Rockford vs Waukegan: Flight Attendant Salary (2026)
Compare flight attendant salaries between Rockford, IL and Waukegan, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rockford, IL | Waukegan, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,145 | $62,746▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.88 | $30.16▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,044 | $36,393▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $50,321▲ | $49,771 |
| 75th Percentile | $79,546 | $80,315▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $96,325 | $97,257▲ |
| Total Employed | 34▲ | 18 |
Verdict
Waukegan, IL offers better overall compensation for flight attendants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rockford.
The salary gap between Rockford and Waukegan is $601 (0.97%). Waukegan's median is -2.76% compared to the US national median of $64,527.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rockford spans $60,281,Waukegan spans $60,864. Waukegan 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, Waukegan ($64,620 effective) pays 0.97% more than Rockford ($64,001 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Rockford if…
- ✓Larger job market (34 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Waukegan if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,746/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($97,257)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,620)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, flight attendant salaries in Rockford grew -11.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -11.7% growth in Waukegan over the same period.
Rockford, IL
$69,343 (2024) → $61,233 (2025)
Waukegan, IL
$70,013 (2024) → $61,825 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rockford, IL
Waukegan, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
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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