Flight Attendant Salary

Aurora vs Schaumburg: Flight Attendant Salary (2026)

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

Aurora, IL
$61,872
$29.75/hr
Schaumburg, IL
$61,530
$29.58/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAurora, ILSchaumburg, IL
Median Salary$61,872$61,530
Hourly Rate$29.75$29.58
Entry Level (P10)$35,886$35,810
25th Percentile$48,441$51,051
75th Percentile$79,197$78,759
Top Earner (P90)$95,902$95,372
Total Employed4413
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Aurora ($61,872) and Schaumburg ($61,530) flight attendant salaries.AuroraSchaumburgMedian Salary$61,872$61,530Entry Level (P10)$35,886$35,810Top Earner (P90)$95,902$95,372US Median $64,527

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Aurora and Schaumburg is $342 (0.56%). 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,Schaumburg spans $59,562. Aurora has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Aurora
P10 (Entry)$35,886
P25$48,441
Median$61,872
P75$79,197
P90 (Top)$95,902
Schaumburg
P10 (Entry)$35,810
P25$51,051
Median$61,530
P75$78,759
P90 (Top)$95,372

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Aurora ($63,720 effective) pays 0.56% more than Schaumburg ($63,368 effective).

Aurora
Nominal: $61,872
CoL Index: 97.1
Adjusted: $63,720
Schaumburg
Nominal: $61,530
CoL Index: 97.1
Adjusted: $63,368

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 Schaumburg 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 Schaumburg over the same period.

Aurora, IL

+-11.7%

$69,038 (2024) → $60,964 (2025)

Schaumburg, IL

+-11.7%

$68,656 (2024) → $60,627 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays flight attendants more: Aurora or Schaumburg?

Aurora has a higher median flight attendant salary at $61,872/year, compared to Schaumburg at $61,530/year — a difference of $342 (0.56%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Aurora and Schaumburg?

Aurora flight attendants earn $29.75/hr while Schaumburg hygienists earn $29.58/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Aurora and Schaumburg. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Aurora = $63,720, Schaumburg = $63,368), job availability (44 vs 13 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) flight attendants earn $35,886 in Aurora and $35,810 in Schaumburg. 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