Flight Attendant Salary in Carol Stream, IL: $60,750 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time flight attendant in Carol Stream, IL earns a median $60,750/year (≈ $29.21/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2031). Once you factor in Carol Stream's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $62,564 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, flight attendants in Carol Stream, IL, can expect a median annual salary of $60,750, reflecting a slight dip compared to the national average of $64,527. Local estimates indicate salaries ranging significantly from $35,235 at the 10th percentile to $94,162 at the 90th percentile. This data, derived from projected 2025 BLS figures adjusted for regional cost factors, highlights the implications of the structural choices within the aviation industry. While major airlines typically offer the highest salaries along with benefits, regional and low-cost carriers provide varied compensation packages that can affect the overall earning potential in Carol Stream's job market.
About the Carol Stream Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,235 | $16.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,740 | $24.88 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,750 | $29.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77,760 | $37.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94,162 | $45.27 |
Median Salary Position
5.85% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Carol Stream
In Carol Stream, IL, the flight attendant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $58,927 (2026 est.). At $60,750, the local median is 5.85% below the national median of $64,527.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Carol Stream: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Carol Stream Flight Attendant Pay Compares
Carol Stream median: $60,750/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Carol Stream Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $62,629 | -3.00% less |
| National Average | $64,527 | -5.85% less |
Flight Attendants in Carol Stream, IL earn a median of $60,750 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.85% lower than the national median of $64,527 and 3.00% below the Illinois state average of $62,629.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Carol Stream has a cost of living 2.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Carol Stream, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A flight attendant earning $60,750 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $62,564 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$53,324
2025 BLS Actual
$59,858
2026 Current Est.
$60,750
2019–2027 Growth
+15.6%
Salary Trajectory for Flight Attendants in Carol Stream (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.49% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,324 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,593 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,032 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,027 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,368 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,785 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,858 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,750 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,655 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Carol Stream metropolitan area, the median flight attendant salary grew 12.3% from $53,324 (2019) to $59,858 (2025). At a 1.49% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,655 by 2027 — a total increase of $8,331 (15.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Carol Stream metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 1.49% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $35,235 – $51,740 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,740 – $60,750 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,750 – $77,760 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $77,760 – $94,162 |
FA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual flight attendant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Flight Attendant Job Market in Carol Stream
The aviation job market in Carol Stream is relatively niche, with only 10 flight attendants employed locally. The cost of living index stands at 97.1, slightly below the national average, which can enhance the purchasing power of those in the profession. Employers such as major US carriers tend to lead in compensation, but options also exist with regional airlines and low-cost carriers. Pay disparities in this field result from factors like the seniority-based pay scale, specialized roles such as instructors, and the international long-haul premium which can significantly elevate earnings. To maximize pay in this competitive market, flight attendants should consider pursuing positions with major carriers for advancement opportunities, engaging in continued training for proficiency, and taking advantage of per-diem benefits for travel-related expenses.
More salary data for Carol Stream, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $59,858 for flight attendantsin the Carol Stream metropolitan area. A 1.49% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Carol Stream is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.49%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for flight attendants (SOC 53-2031).
Compiled and verified by Emily Johnson, AFA-CWA, a licensed flight attendant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov