Flight Attendants vs Ship Engineers: Salary Comparison

Side-by-side salary data across all 50 states. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024).

National Salary Overview

Flight Attendants

Median Salary
$67,619
Average (Mean)
$69,123
Employed Nationwide
98,000
VS

Ship Engineers

Median Salary
$89,643
Average (Mean)
$94,159
Employed Nationwide
7,370
Ship Engineers earns $22,024 more (32.6%)

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $67,619 $89,643
Average (Mean) Salary $69,123 $94,159
Total Employment 98,000 7,370
States with Higher Pay 3 9

Salary by State: Flight Attendants vs Ship Engineers

Showing 12 states where both occupations have BLS data. Flight Attendants pays more in 3 states; Ship Engineers pays more in 9.

State Flight Attendants Ship Engineers Difference
Florida $76,180
$108,140
$-31,960
Illinois $65,040
$76,890
$-11,850
Massachusetts $66,230
$96,180
$-29,950
Michigan $68,030
$68,860
$-830
New Jersey $48,750
$120,180
$-71,430
New York $69,010
$118,550
$-49,540
North Carolina $61,450
$58,700
+$2,750
Oregon $50,500
$83,730
$-33,230
Pennsylvania $75,010
$61,690
+$13,320
Texas $65,040
$118,490
$-53,450
Virginia $64,130
$75,900
$-11,770
Washington $98,710
$88,900
+$9,810

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes more: Flight Attendants or Ship Engineers?
On average across all states, a Ship Engineers earns more than a Flight Attendants. The national median salary difference is $22,024 (32.6%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Flight Attendants earn more than a Ship Engineers?
A Flight Attendants earns a higher median salary than a Ship Engineers in 3 out of 12 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Ship Engineers pays more in 9 states.
What is the median salary for a Flight Attendants vs Ship Engineers?
The national median salary for a Flight Attendants is $67,619 per year, compared to $89,643 for a Ship Engineers, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Flight Attendants or Ship Engineers?
There are more people employed as Flight Attendants. BLS reports approximately 98,000 Flight Attendants positions and 7,370 Ship Engineers positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Flight Attendants or Ship Engineers?
Both Flight Attendants and Ship Engineers are viable career paths. Beyond salary, consider factors like job availability in your state, work-life balance, education requirements, growth potential, and personal interests. Visit each occupation's salary page for state-specific data and career insights.

Compare After-Tax Take-Home Pay

See what each role actually pays after federal, state, and FICA taxes.