Aurora vs Des Plaines: Flight Attendant Salary (2026)
Compare flight attendant salaries between Aurora, IL and Des Plaines, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Aurora, IL | Des Plaines, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,872▲ | $60,573 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.75▲ | $29.12 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,886▲ | $35,133 |
| 25th Percentile | $48,441▲ | $47,809 |
| 75th Percentile | $79,197▲ | $77,534 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $95,902▲ | $93,888 |
| Total Employed | 44▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Aurora, IL offers better overall compensation for flight attendants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Des Plaines.
The salary gap between Aurora and Des Plaines is $1,299 (2.14%). 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 Aurora spans $60,016,Des Plaines spans $58,755. Aurora has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Aurora ($63,720 effective) pays 2.14% more than Des Plaines ($62,382 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Des Plaines if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, flight attendant salaries in Aurora grew -11.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -11.7% growth in Des Plaines over the same period.
Aurora, IL
$69,038 (2024) → $60,964 (2025)
Des Plaines, IL
$67,588 (2024) → $59,684 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Aurora, IL
Des Plaines, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays flight attendants more: Aurora or Des Plaines?
What is the hourly rate difference between Aurora and Des Plaines?
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Related Comparisons
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
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