Schaumburg vs Springfield: Flight Attendant Salary (2026)
Compare flight attendant salaries between Schaumburg, IL and Springfield, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Schaumburg, IL | Springfield, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,530 | $62,040▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.58 | $29.83▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,810 | $35,983▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $51,051▲ | $50,112 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,759 | $79,411▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $95,372 | $96,162▲ |
| Total Employed | 13 | 22▲ |
Verdict
Springfield, IL offers better overall compensation for flight attendants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Schaumburg.
The salary gap between Schaumburg and Springfield is $510 (0.83%). Springfield's median is -3.85% compared to the US national median of $64,527.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Schaumburg spans $59,562,Springfield spans $60,179. Springfield 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, Springfield ($63,893 effective) pays 0.83% more than Schaumburg ($63,368 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Schaumburg if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,040/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($96,162)
- ✓Larger job market (22 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $63,893)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, flight attendant salaries in Schaumburg grew -11.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -11.7% growth in Springfield over the same period.
Schaumburg, IL
$68,656 (2024) → $60,627 (2025)
Springfield, IL
$69,224 (2024) → $61,129 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Schaumburg, IL
Springfield, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays flight attendants more: Schaumburg or Springfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Schaumburg and Springfield?
Should I relocate from Schaumburg to Springfield as a flight attendant?
What do entry-level flight attendants earn in Schaumburg vs Springfield?
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