1. Introduction
Many people ask about air hostess starting salary in India. This is a very popular question because many young girls and boys want to become air hostesses or cabin crew. The job looks exciting. You get to fly in planes, wear smart uniforms, and travel to new places. But one of the most important things people want to know is: “How much money does an air hostess earn when she starts?”
The aviation industry in India is growing fast. More people are flying every year. Airlines like IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet need new air hostesses every month. That’s why it has become a great career choice. You can start after completing your 12th class, go through training, and begin working at a young age.
In this blog post, we will talk about who can become an air hostess, how much salary they get when they start, and what benefits come with the job. We will also explain how to increase your salary and grow in your career. Everything is written in easy words so that even an 11-year-old can understand it.
If you are curious about air hostess starting salary in India, you’re in the right place. This guide will help you understand the job better and decide if it’s the right career for you. Keep reading to learn more about the pay, perks, and path of an air hostess.
2. Who Can Become an Air Hostess?
Anyone who has passed Class 12 can apply to become an air hostess. You don’t need a college degree to start. But you must meet some basic requirements. Let’s look at them one by one.
Basic Eligibility Criteria:
- Age: You should be between 18 and 27 years old.
- Education: You must have passed Class 12 (12th standard) from any stream.
- Language: You should be good at English and Hindi. Some airlines also prefer knowing another language.
- Height: You should be at least 155 cm tall (for girls) or 170 cm (for boys). Height may differ slightly from one airline to another.
- Eyesight: Your vision must be normal or correctable with contact lenses.
- Health: You should be physically fit and have a clear complexion.
Soft Skills Needed:
- A good air hostess is always polite, confident, and calm.
- You must have good communication skills to talk to passengers.
- Your grooming should be professional—clean clothes, neat hair, and a fresh look.
- Being friendly, helpful, and quick to respond is very important.
Training and Certification:
To become an air hostess, you must complete a short cabin crew training course. Many private institutes offer this training. The course usually takes 3 to 6 months. It teaches safety, service, and emergency help. After completing training, you must pass interviews to get the job.
3. Air Hostess Starting Salary in India
The starting salary means the money you get in your first job as an air hostess. This salary can change depending on the airline, your training, and your interview performance.
Most freshers in India earn between ₹28,000 and ₹50,000 per month when they join a domestic airline. Your salary will grow as you gain experience.
Here is a table that shows the starting salaries for freshers in popular Indian airlines:
| Airline | Starting Monthly Salary | Approx Yearly Salary |
|---|---|---|
| IndiGo | ₹30,000 – ₹40,000 | ₹3.6L – ₹4.8L |
| SpiceJet | ₹28,000 – ₹38,000 | ₹3.3L – ₹4.5L |
| Air India | ₹35,000 – ₹50,000 | ₹4.2L – ₹6L |
| Vistara | ₹32,000 – ₹42,000 | ₹3.8L – ₹5L |
| Go First | ₹28,000 – ₹35,000 | ₹3.3L – ₹4.2L |
This salary includes basic pay, plus money for flying hours, layovers, and small bonuses.
Remember: Even if the salary seems small at first, you also get many free perks like travel, food, and stay.
4. What is Included in the Salary Package?
An air hostess doesn’t just earn a fixed amount. The full salary package has many parts. Let’s understand them.
Basic Pay vs. Allowances:
- Basic pay is your fixed monthly salary.
- Allowances are extra money for working in the air. These include:
- Flying allowance: For every hour you fly.
- Layover allowance: For staying overnight in another city.
- Meal allowance: For food when you are on duty.
Other Benefits:
- Free stay at hotels during layovers
- Uniforms and grooming kits are given by the airline
- Free or discounted air travel for you and your family
- Medical insurance and accident cover
Bonuses:
- Airlines may give performance bonuses if you do your job well.
- Some give yearly bonuses or festival gifts.
So, when you add up all these, your total monthly value is higher than the basic salary.
5. Factors That Affect Starting Salary
Your salary as a beginner depends on many things. Not all freshers earn the same. Let’s see what changes your starting pay.
Type of Airline:
- Premium airlines like Air India or Vistara pay more.
- Low-cost airlines like SpiceJet may offer a little less.
City or Base Location:
- Working from big cities like Delhi or Mumbai may bring higher allowances.
- Smaller cities may pay less due to lower living costs.
Training Academy Reputation:
- If you train from a well-known institute, airlines may offer better salary.
- Good training improves your interview chances too.
Interview Performance and Skills:
- If you perform well in your interview and group discussions, your chances of getting a better package go up.
- Good English and grooming also help in earning more.
6. Tips for Increasing Starting Salary
If you want to earn a higher salary from your first job, follow these tips:
Choose Top Training Institutes:
- Join a training school with a good name and high placement rates.
- Ask past students about their experience before joining.
Improve English and Communication:
- Speak clearly and confidently in English.
- Practice public speaking and polite conversation.
Maintain Grooming and Personality:
- Dress neatly and carry yourself with confidence.
- Airlines look for smart, clean, and professional candidates.
Prepare Well for Interviews:
- Practice mock interviews with friends or trainers.
- Learn common interview questions and answers.
- Show your positive attitude and helpful nature.
By following these tips, you can increase your chances of getting a better salary offer as a fresher.
7. Career Growth After Joining
Air hostess is not just a job—it can be a full career. Your salary and position will grow as you gain more experience.
Salary Growth:
- After 1 to 2 years, your salary may go from ₹40,000 to ₹60,000 or more.
- Senior air hostesses and pursers earn up to ₹80,000–₹1 lakh per month.
Promotion Levels:
- Junior Cabin Crew
- Senior Cabin Crew
- Lead Cabin Crew
- Purser (Team Head)
- Trainer or Instructor
Other Career Options:
- You can become a trainer in a cabin crew academy.
- You can work on the ground staff as a manager.
- Some move into aviation HR, planning, or even start their own training centers.
Air hostess jobs offer a clear growth path with higher income, more respect, and exciting roles.
How much do air hostesses earn in their first month?
In their first month, air hostesses in India usually earn between ₹28,000 and ₹50,000, depending on the airline. This is called their starting salary. The amount includes basic pay and allowances for flying hours, meals, and night stays. Most freshers start with this amount in domestic airlines like IndiGo, SpiceJet, or Air India.
Here’s an example to understand better. If you work for IndiGo, your basic pay may be around ₹20,000. On top of that, you may get ₹10,000–₹20,000 more for every hour you fly and for staying in hotels during overnight trips. So, all this is added together to make your monthly pay.
Your first month might also be a little different depending on your joining date. If you join in the middle of the month, your first salary might be less. But from the second month, you will get your full amount.
Remember, some benefits like free food, stay, and travel tickets are not included in the salary. But they are big savings and help you enjoy the job even more.
So, the simple answer is: Air hostesses earn ₹28,000 to ₹50,000 in their first month, depending on which airline they work for.
Is training included in the salary?
No, training is not included in the salary. When someone is learning to become an air hostess, they are still a student or trainee. Most people pay money to get trained. Training is done in cabin crew institutes, and it usually lasts between 3 to 6 months.
During this time, you do not earn a salary. Instead, you pay a fee that can be between ₹80,000 and ₹2.5 lakhs, depending on the institute. This fee covers your classes, grooming lessons, uniforms, and sometimes even accommodation.
Some airlines also give in-house training after you clear their interview. Even in this case, airlines usually do not pay a full salary during training. But they may give you a small stipend like ₹5,000 to ₹15,000 per month. This money helps with basic needs.
Once your training ends and you start flying, your real salary begins. So, training time is not included in your regular salary. It is an investment in your future job.
So, to keep it simple: You don’t earn a full salary during training, but some airlines may give you a small stipend.
Which airline gives the best starting pay?
In India, Air India usually gives the highest starting salary to new air hostesses. The salary can go up to ₹50,000 per month. Other good-paying airlines include Vistara and IndiGo.
Here’s a quick look at which airlines pay well:
Airline
Starting Monthly Salary
Air India
₹35,000 – ₹50,000
Vistara
₹32,000 – ₹42,000
IndiGo
₹30,000 – ₹40,000
SpiceJet
₹28,000 – ₹38,000
Go First
₹28,000 – ₹35,000
The best pay doesn’t only depend on money. It also includes benefits like travel, free stay, health insurance, and more. Some international airlines, like Emirates or Qatar Airways, offer even higher salaries, but they hire after you have some experience or clear tough interviews.
So, in India, Air India gives the best starting salary to new air hostesses. But many other airlines also pay well and offer great perks.