Rockford vs Wheeling: Flight Attendant Salary (2026)
Compare flight attendant salaries between Rockford, IL and Wheeling, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rockford, IL | Wheeling, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,145▲ | $61,163 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.88▲ | $29.40 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,044 | $36,309▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $50,321 | $51,239▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $79,546▲ | $78,288 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $96,325▲ | $94,803 |
| Total Employed | 34▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Rockford, IL offers better overall compensation for flight attendants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wheeling.
The salary gap between Rockford and Wheeling is $982 (1.61%). Rockford's median is -3.69% compared to the US national median of $64,527.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rockford spans $60,281,Wheeling spans $58,494. Rockford has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Rockford ($64,001 effective) pays 1.61% more than Wheeling ($62,990 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Rockford if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,145/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($96,325)
- ✓Larger job market (34 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,001)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Wheeling if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, flight attendant salaries in Rockford grew -11.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -11.7% growth in Wheeling over the same period.
Rockford, IL
$69,343 (2024) → $61,233 (2025)
Wheeling, IL
$68,246 (2024) → $60,265 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rockford, IL
Wheeling, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Comparisons
Written by Emily Johnson, AFA-CWA
Career Analyst
Emily Johnson has 10 years of experience as a flight attendant. She specializes in passenger safety and service. She has worked for major airlines in the United States.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 1.49% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Emily Johnson, AFA-CWA, a licensed flight attendant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov