- Flight attendants in Canada typically earn between 40,000 and 80,000 CAD annually, depending on experience, airline, and location.
- Major airlines like Air Canada offer higher salaries and benefits compared to regional carriers like Jazz Aviation and Porter Airlines.
- Benefits include health insurance, travel discounts, and per diems for layovers, making the career more rewarding beyond salary.
- Flight attendants have opportunities to advance to supervisory roles or specialize in long-haul and international flights for higher pay.
- Salaries for flight attendants are influenced by factors such as location, with larger cities offering higher pay, and experience, where seniority leads to increased earnings and responsibilities.
Becoming a flight attendant offers the chance to travel the world, but it’s also a career that provides a solid salary. In Canada, the salary for a flight attendant can vary depending on experience, location, and the airline they work for.
According to recent data from Glassdoor, the average annual salary for a flight attendant in Canada is approximately 53,000 CAD. Entry-level flight attendants can expect to earn around 40,000 CAD per year, while more experienced professionals can earn upwards of 80,000 CAD.
Salaries Across Canadian Airlines
1. Air Canada: Air Canada offers one of the most competitive salary ranges for flight attendants in the country. With starting salaries often higher than those of smaller carriers, senior flight attendants can expect to earn near the top of the pay scale due to Air Canada’s extensive international routes and large passenger base.
Flight attendants at Air Canada earn an estimated total pay range of 20–30 CAD per hour, with an average base salary of 28 CAD and additional pay of 1 CAD per hour through bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing. The airline is also known for providing excellent health insurance and travel perks.
2. Jazz Aviation: As a regional airline partnered with Air Canada, Jazz Aviation offers flight attendants a competitive salary, though slightly lower than major carriers. Despite this, Jazz provides valuable perks such as paid training, per diems for overnight stays, and opportunities to work with international passengers through its Air Canada connection.
Flight attendants typically earn between 25 to 35 CAD per hour, with an average annual salary of approximately 49,000 CAD. Jazz Aviation also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, travel perks, and opportunities for career growth.
3. Porter Airlines: Flight attendants at Porter Airlines, a smaller regional carrier, typically earn less than those at larger airlines, but the company compensates with appealing benefits. With a salary range of 23 to 28 CAD per hour, Porter offers flight attendants an average annual salary of 32,000 to 36,000 CAD, depending on experience.
While the pay may be lower, Porter provides perks like travel discounts, health insurance, and paid training. Its smaller size fosters a more intimate and close-knit work environment, emphasizing a positive company culture and strong work-life balance.
4. Sunwing Airlines: Sunwing Airlines, known for its seasonal vacation flights, offers competitive salaries and the chance for flight attendants to work on routes to popular vacation destinations. Pay typically varies based on experience and season, with hourly wages ranging from 26 to 32 CAD, and an average annual salary of around 55,000 CAD.
Beyond base pay, Sunwing provides benefits such as paid training, health insurance, and significant travel discounts, including on holiday packages. This dynamic environment offers frequent opportunities to fly to tropical destinations, adding to its appeal for travel enthusiasts.
Additional Factors Influencing Salary
While the airline you work for significantly impacts your pay, other factors also play a role:
- Experience: Senior flight attendants generally earn more, with pay increases as they take on more responsibilities such as mentoring new hires or managing in-flight operations.
- Location: Flight attendants based in larger cities with major airports, such as Toronto or Vancouver, may earn higher salaries due to the higher cost of living and larger demand for international flights.
- Overtime and Bonuses: Flight attendants often have opportunities to earn overtime pay, especially during peak travel seasons, and some airlines offer annual bonuses based on performance and company profitability.
Benefits Beyond Salary
In addition to competitive salaries, flight attendants often receive numerous benefits:
- Per Diems: Many airlines provide per diems to cover meal and accommodation expenses during layovers.
- Health and Travel Benefits: Airlines such as Air Canada offer health insurance packages and discounted or free flights for employees and their families.
- Career Advancement: Flight attendants can advance to supervisory roles or specialize in long-haul or international flights, which often come with higher pay.
Earning Potential and Career Growth in Aviation
The salary of a flight attendant is just one part of a rewarding career that offers flexible schedules, travel opportunities, and the chance to interact with people from diverse cultures.
In Canada, flight attendants earn between 40,000 to 80,000 CAD annually, with major airlines like Air Canada offering higher pay and benefits. Career growth is also possible, with roles advancing to supervisory or managerial positions.
For those interested in pursuing this career, Eton College offers a Flight Attendant Preparation Program, providing essential training in safety and customer service, making it a great starting point for a successful career in aviation.
