Flight Attendant Salary in Addison, IL: $61,940 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time flight attendant in Addison, IL earns a median $61,940/year (≈ $29.78/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2031). Once you factor in Addison's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $63,790 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Flight attendants in Addison, Illinois, are expected to earn a median annual salary of $61,940 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $64,527 for this role. The salary range for flight attendants in the area varies significantly, with the lowest earners (P10) making around $35,925 and the highest earners (P90) reaching up to $96,008. These estimations are based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, and adjusted for local economic conditions. Given Addison's proximity to major airports, flight attendant pay in Addison reflects not just salary scales across major airlines but also the competitive dynamics with low-cost carriers and regional airlines. This job market is critical for those considering a career in aviation, especially as the industry continues to evolve.
About the Addison Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,925 | $17.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,460 | $24.26 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,940 | $29.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79,284 | $38.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $96,008 | $46.16 |
Median Salary Position
4.01% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Addison
In Addison, IL, the flight attendant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $60,083 (2026 est.). At $61,940, the local median is 4.01% below the national median of $64,527.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Addison: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Addison Flight Attendant Pay Compares
Addison median: $61,940/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Addison Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $62,629 | -1.10% less |
| National Average | $64,527 | -4.01% less |
Flight Attendants in Addison, IL earn a median of $61,940 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.01% lower than the national median of $64,527 and 1.10% below the Illinois state average of $62,629.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Addison has a cost of living 2.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Addison, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A flight attendant earning $61,940 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $63,790 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$54,369
2025 BLS Actual
$61,031
2026 Current Est.
$61,940
2019–2027 Growth
+15.6%
Salary Trajectory for Flight Attendants in Addison (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.49% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,369 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,683 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,169 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,204 | Actual |
| 2023 | $65,629 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,114 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,031 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,940 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,863 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Addison metropolitan area, the median flight attendant salary grew 12.3% from $54,369 (2019) to $61,031 (2025). At a 1.49% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $62,863 by 2027 — a total increase of $8,494 (15.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Addison 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $35,925 – $50,460 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,460 – $61,940 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,940 – $79,284 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $79,284 – $96,008 |
FA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual flight attendant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Flight Attendant Job Market in Addison
In Addison, the local job market features six flight attendants, highlighting a compact employment scene. The cost of living index stands at 97.1, suggesting that take-home pay may stretch further compared to other regions. While major U.S. carriers such as United and American typically offer higher pay scales, regional airlines or low-cost carriers may pay less, reflecting the overall pay gap. Factors influencing earnings in this sector include seniority and the potential for international long-haul routes, which can command a premium. Additionally, maximizing compensation involves understanding the seniority-based pay scale, where years of service yield significant pay increases, as well as taking advantage of per-diem allowances. For those in Addison, strategic choices in airline employment can greatly impact overall earning potential and job satisfaction.
More salary data for Addison, 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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $61,031 for flight attendantsin the Addison metropolitan area. A 1.49% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Addison 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