• Flight attendants serve passengers in an airline cabinImage by Flickr.com, courtesy of James Emery
  
  

Description

• The cabin crew consists of the pilots who fly the plane and the flight attendants who tend to the needs of the passengers.
  
  

Education

• Companies typically hire pilots and attendants who have at least a college degree, though smaller outfits may hire high-school graduates. For pilots, a license and flight experience are necessary. Attendants require several weeks of format training from the airline.
  
  

Outlook: Pilots

• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment is expected to grow 13 percent (about average) from 2006 to 2016. Competition is keen at major airlines, so regional and low-cost airlines present the best opportunities.
  
  

Outlook: Flight Attendants

• Employment is expected to grow by 11 percent or about average. However, competition is expected to remain strong as more people apply than there are jobs.
  
  

Salaries

• As of 2006, pilots averaged $123,500 for commercial airlines and $143,580 for delivery services. As of May 2008, flight attendants earned $39,730 for airliners and $43,080 for unscheduled services like private planes. Both positions boast free or reduced air transportation for employees and their families.