Southwest Flight Attendant Salary: Complete Pay Guide (2025)

Southwest flight attendants start at approximately $32/hour (flight hours) and can reach $72/hour at the top of the pay scale. Total first-year compensation including per diem and benefits typically ranges from $35,000-$50,000. With seniority and profit sharing, trip trading, senior Southwest flight attendants can earn $80,000-$120,000+ in total compensation.

On top of base hourly pay, Southwest flight attendants receive per diem payments for meals during trips (typically $2.20-$3.20/hour, tax-free), holiday pay premiums, overtime rates, and profit sharing, trip trading. International trips generally have higher per diem rates. Total compensation can be 20-40% higher than base pay alone.

Southwest's benefits include: unlimited standby travel for employees and eligible family/friends, health/dental/vision insurance, 401(k) with company match, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance programs, and travel privileges on partner airlines. The flight benefits alone are valued at thousands of dollars per year.