Chicago vs Naperville: Flight Attendant Salary (2026)
Compare flight attendant salaries between Chicago, IL and Naperville, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Naperville, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,046 | $63,704▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.32 | $30.63▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,637▲ | $36,948 |
| 25th Percentile | $61,219▲ | $49,948 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,878 | $81,541▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $100,414▲ | $98,742 |
| Total Employed | 9,240▲ | 23 |
Verdict
Chicago and Naperville are closely matched on overall flight attendant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Chicago and Naperville is $658 (1.04%). Naperville's median is -1.28% compared to the US national median of $64,527.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chicago spans $59,777,Naperville spans $61,794. Naperville 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, Naperville ($65,607 effective) pays 7.80% 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 Chicago if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($100,414)
- ✓Larger job market (9,240 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Naperville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,704/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,607)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, flight attendant salaries in Chicago grew 13.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -12.0% growth in Naperville over the same period.
Chicago, IL
$54,890 (2019) → $62,120 (2025)
Naperville, IL
$71,348 (2024) → $62,769 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chicago, IL
Naperville, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays flight attendants more: Chicago or Naperville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chicago and Naperville?
Should I relocate from Chicago to Naperville as a flight attendant?
What do entry-level flight attendants earn in Chicago vs Naperville?
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