Carpentersville vs Chicago: Flight Attendant Salary (2026)
Compare flight attendant salaries between Carpentersville, IL and Chicago, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Carpentersville, IL | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,095 | $63,046▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.37 | $30.32▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,220 | $40,637▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $51,099 | $61,219▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $78,201 | $78,878▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $94,697 | $100,414▲ |
| Total Employed | 8 | 9,240▲ |
Verdict
Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for flight attendants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Carpentersville.
The salary gap between Carpentersville and Chicago is $1,951 (3.19%). Chicago's median is -2.30% compared to the US national median of $64,527.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Carpentersville spans $58,477,Chicago spans $59,777. Chicago has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced flight attendants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Carpentersville ($62,920 effective) pays 3.39% more than Chicago ($60,858 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Carpentersville if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,920)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Chicago if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,046/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($100,414)
- ✓Larger job market (9,240 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, flight attendant salaries in Carpentersville grew -11.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 13.2% growth in Chicago over the same period.
Carpentersville, IL
$68,170 (2024) → $60,198 (2025)
Chicago, IL
$54,890 (2019) → $62,120 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Carpentersville, IL
Chicago, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays flight attendants more: Carpentersville or Chicago?
What is the hourly rate difference between Carpentersville and Chicago?
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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