The $70K Career That AI Can’t Replace

This Job Comes With a 401(k) Match, Free Flights, and No Degree

November 04, 2025

If your current job only gives you burnout and PTO guilt, it might be time to look higher…like 30,000 feet higher ☁️

This week, we interviewed Nicholas Alston, a flight attendant who traded managing food trucks for flying international routes, and now makes over $70K a year with free flights, paid vacations, and a 401(k) match that puts most corporate jobs to shame.

Keep reading to see how he did it (and how you can too) 👇

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Project Controls Specialist, Amtrak: $78K-101K (New York, NY)

Talent Manager, Robert Half: $60K-$68K (Boca Raton, FL)

Getting paid to travel the world sounds like a dream, but for Nicholas Alston, it’s just another workday!

We first met Nicholas in Boston at one of our live events, where we did a quick interview. His career path was so intriguing, though, that we interviewed him again by email and then brought him on our podcast for a deeper conversation!

Nicholas used to manage food trucks before a chat with a rugby teammate inspired a career change. That teammate, a flight attendant, raved about free flights, a high 401(k) match, and a better work-life balance. Nicholas was inspired to apply, and it paid off!

So, if you’ve ever dreamed of swapping your 9-to-5 for something that lets you see the world while stacking your savings, this career might be your ticket!

✈️ How to Become a Flight Attendant

While you don't need a college degree or experience for the job, to qualify for most flight attendant jobs, you’ll need:

  • A high school diploma or GED

  • The ability to pass a background check

  • Completion of a multi-week training program (specific to your airline)

  • For bilingual roles, fluency in English plus another language (French, Spanish, Korean, etc.)

Nicholas’s advice? “The hiring process is long with a lot of competition. I applied to every airline I could and picked the best offer.”

🪙 How Much Do Flight Attendants Make?

Flight attendants are paid hourly, but it's essential to keep in mind that, for many U.S.-based airlines, pay only starts once the plane doors close and the brakes are released. Yes, that means boarding time isn’t paid 🙃 (unless you work for Delta or Alaska).

Average pay structure:

  • New hires: $22–$36/hour

  • Top of scale: $37–$88/hour (varies by airline, usually maxes out after 12-13 years)

  • Per diem: $2–$3.50/hour or more, depending on trip length (8 to 72+ hours)

Nicholas’s real numbers, at 6-year pay:

  • 2024 salary: $62,000

  • 2025 goal: $78,000, flying 90 hours/month

Benefits include:

  • Up to 9.3% 401(k) match

  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage

  • Parental and bonding leave

  • Paid vacation + sick time

  • And of course, free flights for you, your partner, parents, and kids (plus discounts on hotels and rental cars)

“It’s a very dynamic job that keeps you on your toes,” Nicholas says. “The flexibility and perks are what make it worth it. I even have time for side hustles outside the airline.”

Want to learn how Nicholas built $100K in net worth and what life as a flight attendant is really like? Read the full breakdown here!

Loved Nicholas’s story? We kept the conversation going on Two Cents!

Nicholas joined us to share what it’s really like to work as a Flight Attendant, from the misconceptions passengers have about the job to the emotional labor that keeps planes running smoothly. He also shared how flyers can better support cabin crews, what airlines can do to make these high-pressure jobs more sustainable, and much more.

Tune in on YouTube below, or on your preferred podcast platform here!

See you next week for more career tips, money moves, and transparent advice! 💚

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