Skip to Content

Hawaiian Airlines Flight Attendant Salary – 2023 Complete Guide!

Curious about the salary of a Flight Attendant at Hawaiian Airlines? Known for its prestigious reputation, Hawaiian Airlines offers competitive salaries to its Flight Attendants.

Let’s break it down and look at the salary of a Hawaiian Airlines Flight Attendant!

Hawaiian Airlines Flight Attendant Salary:

How Much Do Hawaiian Airlines Flight Attendants Make?

Hawaiian Airlines pays Flight Attendants a salary that exceeds the average US and salary, and is competitive with other major US airlines.

Salaries for Flight Attendants at Hawaiian Airlines vary according to experience, with new hires earning approximately $40,000 per year and the most experienced Flight Attendants earning up to $100,000 per year.

HOURLY RATE (STANDARD FLIGHT HOUR PAY)

Flight Attendant salaries, like most professions, tend to increase with seniority and experience. At Hawaiian Airlines, a Flight Attendant’s hourly rate is based on the number of years they have worked in that role.

Moreover, every year at the company, a Flight Attendant’s Standard Flight Hour Pay increases significantly and is directly tied to their seniority.

For new hires, the starting hourly salary for Hawaiian Airlines Flight Attendants is a little over $26, which translates to approximately $2,000 per month during the first six months of employment.

Although this may not be the highest starting salary in the industry, it’s certainly not the lowest either! Flight Attendants with over 10 years of experience can earn up to $60 per hour at Hawaiian Airlines – pretty generous right?!

This is just the basic pay and doesn’t include layover allowances, special factor payments, or holiday pay, which can boost a Flight Attendant’s earnings.

Additionally, a Flight Attendant’s salary takes into account the number of flight hours they have worked during a given month, along with other factors.

FLIGHT HOURS

The pay of a Flight Attendant at Hawaiian Airlines is directly linked to the number of hours they have worked in a given month, making it a crucial factor in calculating their salary.

However, it’s worth noting that Flight Attendants only begin to receive payment once the aircraft door closes for departure and stop receiving payment once the door opens at the destination gate.

This means that any time spent in the briefing, performing safety checks, boarding passengers, and delays before departure, as well as passenger disembarkation and delays upon arrival, is unpaid.

While this may seem unfair, it’s a common practice in the aviation industry. Moreover, Flight Attendants may still receive compensation during this unpaid time, such as per diem pay when they are outstation.

More information on per diem pay will be discussed further in this article.

How Many Hours Does A Flight Attendant Work Per Month?

A Flight Attendant’s average monthly working hours at Hawaiian Airlines is approximately 80 hours, but they have the flexibility to work more or fewer hours based on their preference.

The number of hours a Flight Attendant works in a particular month can directly affect their salary.

In addition, Flight Attendants have the opportunity to pick up extra flights or give away their flights through an online interactive system, providing them with greater control over their income and schedule.

This flexibility allows Flight Attendants to choose how they want to spend their time and manage their salary.

When Do Hawaiian Airlines Flight Attendants Get Paid Their Salary?

Hawaiian Airlines Flight Attendants get paid every 2 weeks – on the 7th and 22nd of each month. They will get paid for the two weeks that they have worked prior.

Looking for information on the Flight Attendant salary for other big US airlines? Check out:

American Airlines FA Salary

Delta FA Salary

United Airlines FA Salary

Southwest Airlines FA Salary

Alaska Airlines FA Salary

If you would like to see how the salary for Flight Attendants in one of the wealthy Gulf airlines compares, check out this article on Etihad Cabin Crew Salary.

BREAKING DOWN THE HAWAIIAN AIRLINES FLIGHT ATTENDANT SALARY PAY 

Flight Attendant salaries are calculated in a unique manner compared to traditional jobs. The salary of a Flight Attendant employed by a commercial airline can fluctuate significantly each month.

Unlike the fixed monthly salary offered in most jobs, Flight Attendants are paid based on several factors. This includes:

  • standard flight hour pay
  • number of hours flown
  • destination of the flight
  • whether it is a layover or turnaround flight
  • any reserve duties. 

A Flight Attendant Salary comprises various components, such as:

  • Crew Duty Payment (calculated by multiplying the hours flown with the Hourly Flight Pay), 
  • Layover Payment (Per Diem), 
  • Reserve payment, 
  • Special Roles (such as pursers, language speakers), 
  • Incentives.

These payments can vary significantly based on the Flight Attendant Roster each month.

In addition, if Cabin Crew have taken leave, been sick or not called on their Reserve Days, their salary will be lower due to the increased days off from flying.

Crew Duty Payment

Hourly Rate x Hours Flown = Flight Attendant Salary

To calculate your monthly Crew Duty Payment, you need to multiply your Standard Flight Hour Pay by the total number of duty hours you worked that month.

This payment is subject to change every month due to last-minute flight and roster changes, which is why salaries are paid after the month worked.

For instance, a newly hired Flight Attendant at Hawaiian Airlines with an hourly rate of around $26 who worked 5 flight hours that month would receive $130.

In contrast, a Flight Attendant with 12 years of experience working the same 5-hour flight would receive $300 with an hourly rate of $60. It’s no wonder why many Flight Attendants at Hawaiian Airlines are happy to keep their job!

Layover Allowance (Per Diem)

Flight Attendants receive a Layover Allowance, also known as Per Diem, which is a tax-free amount given when they are outstation (on a layover away from their home base).

This payment is in addition to their hourly rate and covers the cost of meals and other expenses incurred during their time away. Hawaiian Airlines calculates this allowance automatically, without the need for receipts or claims.

The Per Diem is a set amount per hour and does not change based on seniority. Therefore, all Flight Attendants on the same flight receive the same amount.

For every hour spent away from their base, Flight Attendants receive just over $2 in Per Diem, which is added to their salary along with their hourly rate.

Although it may seem like a small amount, it can add up quickly, especially for longer trips, such as international flights.

For example, a 40-hour trip can result in an extra $80 in pay, and with multiple trips in a month, it can add several hundred dollars to a Flight Attendant’s salary.

Reserve Days

Junior Flight Attendants at Hawaiian Airlines are frequently placed on reserve/available/standby duty. This means they may receive a call at any time, often at the last minute, to work a flight.

These flights can be to any destination and may involve a layover or a there-and-back trip. Alternatively, they may not be called for a flight at all.

In addition to on-call duty, Flight Attendants have scheduled days off and scheduled flights on their roster.

What Is The Pay For The Reserve Days For Flight Attendants At Hawaiian Airlines?

During their reserve days, Flight Attendants at Hawaiian Airlines receive a flat rate pay regardless of whether they are assigned to a flight or not.

Of course if they do end up working during those reserve days and accrue more hours than the flat rate pay, they will be compensated for those extra hours.

This on-call payment is combined with the Flight Attendant’s flight hours and incentive pay for that month to calculate their total salary.

It is possible to try to trade reserve days with other Flight Attendants, but finding someone willing to take them can be difficult.

Special Roles

Flight Attendants at Hawaiian Airlines have the opportunity to earn additional income through special roles such as Purser or Language Speaker. 

Purser:

The Purser, who is responsible for overseeing the entire cabin and addressing any safety reports, incidents or conflicts, is compensated with an extra pay for the added responsibilities they hold.

Given that most Pursers have extensive experience of at least 20 years, it may take a long time for a Flight Attendant to become a Purser.

Language Speakers:

Language Speakers also have the opportunity to earn extra pay for being language speakers on certain flights, as it is an additional skill.

Hawaiian Airlines offers the opportunity to apply as a Language of Destination Flight Attendant for those who speak languages other than English fluently, such as French, Samoan, Japanese, and South Korean.

Hawaiian Airlines flies to several countries where English isn’t the official first language, (Japan, Tahiti, American Samoa and South Korea).

Flight Attendants are paid extra to speak the language of destination throughout the flight to the customers and give assistance in the language where needed (for example medical assistance, reading out announcements).

Incentives

There are several opportunities where Flight Attendants at Hawaiian Airlines can get extra pay.

They can include:

  • holiday pay – Flight Attendants are paid extra to work on New Year’s Day, Christmas Day and Thanksgiving.
  • Working on their days off – known as ‘Special Flights’ – you will earn $7.50 per hour extra.

Hawaiian Airlines Flight Attendants can also receive commission from Duty Free products sold.

Hawaiian Airlines Flight Attendants can sometimes receive around an additional 10% of their salary in commissions. They can also make an extra 5% of their pay in bonuses. 

Interested to see how other US Airlines compared to Hawaiian? Check out:

American Airlines FA Requirements

Southwest Airlines FA Requirements

Delta FA Requirements

United Airlines FA Requirements

Alaska Airlines FA Requirements

What Factors Can Affect A Flight Attendant Salary?

As we can see, several factors can affect a Flight Attendant’s Salary:

1. Seniority Of The Flight Attendant

The more senior you are – the higher your hourly pay and the more choice you have over your schedule.

Seniority definitely plays a big part in determining what your salary and schedule will look like.

2. Hours Worked

The number of hours worked also greatly affects the salary of a Flight Attendant. The more hours you work, the higher your salary will be that month.

3. Per Diem

4. Special Roles

5. Incentives

6. Reserve Days

Salary Deductions For Flight Attendants At Hawaiian Airlines

Medicare, Social Security and other taxes are taken out of your paycheck. Remember that each state in the US has different levels of taxes.

Other deductions most staff choose to have include 401k, medical, dental etc.

Hawaiian Airlines Benefits

Benefits for Hawaiian Airlines Flight Attendants include:

  • Air travel discounts 
  • comprehensive insurance and medical coverage (medical & dental insurance)
  • Flexible spending accounts & dependent care
  • Discounts of rental vehicles, cruises, hotels,
  • retirement plans – 401K plan with corporate match and contributions
  • Employee assistance program 
  • development opportunities
  • Life insurance, Accidental death and dismemberment insurance

Hawaiian Airlines has very generous benefits, bonuses and commissions for their Flight Attendants.

In addition to their salary, Flight Attendants at Hawaiian Airlines also receive bonuses relating to their performance and profit sharing of the airline.

How To Become A Flight Attendant At Hawaiian Airlines?

To be employed as a Flight Attendant at Hawaiian Airlines, you must satisfy a set of criteria, including educational and physical standards, as well as being able to work and reside in the United States, passing background checks, fluency in English, meeting minimum age requirements, among other things.

Once you meet all of the qualifications, you can submit your application.

The application process includes multiple stages, such as an online application, a video interview, and group and 1-on-1 face-to-face interviews at the interview day. 

Is Hawaiian Airlines Currently Hiring Flight Attendants?

Hawaiian Airlines periodically opens vacancies on their official careers website. Click here to view the vacancies for Flight Attendants

It’s good to apply as soon as you see the vacancies opening up, as sometimes the job vacancy can close after just a few days if they have too many applications.

Looking for more information on Flight Attendant Requirements? Check out these articles:

Flight Attendant Requirements

Age Limit For Flight Attendants

Height Requirements For Flight Attendants

Can A Flight Attendant Have Tattoos?

Can Flight Attendants Have Piercings?

How Long Does The Whole Process To Become A Flight Attendant With Hawaiian Airlines Take?

Becoming a Flight Attendant at Hawaiian Airlines is not a quick process, as there are multiple stages in the application process.

It’s important to note that the length of the process can vary for each applicant, depending on the number of applicants at that time, the number of Cabin Crew required, and if the airline is looking for specific skills like language speakers.

For some it may take just a few weeks, for others it may take several months.

With hundreds of thousands of people applying for just a few positions, competition is fierce.

Once you receive a conditional job offer, you may have to wait for a few weeks or months to start your initial Cabin Crew Training, depending on the company’s operational needs.

Once you have successfully passed you will finally be a Flight Attendant! Although it can be frustrating to wait so long, becoming a Flight Attendant at Hawaiian Airlines is definitely worth the wait!

Hawaiian Airlines Flight Attendant Training Program

Hawaiian Airlines offers their initial Flight Attendant training at their headquarters located in Honolulu, Hawaii.

The duration of the training program is 7 weeks long, which is an intensive course designed to equip you with the necessary skills to handle various scenarios you may face while working as a Cabin Crew member.

To obtain your flying license, you must successfully complete the Flight Attendant training and pass all associated background checks, as well as demonstrate your proficiency.

After you’ve completed the training, you will be awarded your wings, be assigned a base, and become part of the Hawaiian Airlines Cabin Crew team! 

Similar to other Flight Attendant Training Programs, Hawaiian Airlines’ training focuses on aircraft-specific training, passenger safety (such as medical emergencies, fire, security, and emergency landing), customer service, culture at Hawaiian Airlines, and more.

Hawaiian Airlines Flight Attendant Salary Summary

Hawaiian Airlines does not have the highest hourly rates in the US for Flight Attendants, and it is expensive to live in Hawaii if you will be based there.

However, it is one of the best airlines to work for as Hawaiian Airlines really looks after their employees and there is a terrific family-like culture here.

If you’re looking for help on applying to become a Flight Attendant and the Application Process check out these guides:

How to write the perfect Flight Attendant CV/Resume
Attending A Flight Attendant Assessment Day
What to expect on a Flight Attendant Open Day
Flight Attendant School
Flight Attendant Background Check

Like this post on Hawaiian Airlines Flight Attendant salary? Pin it for later!