Chile has no public pay scale for flight attendants, officially called cabin crew members: each airline pays differently and does not publish its figures. What can be explained with certainty is how income is made up and what the aviation authority requires to do the job. The figures circulating online are estimates from training schools and forums, not official data.
How a flight attendant's pay is made up
| Component | What it is |
|---|---|
| Base salary | The fixed amount in the contract |
| Variable pay | Depends on the month's activity: each company defines its formula |
| Per diems | Cover expenses when staying overnight away from home |
| Other | Bonuses for night flights, holidays or international routes, depending on the airline |
That is why two crew members at the same airline can receive different amounts in the same month: how much they flew and where matters. A guide by the specialist site Aerotest, updated in October 2026, acknowledges that it could not verify a single public scale to give a national range.
What it takes to become a flight attendant in Chile
The licence is granted by the Directorate General of Civil Aeronautics (DGAC). These are the requirements, as Meganoticias reported in September 2026:
- Age: 18 at the time of the tests.
- Education: completed secondary school.
- Identity: valid Chilean ID; foreigners need permanent residence.
- Record: no disqualifying criminal record.
- Health: class 2 aviation medical certificate.
- Height and weight: not required by the rules, although some airlines have their own standards.
How long flight attendant training takes
| Step | Detail |
|---|---|
| 1. Course | At a training centre certified by the DGAC; it usually lasts 4 to 8 months |
| 2. Theory exam | Computer-based; 75% is required in each subject |
| 3. Medical certificate | Class 2, before the practical tests |
| 4. Practical test | Evacuation in a cabin simulator and ditching in a pool |
| 5. Licence and rating | Flying also requires a rating for the aircraft type |
If you are interested in pay for other jobs, see how much a police officer earns and how much a teacher earns in Chile, where public scales do exist.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a flight attendant earn in Chile?
There is no official figure. Income adds up base salary, variable activity pay and per diems, and changes by airline.
Is there a minimum height to be a flight attendant?
Chilean rules do not require one, although some airlines have their own requirements.
How long is the course?
Usually between 4 and 8 months.
