Who Earns What

How much does a passenger attendant make?

US Passenger Attendants
$37,720

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 know
This job$37,720
Typical worker$50,980
Elementary teacher$63,970
Doctor$244,180
Cashier$32,880

If 100 people had this job

Most earn between $27,970 and $46,590
35 of 100
not many

How 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
Whole US$37,720
District of Columbia$52,730
Massachusetts$43,350
California$43,340
Hawaii$42,360
Washington$41,760
Pennsylvania$33,000
Texas$31,230
Florida$29,680

Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.

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Who earns more?
Data table and sources
Passenger attendant pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread) — Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025
Lower earner (10th from bottom)Typical person (median)Higher earner (10th from top)People in this job
$27,970$37,720$46,590about 27,000
States where passenger attendants earn the most (median, May 2025)
StateTypical person (median)People in this job
District of Columbia$52,730about 710
Massachusetts$43,350about 1,000
California$43,340about 3,000
Hawaii$42,360about 610
Washington$41,760about 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

Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY