Flight Attendant Hourly Pay in Waukegan, IL: $30.16 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a flight attendant working in Waukegan, IL runs $30.16 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,746 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2031). Weighted against Waukegan's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.06 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,643 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Waukegan, Illinois, the flight attendant hourly pay is projected to be $30.16 in 2026, which falls slightly below the national median rate of $31.02. This hourly rate offers a competitive earning potential for those seeking both part-time roles, such as working three days a week, and per-diem opportunities prevalent in the industry. Flight attendants typically operate in diverse environments, including commercial aircraft cabins (like the Boeing 737 and A320) and during layovers in premium hotels. The hourly range for flight attendants in Waukegan stretches from $17.50 at the lower 10th percentile to $46.76 for those at the top 90th percentile, reflecting a seniority-based pay structure common among major carriers, regional airlines, and low-cost carriers. These hourly figures are effective for understanding potential earnings from both full-time and part-time schedules.
About the Waukegan 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) | $17.50 | $139.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.93 | $191.45 |
| Median (P50) | $30.16 | $241.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.62 | $308.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.76 | $374.05 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waukegan
Based on $30.16/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.16/hr, a flight attendant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waukegan, IL can expect to earn approximately $62,739 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,195. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Waukegan.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waukegan
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,206.51 | $5,228 | $62,739 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $723.91 | $3,137 | $37,643 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $482.61 | $2,091 | $25,095 |
Compare FA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Flight Attendant (Waukegan) | $30.16 |
| 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 Waukegan, IL earn a median of $62,746 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.76% lower than the national median of $64,527 and 0.10% above the Illinois state average of $62,684.
Flight Attendant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.16/hr = $37,643/year (purchasing power: $38,767).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,739/year (purchasing power: $64,612).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.48/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.72/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.16/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+15.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Flight Attendants in Waukegan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.49% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.48/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.60/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.81/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.80/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.96/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.66/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.72/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.16/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.61/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for flight attendants in Waukegan grew 12.3% from $26.48/hr (2019) to $29.72/hr (2025). At a 1.49% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.61/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 Waukegan 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 Waukegan
For flight attendants in Waukegan, the financial landscape can vary significantly depending on the type of employment. A flight attendant working part-time, laboring three days a week for 24 hours, might take home a considerably different annual income than a full-time colleague. Furthermore, per diem flight attendant pay in Waukegan adds an intriguing dimension to overall compensation; domestic per diem rates typically range from $1.80 to $2.30, while international rates can hit $1.80 to $3.00. This means effective hourly earnings during international turns can reach as high as $50 to $80 when factoring in these additional payments. Different employers—from major U.S. airlines to regional and corporate aviation companies—also influence hourly rates. While some flight attendants may opt for jobs that offer lower hourly rates in exchange for health benefits, others might seek positions with higher pay but less financial security. Being strategic in negotiations can help secure a better hourly rate, particularly in a market like Waukegan where choices range broadly across carrier types.
More salary data for Waukegan, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for flight attendants in Waukegan in 2026?
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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 Waukegan. 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 Waukegan 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