Hospitality & Tourism Chicago, IL Pop. 2,693,976

Flight Attendant Salary in Chicago, Illinois

The median flight attendant salary in Chicago, IL is $68,223 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median and 12.6% above the Illinois state average.

City Median
$68,223
vs State Avg
+$7,651
vs National
+$4,463
Cost of Living
107%

Flight Attendant Pay in Chicago: What to Expect (2026)

Chicago offers a median flight attendant salary of $68,223, which is $7,651 above the Illinois state average of $60,572. Compared to the national median of $63,760, Chicago pays above average for this role.

Chicago's cost of living is 107% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for flight attendants in Chicago spans from $40,660 at the 10th percentile to $112,350 at the 90th percentile — a $71,690 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $42,800, while senior flight attendants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $104,860. As a major metro area with a population of 2,693,976, Chicago typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Flight Attendant Salary in Chicago by Experience

In Chicago, an entry-level flight attendant earns around $42,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $104,860 per year. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$42,800
+$2,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$69,550
+$4,550 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$104,860
+$6,860 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chicago, IL

Percentile Chicago
10th Percentile $40,660
25th Percentile $51,360
Median (50th) $68,223
75th Percentile $90,950
90th Percentile $112,350

Flight Attendant Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$68,861
Pop. 149,540
Aurora, IL
$60,572
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$54,196
Pop. 114,394
Rockford, IL
$52,283
Pop. 148,655

How to Become a Flight Attendant in Chicago

Education

Most flight attendant positions require a high school diploma. Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Safety ProceduresCustomer ServiceFirst Aid/CPRConflict ResolutionCultural AwarenessCommunication

Job Outlook

Nationally, flight attendant employment is projected to grow 11% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Chicago may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Flight Attendant Jobs in Chicago

Browse open flight attendant positions in Chicago, IL:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Flight Attendant Salary in Chicago

How much does a Flight Attendant make in Chicago, IL? ▼
The median flight attendant salary in Chicago, Illinois is $68,223 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median of $63,760. Salaries range from $40,660 (10th percentile) to $112,350 (90th percentile).
How much does a Flight Attendant make per hour in Chicago? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $68,223, a flight attendant in Chicago earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chicago compare to the Illinois state average for flight attendant pay? ▼
Chicago's median flight attendant salary of $68,223 is 12.6% above the Illinois state average of $60,572. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chicago, IL? ▼
Chicago has a cost of living index of 107% compared to the national average. This means a flight attendant salary of $68,223 in Chicago has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a flight attendant in Chicago? ▼
Most flight attendant positions in Chicago require a high school diploma. Key skills include Safety Procedures, Customer Service, First Aid/CPR, Conflict Resolution. The job market is projected to grow 11% nationally over the next decade.