How to become a purser or flight attendant
Official title: Pursers and flight attendants
Also called: Ship purser, Flight purser, Airline purser, Flight attendant, Flight service director, Purser - water transport, Aircraft flight attendant, In-flight service manager, In-charge flight attendant, Purser - air transportation, Commissary attendant - air transport, Ship supply officer
Pursers and flight attendants ensure the safety and comfort of passengers and crew members during flights. Ship pursers attend to the safety and comfort of passengers aboard ships. Airline pursers and flight attendants are employed by airline companies. Ship pursers are employed by tour boat or cruise ship companies.
Main tasks
- Flight attendants
- Greet passengers, explain and demonstrate safety procedures, check the general condition of the aircraft cabin, ensure that all necessary supplies are on board
- Attend to safety of passengers during take-offs, landings and emergencies
- Serve food and beverages to passengers and make flight announcements
- Flight pursers, customer service directors and passenger service directors
- Coordinate the activities of flight attendants, provide service to passengers during flight and complete reports
- Ship pursers
- Supervise ship attendants and arrange activities for passengers
How to become one
Flight attendants and flight pursers require the completion of secondary school and a training program approved by Transport Canada. Flight pursers/customer service directors require experience as a flight attendant. Ship pursers may require experience as a ship attendant. Flight attendants and ship pursers usually require experience working with the public.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $60,938 a year The middle half earn $52,787 to $97,500.
- About 14,600 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 15,700 are projected by 2033. (+7.5%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
Related jobs
- Travel counsellors
- Airline ticket and service agents
- Ground and water transport ticket agents, cargo service representatives and related clerks
- Hotel front desk clerks
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Questions people ask
How do I become a purser or flight attendant?
Flight attendants and flight pursers require the completion of secondary school and a training program approved by Transport Canada. Flight pursers/customer service directors require experience as a flight attendant. Ship pursers may require experience as a ship attendant. Flight attendants and ship pursers usually require experience working with the public.
How much does a purser or flight attendant earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $60,938 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $52,787 to $97,500.
Is a purser or flight attendant a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 8% by 2033, from about 14,600 to about 15,700 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a purser or flight attendant?
Usually not. Only 23% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03