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.

近年来，空姐已被视为中国最具竞争力的工作之一。该职业要求极其严格，每个职位大约有50人共同竞争。

In addition to fulfilling a height requirement, flight attendant candidates must also pass a physical examination encompassing¹ internal, ophthalmological and otorhinolaryngological health. Artistic² performance is another selection standard for flight attendants.

除了身高要求，空姐候选人还必须通过包括内科、眼科以及耳鼻喉科在内的各项体检。同时，文艺表演也是选拔空姐的另一项标准。

China's past developing economy contributed to the popularity of the occupation. Because airplanes used to be seen not merely a mode of transportation³, but also as a symbol of high social status, it used to be a true honor to work on an airplane.

中国经济的腾飞使得空姐一职越来越受欢迎。因为飞机不仅仅是一种交通方式，也是社会地位的象征，能在飞机上工作是一项荣耀。

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.

不过除中国和日本之外，大多数亚洲国家对空姐要求并不严格。在欧洲，空姐也并不太受欢迎。

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 subsidies⁴.

事实上，空姐的平均收入并不如人们想象得那么高。中国国内航班的月薪大致为2000（约300美元）到3000元，加上各类补贴才能达到5000到6000元。

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 fluency⁵ in a foreign language, in which case other industries may be just as appealing.

在国际航班中，空姐的收入能达到10000元以上，有时则高达20000元。然而，没有一口流利的外语很难达到这一水平。并且在这种情况下，其他行业也同样具有吸引力。