DeKalb vs Rockford: Flight Attendant Salary (2026)
Compare flight attendant salaries between DeKalb, IL and Rockford, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DeKalb, IL | Rockford, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,292 | $62,145▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.99 | $29.88▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,245▲ | $36,044 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,798▲ | $50,321 |
| 75th Percentile | $77,174 | $79,546▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $93,453 | $96,325▲ |
| Total Employed | 9 | 34▲ |
Verdict
Rockford, IL offers better overall compensation for flight attendants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to DeKalb.
The salary gap between DeKalb and Rockford is $1,853 (3.07%). Rockford's median is -3.69% compared to the US national median of $64,527.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in DeKalb spans $57,208,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 3.07% more than DeKalb ($62,093 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose DeKalb if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Rockford if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,145/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($96,325)
- ✓Larger job market (34 employed)
- ✓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 DeKalb grew -11.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -11.7% growth in Rockford over the same period.
DeKalb, IL
$67,275 (2024) → $59,407 (2025)
Rockford, IL
$69,343 (2024) → $61,233 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
DeKalb, IL
Rockford, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays flight attendants more: DeKalb or Rockford?
What is the hourly rate difference between DeKalb and Rockford?
Should I relocate from DeKalb to Rockford as a flight attendant?
What do entry-level flight attendants earn in DeKalb vs Rockford?
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