Employment of flight attendants is projected to experience little or no change from 2010 to 2020. Despite modest growth in air travel, higher fuel prices and union contracts may prevent airline companies from hiring new flight attendants.
Competition for jobs will remain strong because the occupation is expected to attract more applicants than there are job openings. When entry-level positions do become available, job prospects should be best for applicants with a college degree and 1 to 2 years of customer service experience. Job opportunities may be slightly better at regional or low-cost airliners.
Some job opportunities may arise from the need to replace attendants who leave the workforce. Over the next decade, a number of flight attendants are expected to retire. However, if airline companies decide to slim down their workforce or hire back furloughed attendants, the number of job openings for entry-level candidates may be reduced.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition