How much does a passenger attendant make?
Answer: A typical passenger attendant in the United States makes $37,720 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 27,000 people work in this job. Below the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
Passenger attendant pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $27,970 | $37,720 | $46,590 | about 27,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $52,730 | about 710 |
| Massachusetts | $43,350 | about 1,000 |
| California | $43,340 | about 3,000 |
| Hawaii | $42,360 | about 610 |
| Washington | $41,760 | about 900 |
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., pay differs by setting—such as bus service, sightseeing boats, or government work—and by state or city. Experience, useful skills, and extra credentials may matter too.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a passenger attendant do?
Provide services to ensure the safety of passengers aboard ships, buses, trains, or within the station or terminal. Perform duties such as explaining the use of safety equipment, serving meals or beverages, or answering questions related to travel. Excludes “Baggage Porters and Bellhops” (39-6011) and “Flight Attendants” (53-2031).
What's a typical day like?
Before a trip, they check safety equipment, help riders board, secure wheelchairs, and guide people to seats. During a trip or at the terminal, they answer travel questions, announce stops, and help passengers who need extra assistance.
How to get this job
A high school diploma or GED is the usual starting point in the U.S.; apply to a bus, rail, ship, or terminal employer, and related experience is not typically required. New hires learn safety checks and passenger help through short-term on-the-job training.
High school plus some training (preparation level 2 of 5)
Good for people who like keeping things organized and helping and teaching.
Did you know?
Surprise: U.S. job statistics count airline flight attendants as a separate occupation; passenger attendants work on ships, buses, trains, or in stations and terminals.
Similar jobs
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Transportation and Material Moving jobs that pay a bit moreSources and data
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes536061.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/53-6061.00
- www.bls.gov/emp/tables/education-and-training-by-occupation.htm
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY