Flight Attendant Hourly Pay in Normal, IL: $29.21 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a flight attendant working in Normal, IL runs $29.21 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,747 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2031). Weighted against Normal's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.08 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,453 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Normal, IL, flight attendants earn a median hourly rate of $29.21, which is slightly below the national median of $31.02. This difference can be significant for those working part-time or per diem, as shifts often include practical duties during flights on major aircraft like the Boeing 737 or Airbus A320, as well as service operations in galley and jumpseat positions. For example, part-time attendants working three days a week may find their earnings fluctuate based on flight routes and assignments. Entry-level flight attendants can expect rates starting at approximately $16.94, while those at the higher end of the scale can earn up to $45.26 per hour. This varied pay structure highlights the unique earning potential of flight attendants based on both experience and operational needs.
About the Normal Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Flight Attendant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.94 | $135.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.15 | $185.20 |
| Median (P50) | $29.21 | $233.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.38 | $299.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.26 | $362.12 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Normal
Based on $29.21/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.21/hr, a flight attendant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Normal, IL can expect to earn approximately $60,754 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,051. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Normal.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Normal
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,168.35 | $5,063 | $60,754 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $701.01 | $3,038 | $36,453 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $467.34 | $2,025 | $24,302 |
Compare FA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Flight Attendant (Normal) | $29.21 |
| Airline Pilot / Copilot (National Avg) | $107.68 |
| Air Traffic Controller (National Avg) | $66.35 |
| Travel Agent (National Avg) | $22.99 |
| Hotel / Cruise Desk Clerk (National Avg) | $16.49 |
Flight Attendants in Normal, IL earn a median of $60,747 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.86% lower than the national median of $64,527 and 3.00% below the Illinois state average of $62,626.
Flight Attendant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.21/hr = $36,453/year (purchasing power: $37,541).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,754/year (purchasing power: $62,569).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.64/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.21/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+15.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Flight Attendants in Normal (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.49% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.64/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.73/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.90/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.86/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.95/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.59/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.21/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.64/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for flight attendants in Normal grew 12.3% from $25.64/hr (2019) to $28.78/hr (2025). At a 1.49% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.64/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem flight attendants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Normal metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 1.49% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Flight Attendant in Normal
Analyzing the compensation landscape further reveals the financial dynamics for flight attendants in Normal. A part-time flight attendant working 24 hours weekly at the median rate can take home around $34,000 annually, compared to full-time counterparts who benefit from the seniority pay scale, potentially earning well over $60,000 with flight time and per diem accounted for. Per diem flight attendant pay in Normal often ranges from $1.80 to $3.00 per hour on international flights, supplementing base hourly wages significantly. This means experienced crew members can realistically see their effective hourly earnings climb to between $50 and $80 during international routes, while junior colleagues may balance unpaid waiting time. Job types greatly impact pay; major carriers often offer better hourly rates due to extensive benefits compared to low-cost or regional airlines, tempting some with higher pay to forgo health insurance options. For those seeking to negotiate better compensation, understanding the specific employer dynamics in Normal and the value of benefits can provide leverage in discussions, making the flight attendant hourly pay landscape both competitive and strategically complex.
More salary data for Normal, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 1.49% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for flight attendants in Normal. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Normal is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.49%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for flight attendants (SOC 53-2031).
Compiled and verified by Emily Johnson, AFA-CWA, a licensed flight attendant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov