Flight Attendants Salary in Chicago, IL-IN

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN

Median annual salary $62,120 -7.5% vs national
Median hourly
10th percentile $31,170
90th percentile $100,760
Employed locally 9,200
National median $67,130

Compare Flight Attendants salary & buying power

Type a city below to see how Chicago, IL-IN stacks up on salary and cost of living.

Full tool →
Flight Attendants
in
Chicago, IL-IN
vs

    In Chicago and its surrounding areas in Illinois and Indiana, flight attendants earn a median annual salary of $62,120, which is slightly below the national median for this occupation at $67,130. When comparing these earnings to local household income figures, it becomes evident that flight attendants typically earn less than the area’s median household income of $88,850. This suggests that while flight attending provides a solid source of income, many households may rely on multiple earners or additional sources of income to reach or surpass the median household level.

    For entry-level flight attendants in this region, earnings are considerably lower; at the 10th percentile, they make approximately $31,170 annually. As they gain experience and advance in their careers, salaries increase significantly, with those at the 25th percentile earning around $60,630 and individuals at the 75th percentile receiving about $77,620 per year. Those at the higher end of the spectrum, specifically the 90th percentile, can earn upwards of $100,760 annually. The disparity in earnings between entry-level and experienced workers is driven by factors such as seniority, specialized skills, additional responsibilities, and negotiation capabilities that come with experience in the industry.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $31,170
    25th
    $60,630
    50th (median)
    $62,120
    75th
    $77,620
    90th
    $100,760

    Chicago economic context

    Unemployment rate 5.10% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $88,850 2023 • Census ACS
    Flight Attendants salary vs area income 70% Median Flight Attendants salary is 30% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Flight Attendants make per hour in Chicago?

    The median hourly wage for Flight Attendants in Chicago, IL-IN is —, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make — or more per hour.

    Is Chicago above or below average for Flight Attendants salaries?

    The median Flight Attendants salary in Chicago, IL-IN is 7.5% below the national median of $67,130. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Flight Attendants in Chicago?

    Entry-level Flight Attendants (10th percentile) earn around $31,170 per year in Chicago, IL-IN. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $60,630.