Emirates Cabin Crew Salary UAE | Bonuses & Benefits (2025 Updated)
Emirates is one of the world’s leading international airlines, known for award-winning service and a global network of ~130 destinations. With Dubai’s tax-free income, a first-year Emirates Cabin Crew member can earn around AED 10,800–11,000 per month in typical months, depending on flying hours, routes, and allowances.
What is the basic salary for Emirates Cabin Crew?
Grade II (Economy Class) basic salary ranges from AED 4,260–4,835 per month (~USD $1,160–1,316). This fixed component may vary with tenure and increments.
How does flying pay (block hours) work?
Crew earn an hourly rate for time spent in the air (block hours). Emirates pays about AED 63–68 per hour. Typical monthly flying time is 80–100 hours, so flying pay averages AED 5,040–6,800 (~USD $1,370–1,850).
Formula: Hourly rate × Block hours = Monthly flying pay
What does a typical monthly total look like?
Totals vary by month (routes, hours, leave). A common first-year scenario is:
| Component | AED | USD Approx. |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Salary | 4,835 | ~$1,316 |
| Flying Pay | ~6,000 | ~$1,630 |
| Total | ~10,800–11,000 | ~$2,900–3,000 |
How has monthly pay progressed from 2019 to 2024?
The table below shows indicative progression based on multiple statistical sources:
| Year | Basic Salary (AED) | Flying Pay (AED) | Total Monthly (AED) | USD Approx. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 4,600 | ~6,000 | ~10,600 | ~$2,885 |
| 2020 | 4,700 | ~6,200 | ~10,900 | ~$2,965 |
| 2021 | 4,835 | ~6,300 | ~11,100 | ~$3,020 |
| 2022 | 4,835 | ~6,400 | ~11,235 | ~$3,055 |
| 2023 | 4,835 | ~6,500 | ~11,335 | ~$3,080 |
| 2024 | 5,030 (+4% raise) | ~6,700 | ~11,730 | ~$3,185 |
What do trainees earn during the training period?
During the 7–8 week training period, pay is AED 2,000 per month. Flying pay and most benefits do not apply until after training. Plan savings in advance to cover personal expenses.
What’s the estimated annual income?
| Level | Salary (AED/year) | USD Approx. |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level | 130,000–140,000 | ~$35,000–38,000 |
| With Bonuses / Performance Rewards | 150,000–180,000 | ~$41,000–49,000 |
| Higher Grades | 250,000+ | ~$68,000+ |
Which allowances and perks are included?
- Free shared accommodation (utilities included).
- Transportation to/from airport.
- Layover allowances (per diem), varies by city:
- London: ~USD $150 per layover
- New York: ~USD $180–200
- Asian cities: ~USD $70–120
- Annual leave: 30 calendar days + one free ticket home.
- Medical and dental coverage.
- Discounted staff tickets on Emirates and partner airlines.
Do Emirates staff receive profit-sharing bonuses?
In recent years (e.g., 2022–2024), Emirates announced profit-sharing bonuses equivalent to about 20–24 weeks of basic salary. For Cabin Crew, this can total AED 20,000–25,000+, depending on grade and eligibility.
What is the career progression and pay by rank?
| Position | Basic Salary (AED) | Flying Pay (AED) | Total Monthly Pay (AED) | USD Approx. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grade II (Economy Crew) | 4,835 | 6,000–6,500 | 10,800–11,300 | ~$2,940–3,070 |
| Grade I (First Class) | 5,500–6,000 | 6,500–8,000 | 12,000–14,000 | ~$3,270–3,810 |
| Senior Cabin Crew | 6,500–7,000 | 8,000–10,000 | 15,000–17,000+ | ~$4,090–4,640+ |
| Purser | 7,500–8,000 | 9,000–12,000 | 17,000–20,000+ | ~$4,640–5,450+ |
| Cabin Supervisor / Manager | 10,000–12,000 | 13,000–18,000 | 25,000–30,000+ | ~$6,800–8,170+ |
How does Emirates compare with other airlines?
| Airline | Monthly Pay (USD) | Tax-Free | Housing Provided |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emirates | ~$2,900–3,000 | Yes | Yes |
| Qatar Airways | ~$2,800–2,900 | Yes | Yes |
| Etihad Airways | ~$2,500–2,700 | Yes | Yes |
| Delta / United (US) | ~$2,200–2,500 | No | No |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Emirates Cabin Crew get paid?
Typical monthly take-home (basic + flying pay) ranges from AED 8,000–11,000, depending on hours, destinations, and leave days. Housing, transport, and other benefits are provided separately.
What is the first salary of Emirates?
New joiners commonly see about AED 9,770 per month (basic + average flying hours). This can increase with more block hours, specific routes, and performance rewards.
What is the lowest salary in Emirates for Cabin Crew?
The lowest basic salary is around AED 4,430/month, but with flying pay and allowances, monthly totals rarely fall below AED 8,000.
Which country has the highest Cabin Crew salaries?
Cabin Crew in the UAE (Emirates, Etihad) are among the highest paid globally due to tax-free income, allowances, and travel benefits.
Is Emirates the highest-paying Cabin Crew airline?
Emirates is widely regarded as one of the top-paying airlines, with totals around USD $2,900–3,000 per month, tax-free. Qatar Airways and Etihad are close.
What is the age limit for Emirates Cabin Crew?
The minimum age to apply is 21 years. There is no official upper limit; most successful applicants are under 30.
Can I join Emirates without experience?
Yes. Prior experience is not mandatory. Emirates focuses on excellent communication, service mindset, and a professional, positive attitude.
Conclusion & Suggestion
Emirates offers strong earning potential and benefits—ideal for those who want to travel and save. The role can be physically demanding with irregular hours and competitive selection, but for motivated candidates, it is an exciting and rewarding career path.
