Passenger Attendants
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.
Also called: Airport Attendant, Attendant, Bus Aide, Bus Assistant, Bus Attendant, Bus Monitor
Median pay
$37,720
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$27,970 – $46,590
People employed
27,110
Holland code
CSR
Conventional · Social · Realistic
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
- 2.Do you work well under tight deadlines?
- 3.Do you enjoy serving customers or the public?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
Passenger Attendants pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (29 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What passenger attendants do
- 01Perform equipment safety checks prior to departure.
- 02Explain and demonstrate safety procedures and safety equipment use.
- 03Provide customers with information on routes, gates, prices, timetables, terminals, or concourses.
- 04Signal transportation operators to stop or to proceed.
- 05Secure passengers for transportation by buckling seatbelts or fastening wheelchairs with tie-down straps.
- 06Respond to passengers' questions, requests, or complaints.
Skills that matter most
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Monitoring
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Learning
Knowledge
- Transportation
- Customer and Personal Service
- Public Safety and Security
- Personnel and Human Resources
- English Language
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Cooperation
- Social Orientation
- Empathy
- Optimism
Education and first steps
O*NET has no education survey data for this job.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: none.
- On-the-job training: over 1 month, up to and including 3 months.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from passenger attendants
- Flight Attendants88% · +69%
- Baggage Porters and Bellhops84% · −2%
- School Bus Monitors83% · −7%
- Orderlies80% · +2%
- Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity80% · +57%
Change into passenger attendants
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- School Bus Monitors89% · $35,100
- Baggage Porters and Bellhops84% · $37,080
- Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers78% · $32,910
- Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants77% · $36,300
- Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks77% · $44,390