Flight Attendant Salary

Algonquin vs Aurora: Flight Attendant Salary (2026)

Compare flight attendant salaries between Algonquin, IL and Aurora, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Algonquin, IL
$60,803
$29.23/hr
Aurora, IL
$61,872
$29.75/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAlgonquin, ILAurora, IL
Median Salary$60,803$61,872
Hourly Rate$29.23$29.75
Entry Level (P10)$35,266$35,886
25th Percentile$51,850$48,441
75th Percentile$77,828$79,197
Top Earner (P90)$94,245$95,902
Total Employed544
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Algonquin ($60,803) and Aurora ($61,872) flight attendant salaries.AlgonquinAuroraMedian Salary$60,803$61,872Entry Level (P10)$35,266$35,886Top Earner (P90)$94,245$95,902US Median $64,527

Verdict

Aurora, IL offers better overall compensation for flight attendants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Algonquin.

The salary gap between Algonquin and Aurora is $1,069 (1.76%). Aurora's median is -4.11% compared to the US national median of $64,527.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Algonquin spans $58,979,Aurora spans $60,016. Aurora has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced flight attendants.

Algonquin
P10 (Entry)$35,266
P25$51,850
Median$60,803
P75$77,828
P90 (Top)$94,245
Aurora
P10 (Entry)$35,886
P25$48,441
Median$61,872
P75$79,197
P90 (Top)$95,902

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Aurora ($63,720 effective) pays 1.76% more than Algonquin ($62,619 effective).

Algonquin
Nominal: $60,803
CoL Index: 97.1
Adjusted: $62,619
Aurora
Nominal: $61,872
CoL Index: 97.1
Adjusted: $63,720

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Algonquin if…

  • You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle

Choose Aurora if…

  • Higher median salary ($61,872/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($95,902)
  • Larger job market (44 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $63,720)
  • You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, flight attendant salaries in Algonquin grew -11.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -11.7% growth in Aurora over the same period.

Algonquin, IL

+-11.7%

$67,844 (2024) → $59,910 (2025)

Aurora, IL

+-11.7%

$69,038 (2024) → $60,964 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays flight attendants more: Algonquin or Aurora?

Aurora has a higher median flight attendant salary at $61,872/year, compared to Algonquin at $60,803/year — a difference of $1,069 (1.76%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Algonquin and Aurora?

Algonquin flight attendants earn $29.23/hr while Aurora hygienists earn $29.75/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Algonquin to Aurora as a flight attendant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Algonquin and Aurora. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Algonquin = $62,619, Aurora = $63,720), job availability (5 vs 44 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level flight attendants earn in Algonquin vs Aurora?

Entry-level (10th percentile) flight attendants earn $35,266 in Algonquin and $35,886 in Aurora. The Aurora area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

EJ

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.

Clinically reviewed by Raj Patel, AFA-CWAData verified by Maria Gomez, AFA-CWA

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