How much does a passenger attendant make?
a year · about $18 an hour
A typical passenger attendant in the United States makes $37,720 a year, about $18 an hour, below a typical US worker ($50,980) (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
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.
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.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $27,970 and $46,590How do you become one?
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.
School needed: High school plus some training
Good for people who like keeping things organized and helping and teaching
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.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in District of Columbia ($52,730), lowest in Florida ($29,680).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| 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 |
Official definition: 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).
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