Aircraft Service Attendants

SOC code 53-6032 · O*NET-SOC 53-6032.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Transportation

Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation

Aircraft Service Attendants pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$40,450

a year

Hourly

$19.45

per hour

10th$33,830Median$40,45090th$57,610

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$43,330

$20.83 per hour

Middle 50%

$35,740 – $46,830

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$33,830 – $57,610

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

31,300

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $33,830; $16.26/hr
25th percentile: $35,740; $17.18/hr
Median percentile: $40,450; $19.45/hr
75th percentile: $46,830; $22.52/hr
90th percentile: $57,610; $27.70/hr

What does an aircraft service attendant do?

Service aircraft with fuel. May de-ice aircraft, refill water and cooling agents, empty sewage tanks, service air and oxygen systems, or clean and polish exterior.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Apply de-icing fluid to aircraft from baskets lifted by truck-mounted cranes.
Tow aircraft to gates or hangars using tugs, tractors, or other vehicles.
Refuel aircraft using hoses connected to fuel trucks.
Guide aircraft to designated areas using hand signals, batons, or other methods.
Radio to flight dispatchers or other personnel to discuss incoming or outgoing aircraft.
Complete forms describing tasks completed.
Empty aircraft lavatory systems or refill them with sanitizer fluid.
Load baggage or cargo for crew or passengers.

How to become an aircraft service attendant

Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed

Education: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Training: Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.

See all zone 2 occupations →

The federal survey did not capture education levels for this specific occupation, so the preparation-level card above is the best guide to the entry route.

Common questions

How much does an aircraft service attendant earn?

The national median is $40,450 a year. The full range runs from $33,830 at the 10th percentile to $57,610 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become an aircraft service attendant without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Active Listening3.3/5
Monitoring3.3/5
Reading Comprehension3.0/5
Speaking3.0/5
Critical Thinking3.0/5
Writing2.8/5

Knowledge areas

Public Safety and Security4.0/5
English Language3.9/5
Education and Training3.5/5
Customer and Personal Service3.5/5
Transportation3.3/5
Computers and Electronics2.9/5
Mathematics2.6/5
Administration and Management2.5/5

Transferable strengths: Operation and Control, Judgment and Decision Making, Coordination, Time Management.