Flight attendant: the most competitive job in China

Airline stewardesses-to-be present Qipao, or cheongsam , at the scenic spots in Chengdu, capital of Southwest China's Sichuan province, April 13, 2016.[Photo/Chinanews.com]

In recent years, air hostessing has come to be seen as one of the most competitive jobs in China. It has extremely strict requirements, and approximately 50 people apply for each available position.

In addition to fulfilling a height requirement, flight attendant candidates must also pass a physical examination encompassing internal, ophthalmological and otorhinolaryngological health. Artistic performance is another selection standard for flight attendants.

China's past developing economy contributed to the popularity of the occupation. Because airplanes used to be seen not merely a mode of transportation, but also as a symbol of high social status, it used to be a true honor to work on an airplane.

With the exception of airlines in Asian countries such as China and Japan, most countries do not have such strict requirements for their flight attendants. In European countries, it is not always seen as an appealing job.

Indeed, the average income of flight attendants is not as high as many people believe it to be. The monthly salary of flight attendants on domestic flights in China is generally between 2,000 (around $300) and 3,000 yuan. They can make 5,000 to 6,000 yuan per month including subsidies.

The income of attendants on international flights can reach 10,000 yuan or more, and sometimes up to 20,000. However, it is difficult to reach that level without fluency in a foreign language, in which case other industries may be just as appealing.