Flight Attendant Salary in Rock Island, IL: $60,895 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time flight attendant in Rock Island, IL earns a median $60,895/year (≈ $29.28/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2031). Once you factor in Rock Island's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $62,714 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.8% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Flight attendants in Rock Island, Illinois, can expect a median annual salary of $60,895 in 2026, which is approximately 5.63% lower than the national median of $64,527. The salary range showcases a wide spectrum, with entry-level positions commanding around $35,320 (P10) while experienced attendants can earn up to $94,388 (P90). These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost disparities. The local job market is shaped by the presence of major airlines alongside regional and low-cost carriers, and these structural choices directly influence pay scales. Understanding these dynamics is critical when considering a career as a flight attendant in Rock Island.
About the Rock Island Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,320 | $16.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52,041 | $25.02 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,895 | $29.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77,945 | $37.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94,388 | $45.38 |
Median Salary Position
5.63% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rock Island
In Rock Island, IL, the flight attendant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $59,068 (2026 est.). At $60,895, the local median is 5.63% below the national median of $64,527.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Rock Island: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Rock Island Flight Attendant Pay Compares
Rock Island median: $60,895/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Rock Island Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $62,649 | -2.80% less |
| National Average | $64,527 | -5.63% less |
Flight Attendants in Rock Island, IL earn a median of $60,895 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.63% lower than the national median of $64,527 and 2.80% below the Illinois state average of $62,649.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Rock Island 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.
Rock Island, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A flight attendant earning $60,895 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $62,714 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$53,452
2025 BLS Actual
$60,001
2026 Current Est.
$60,895
2019–2027 Growth
+15.6%
Salary Trajectory for Flight Attendants in Rock Island (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.49% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,452 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,726 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,170 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,171 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,521 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,948 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,001 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,895 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,802 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Rock Island metropolitan area, the median flight attendant salary grew 12.3% from $53,452 (2019) to $60,001 (2025). At a 1.49% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,802 by 2027 — a total increase of $8,350 (15.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rock Island 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) | $35,320 – $52,041 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $52,041 – $60,895 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,895 – $77,945 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $77,945 – $94,388 |
FA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual flight attendant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Flight Attendant Job Market in Rock Island
In Rock Island, only five flight attendants are currently employed, which suggests a competitive environment for securing positions in the industry. The cost of living index for the area stands at 97.1, indicating that living expenses are slightly lower than the national average, potentially enhancing the purchasing power of flight attendants' salaries. Most employers in this market are major US carriers, and pay differentials can be driven by factors such as seniority, where years of service significantly affect earnings. Senior flight attendants at major airlines can see their salaries rise substantially, especially when considering perks like per-diem compensation, which can boost total earnings during travel. To maximize earning potential in Rock Island, candidates should focus on building experience, exploring opportunities with major airlines for the best pay, and seeking out international routes that often come with a considerable premium.
More salary data for Rock Island, 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 $60,001 for flight attendantsin the Rock Island 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 Rock Island 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