Flight Attendant Salary in Elmhurst, IL: $59,271 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time flight attendant in Elmhurst, IL earns a median $59,271/year (≈ $28.50/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2031). Once you factor in Elmhurst's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $61,041 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.4% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, flight attendants in Elmhurst, Illinois, can expect a median annual salary of $59,271, reflecting the seniority-based pay scale prevalent in the industry where years of service significantly influence income over a career lifespan. Salaries for flight attendants here range from $34,378 at the lower end (10th percentile) to $91,871 at the higher end (90th percentile), illustrating considerable variation due to factors such as airline, position, and experience level. These figures are local estimates based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, that account for regional economic conditions, including a cost of living index lower than the national average, which bodes well for those seeking flight attendant positions in this market.
About the Elmhurst Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,378 | $16.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48,724 | $23.42 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,271 | $28.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75,867 | $36.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91,871 | $44.17 |
Median Salary Position
8.15% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Elmhurst
In Elmhurst, IL, the flight attendant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $57,493 (2026 est.). At $59,271, the local median is 8.15% below the national median of $64,527.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Elmhurst: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Elmhurst Flight Attendant Pay Compares
Elmhurst median: $59,271/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Elmhurst Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $62,655 | -5.40% less |
| National Average | $64,527 | -8.15% less |
Flight Attendants in Elmhurst, IL earn a median of $59,271 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.15% lower than the national median of $64,527 and 5.40% below the Illinois state average of $62,655.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Elmhurst 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.
Elmhurst, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A flight attendant earning $59,271 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $61,041 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$52,026
2025 BLS Actual
$58,401
2026 Current Est.
$59,271
2019–2027 Growth
+15.6%
Salary Trajectory for Flight Attendants in Elmhurst (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.49% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,026 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,240 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,619 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,566 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,801 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,136 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,401 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,271 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,154 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Elmhurst metropolitan area, the median flight attendant salary grew 12.3% from $52,026 (2019) to $58,401 (2025). At a 1.49% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $60,154 by 2027 — a total increase of $8,128 (15.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Elmhurst 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) | $34,378 – $48,724 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $48,724 – $59,271 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,271 – $75,867 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $75,867 – $91,871 |
FA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual flight attendant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Flight Attendant Job Market in Elmhurst
As of 2026, the employment of nine flight attendants in Elmhurst highlights a modest local job market that is influenced by major U.S. carriers as well as regional and low-cost airlines. With a cost of living index standing at 97.1, flight attendants can enjoy a slightly better purchasing power compared to other regions, enhancing the attractiveness of local salaries. Major airlines typically offer more competitive pay structures compared to regional rivals, and positions that involve international long-haul routes often carry additional financial incentives. To maximize earnings in Elmhurst's aviation market, aspiring flight attendants should seek out opportunities with well-established carriers that reward seniority, prioritize international positions for potential premiums, and capitalize on per-diem allowances, which can add significant tax-advantaged earnings when away from base. Thus, a strategic approach to career planning and employer choice can significantly impact overall compensation in this sector.
More salary data for Elmhurst, 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 $58,401 for flight attendantsin the Elmhurst 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 Elmhurst 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