / month
Women earn 99% of what men do.
Transport
Salary progression Steward, airliner
What does a flight attendant in commercial aviation do? – Tasks and work environment
A flight attendant in commercial aviation is responsible for creating a safe and pleasant environment onboard passenger aircraft. The role involves providing service to travelers, serving food and beverages, as well as handling sales and information. An important part of the job is maintaining safety procedures, conducting safety demonstrations, and assisting in emergency situations. The work environment is characterized by shift work, varying hours, and long periods of travel, which requires flexibility, stress resilience, and good communication skills. Contact with people from different cultures is a natural part of daily life, and the pace can be high, especially on fully booked flights or during unexpected events.
Salary development over time
The salary for a flight attendant in commercial aviation has shown a downward trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 34,400 SEK per month, which decreased to 33 800 SEK in 2023 and further to 32 000 SEK in 2024. This represents a reduction of about 7% over the period, which can be linked to changes within the airline industry, including the impact of the pandemic, altered travel habits, and efficiency improvements. Despite the recovery in demand for cabin crew as travel increases, salaries have not returned to previous levels. Increased competition for positions and a larger pool of candidates may also contribute to the pressured salary situation. However, signs of stabilization may occur if the industry continues to recover.
Flight attendant salary – complete overview
- Average salary: 32 000 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 31,000 SEK/month
- Highest salary: 32,400 SEK/month
- Hourly wage: 192 SEK
- Women’s salary as a percentage of men’s: 99%
- Average salary for men: 32,200 SEK
- Average salary for women: 32 000 SEK
- Regional differences: No clear differences reported
Education and qualifications
To work as a flight attendant in commercial aviation, a high school diploma is generally required, preferably with a focus on service or tourism, along with approved internal training at the airline. Additionally, language skills, swimming ability, and good health are required. Many airlines offer their own training programs covering both theoretical and practical aspects, including safety procedures and customer service.
- High school diploma: At least 3 years, preferably in service or tourism
- Airline internal training: 4–8 weeks, mandatory for all new cabin crew
- Language skills: Good English, additional languages are an advantage
- Swimming ability: Often required to swim 200 meters
- Suitability tests and health examinations: Conducted before employment
A unique aspect of working as a flight attendant in commercial aviation is the international work environment, where colleagues and passengers often come from all over the world. This makes the profession particularly attractive for individuals who enjoy intercultural and language exchanges and appreciate variety in their daily work.
Common benefits and compensations
In addition to the base salary, benefits such as per diems for overnight stays, discounted staff tickets, insurance, and pension contributions are often offered. Some airlines also provide wellness allowances and opportunities for paid further training. Compensation for inconvenient working hours may be provided, as well as bonuses for particularly long flights or extra work efforts.
Competition and challenges
Competition for flight attendant positions in commercial aviation can be intense, especially during economic downturns or reduced travel. The industry is sensitive to global events, which can affect both the number of available jobs and employment conditions. Challenges also include irregular working hours, jetlag, and the need for constant availability. At the same time, the work environment can be physically and mentally demanding, with long shifts and a fast pace. However, those who enjoy variety and social interactions may find great satisfaction in the profession despite these challenges.
Tips for aspiring flight attendants in commercial aviation
To succeed as a flight attendant, it is beneficial to have a genuine service mindset and the ability to handle stressful situations with calmness and professionalism. Flexibility and adaptability to rapidly changing schedules are crucial, as well as good communication skills and teamwork. Language skills and openness to new cultures increase the chances of thriving and developing in the profession. It is also important to prioritize health and recovery, as the job can be physically and mentally demanding. A positive attitude and the ability to treat passengers with respect and empathy are qualities highly valued by employers and travelers alike.
Key facts about Flight Attendants in Commercial Aviation
- Salary range: 31,000–32,400 SEK/month
- Educational requirements: High school diploma + airline training
- Work environment: Aircraft-based, shift work, international setting
- Demand: 412 job openings within the profession
- Gender differences: Women earn 99% of what men do
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years as a flight attendant in commercial aviation, there are opportunities to advance to senior roles such as purser, supervisor, or instructor within cabin crew. Some choose to further their education within the airline industry or move into marketing, safety, or customer service at airports. The employment agency’s forecasts do not provide an exact assessment due to limited data, but the number of job openings suggests continued demand as air travel recovers. However, the industry remains sensitive to economic cycles and global events, which can impact future outlooks in the short term.
Frequently asked questions about Flight Attendants in Commercial Aviation
- What does a flight attendant in commercial aviation earn?
- The average salary is 32 000 SEK per month, with a range between 31,000 and 32,400 SEK. - How does one become a flight attendant in commercial aviation?
- A high school diploma is required, followed by internal airline training and approved tests. - Are there salary differences between men and women?
- Yes, women earn 99% of what men do within the profession. - What are the working hours for a flight attendant in commercial aviation?
- Irregular hours and shift work, often in evenings, nights, and weekends. - What are the future prospects for the profession?
- No specific forecast, but there are 412 job openings in the field. - What education is required?
- At least a high school diploma and airline internal training. - What personal qualities are important?
- Service orientation, stress resilience, flexibility, and good communication skills.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 26800 kr | 26800 kr | |
| 25-34 | 27400 kr | 27500 kr | |
| 35-44 | 30400 kr | 30400 kr | |
| 45-54 | 32700 kr | 32800 kr | |
| 55-64 | 36000 kr | 36100 kr | |
| Snitt | 99% | 32000 kr | 32000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 26800 kr | 26800 kr | |
| 25-34 | 27400 kr | 27500 kr | |
| 35-44 | 30400 kr | 30400 kr | |
| 45-54 | 32700 kr | 32800 kr | |
| 55-64 | 36000 kr | 36100 kr | |
| Snitt | 99% | 32000 kr | 32000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 26800 kr | 26800 kr | |
| 25-34 | 27400 kr | 27500 kr | |
| 35-44 | 30400 kr | 30400 kr | |
| 45-54 | 32700 kr | 32800 kr | |
| 55-64 | 36000 kr | 36100 kr | |
| Snitt | 99% | 32000 kr | 32000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 99% | 32100 kr | 32200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 99% | 32100 kr | 32200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 99% | 32100 kr | 32200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 27000 kr | 27000 kr | |
| 25-34 | 27700 kr | 27800 kr | |
| 45-54 | 32600 kr | 32800 kr | |
| 55-64 | 35700 kr | 35800 kr | |
| Snitt | 99% | 31900 kr | 32000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 27000 kr | 27000 kr | |
| 25-34 | 27700 kr | 27800 kr | |
| 45-54 | 32600 kr | 32800 kr | |
| 55-64 | 35700 kr | 35800 kr | |
| Snitt | 99% | 31900 kr | 32000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 27000 kr | 27000 kr | |
| 25-34 | 27700 kr | 27800 kr | |
| 45-54 | 32600 kr | 32800 kr | |
| 55-64 | 35700 kr | 35800 kr | |
| Snitt | 99% | 31900 kr | 32000 kr |
About the data
All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.
All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.
Profession Steward, airliner has the SSYK code 5111, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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