What is the minimum hourly rate for an air hostess under the award?

The Aircraft Cabin Crew Award sets a minimum hourly rate of $28.88 for a full-time cabin crew member. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, making it $36.10 per hour, plus a flying allowance of $18.40 per flying hour.

How is superannuation calculated for air hostesses?

Superannuation is paid on top of ordinary earnings at 12% (from 1 July 2026). For a full-time air hostess earning $57,066 annual salary, the employer contributes about $6,848 in super, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830.

Does the air hostess salary include flying allowances?

No. The minimum rate does not include the flying allowance. The award requires an additional $18.40 per flying hour (scheduled block hours), so actual take-home can be significantly higher.

Air Hostess Salary: Award Rates, Casual Loading, and Super Paid on Top

Under the Aircraft Cabin Crew Award, a full-time air hostess (cabin crew member) earns a minimum hourly rate of $28.88, which for a 38-hour week gives an annual salary of approximately $57,066 before tax, plus super and flying allowances.

Understanding the Air Hostess Salary

When you search for an "air hostess salary" in Australia, the most authoritative source is the Aircraft Cabin Crew Award 2020 from the Fair Work Ombudsman. This award covers cabin crew members, including those commonly called air hostesses or flight attendants. It sets minimum pay rates, allowances, and conditions.

Minimum Hourly and Weekly Rates

Under the award, a full-time cabin crew member must be paid at least $28.88 per hour or $1,097.40 per week. These rates apply from 1 July 2026. Full-time employment is defined as rostered hours between 1,716 and 1,872 per year, but the hourly rate is based on a 38-hour week for calculation purposes.

In addition to the base rate, employees receive a flying allowance of $18.40 per hour for scheduled block hours. This means an air hostess flying 80 hours per month could earn an extra $1,472 in allowances alone.

Casual Loading and Pay

Casual cabin crew members are entitled to a 25% loading on the minimum hourly rate. This is instead of paid leave and other entitlements. The casual rate is $36.10 per hour ($28.88 × 1.25). Casuals also receive the flying allowance on top, and a minimum payment of 4 hours per engagement.

Converting Hourly to Annual Salary

The standard formula for annual gross pay is:

Hourly rate × hours per week × 52

For a full-time air hostess on the minimum rate, assuming 38 hours per week:

$28.88 × 38 × 52 = $57,066 per year

If you include the flying allowance for, say, 80 flying hours per month (about 18.5 hours per week), the annual gross could be:

Base: $57,066 + Flying allowance: $18.40 × 18.5 × 52 = $17,707 ≈ $74,773 total

Use our the timesheet to enter your hourly rate and see the annual equivalent. You can also check pay guides for award-specific details.

Fortnightly Pay

Many airlines pay fortnightly. Multiply your weekly rate by 2. For the minimum weekly rate of $1,097.40, a fortnightly gross is $2,194.80 before tax and allowances.

Superannuation Paid on Top

Employers must pay superannuation guarantee at 12% of ordinary earnings (from 1 July 2026). This is on top of your salary, not deducted from it. For a $57,066 salary, the super contribution is about $6,848 per year, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830.

Tax on Air Hostess Salary

Using the 2026–27 resident tax rates:

Nil tax on first $18,200
15% on income from $18,201 to $45,000
30% on income from $45,001 to $135,000
37% on income from $135,001 to $190,000
45% above $190,000

Plus Medicare levy of 2% (with possible reductions for low incomes). For a $57,066 salary, tax would be approximately $7,717 plus Medicare $1,141, leaving about $48,208 after tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a precise estimate.

Comparison with National Minimum Wage

The National Minimum Wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, or $33.05 casual. The air hostess award rate of $28.88 is higher, reflecting the specialised nature of the role. Casual air hostesses earn $36.10, well above the national casual minimum.

Enterprise Agreements and Part-Time Work

Many airlines have enterprise agreements that provide pay above the award. Always check your specific employment contract. The award is the legal minimum. Part-time employees receive pro-rata entitlements and overtime for hours beyond their agreed roster.

Using Our Tools

the timesheet – convert your hourly rate to annual, fortnightly, and weekly.
reference tables – see all award rates and allowances.
casual loading – understand how the 25% loading works.
super and packaging – learn about salary sacrifice and super.
minimum wage – compare with the national floor.
average pay – see how air hostess pay compares to other roles.
hourly conversion – more on the formula.
job pay – explore other occupations.

Summary

An air hostess salary under the Aircraft Cabin Crew Award starts at $28.88 per hour for full-time employees, plus a flying allowance. Casual workers get a 25% loading. Superannuation is paid on top at 12%. Use our calculator to estimate your annual pay based on your actual hours and allowances. Remember that the award is the minimum; many employers pay more through enterprise agreements.