Flight Attendant Hourly Pay in Northbrook, IL: $29.72 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a flight attendant working in Northbrook, IL runs $29.72 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,799 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2031). Weighted against Northbrook's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.60 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,086 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Northbrook, Illinois, flight attendants earn a median hourly rate of $29.72, which is slightly below the national median of $31.02. This rate reflects the unique dynamics of the job, heavily influenced by factors such as seniority and the specifics of each flight attendant's employment situation. For part-time flight attendants working three days a week, this hourly rate translates into a flexible schedule that can effectively combine personal life and work commitments. In commercial aircraft environments like Boeing 737s and A320s, flight attendants are compensated not just for flight time but also during critical boarding and service periods. Entry-level positions may start around $17.23, while more experienced attendants at the peak of their careers can earn up to $46.06 per hour. Given the potential for premium layover hotel accommodations and shift differentials, the overall compensation package can be quite appealing in this industry.
About the Northbrook 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) | $17.23 | $137.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.12 | $192.99 |
| Median (P50) | $29.72 | $237.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.03 | $304.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.06 | $368.45 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Northbrook
Based on $29.72/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.72/hr, a flight attendant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Northbrook, IL can expect to earn approximately $61,810 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,660. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Northbrook.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Northbrook
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,188.65 | $5,151 | $61,810 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $713.19 | $3,090 | $37,086 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $475.46 | $2,060 | $24,724 |
Compare FA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Flight Attendant (Northbrook) | $29.72 |
| 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 Northbrook, IL earn a median of $61,799 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.23% lower than the national median of $64,527 and 1.40% below the Illinois state average of $62,677.
Flight Attendant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.72/hr = $37,086/year (purchasing power: $38,194).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,810/year (purchasing power: $63,656).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.08/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.28/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.72/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+15.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Flight Attendants in Northbrook (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.49% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.08/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.19/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.39/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.36/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.15/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.28/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.72/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.16/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for flight attendants in Northbrook grew 12.3% from $26.08/hr (2019) to $29.28/hr (2025). At a 1.49% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.16/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 Northbrook 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 Northbrook
Consider the earnings scenario for those who choose to work part-time versus full-time in Northbrook. A flight attendant working three days a week for 24 hours annually might see earnings significantly less than a full-timer, even if they enjoy a better work-life balance. Furthermore, opportunities for per diem pay can enhance a flight attendant's overall financial picture. Rates generally fall between $1.80-$3.00 per hour for international flights, providing an avenue for substantial additional income. It’s not uncommon for some attendants to experience effective hourly rates soaring to $50-$80 when factoring in per diem payments, especially during international flight cycles. Flight attendants working for varying employers—from major carriers like Delta and American to regional or low-cost airlines—may find their hourly rates differ due to organizational structures and benefits packages. Some may prioritize hourly pay without benefits, while others might accept slightly lesser rates for comprehensive health insurance. It’s advisable for flight attendants in Northbrook to negotiate based on their individual circumstances and total compensation expectations, addressing factors like seniority, benefits, and per diem allowances to maximize their earning potential.
More salary data for Northbrook, 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 Northbrook. 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 Northbrook 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