Chicago vs Rockford: Flight Attendant Salary (2026)
Compare flight attendant salaries between Chicago, IL and Rockford, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Rockford, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,046▲ | $62,145 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.32▲ | $29.88 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,637▲ | $36,044 |
| 25th Percentile | $61,219▲ | $50,321 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,878 | $79,546▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $100,414▲ | $96,325 |
| Total Employed | 9,240▲ | 34 |
Verdict
Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for flight attendants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Rockford.
The salary gap between Chicago and Rockford is $901 (1.45%). 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 Chicago spans $59,777,Rockford spans $60,281. Rockford 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, Rockford ($64,001 effective) pays 5.16% 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…
- ✓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
Choose Rockford if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,001)
- ✓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 -11.7% growth in Rockford over the same period.
Chicago, IL
$54,890 (2019) → $62,120 (2025)
Rockford, IL
$69,343 (2024) → $61,233 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chicago, IL
Rockford, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays flight attendants more: Chicago or Rockford?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chicago and Rockford?
Should I relocate from Chicago to Rockford as a flight attendant?
What do entry-level flight attendants earn in Chicago vs Rockford?
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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