Flight Attendant Salary in Carbondale, IL: $58,687 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time flight attendant in Carbondale, IL earns a median $58,687/year (≈ $28.21/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2031). Once you factor in Carbondale's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $60,440 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.3% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the flight attendant salary in Carbondale is estimated at a median annual income of $58,687, slightly below the national median of $64,527. This compensation places Carbondale within a salary range of approximately $36,782 at the lower end (P10) to as high as $90,964 for the top earners (P90). Notably, the local job market for flight attendants employs only five individuals, emphasizing the competitive nature of this field despite the year-over-year growth rate of 1.49%. Given the seniority-based pay scale, which rewards experience with step increases, those who start their careers in Carbondale can expect their earnings to rise steadily as they accumulate years of service with their airline.
About the Carbondale Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,782 | $17.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,559 | $24.31 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $58,687 | $28.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75,119 | $36.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90,964 | $43.73 |
Median Salary Position
9.05% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Carbondale
In Carbondale, IL, the flight attendant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $54,182 (2026 est.). At $58,687, the local median is 9.05% below the national median of $64,527.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Carbondale: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Carbondale Flight Attendant Pay Compares
Carbondale median: $58,687/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Carbondale Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $62,632 | -6.30% less |
| National Average | $64,527 | -9.05% less |
Flight Attendants in Carbondale, IL earn a median of $58,687 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.05% lower than the national median of $64,527 and 6.30% below the Illinois state average of $62,632.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Carbondale 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.
Carbondale, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A flight attendant earning $58,687 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $60,440 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$51,513
2025 BLS Actual
$57,825
2026 Current Est.
$58,687
2019–2027 Growth
+15.6%
Salary Trajectory for Flight Attendants in Carbondale (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.49% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,513 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,705 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,061 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,989 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,181 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,483 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,825 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,687 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,561 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Carbondale metropolitan area, the median flight attendant salary grew 12.3% from $51,513 (2019) to $57,825 (2025). At a 1.49% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $59,561 by 2027 — a total increase of $8,048 (15.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Carbondale 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) | $36,782 – $50,559 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,559 – $58,687 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $58,687 – $75,119 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $75,119 – $90,964 |
FA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual flight attendant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Flight Attendant Job Market in Carbondale
Understanding the dynamics of flight attendant pay in Carbondale IL requires considering the local cost of living, which is reflected in a cost-of-living index of 97.1. This figure indicates a slightly lower purchasing power compared to national averages, affecting overall compensation context. Among local employers, major airlines typically provide better pay than low-cost carriers, with regional airlines generally offering salaries that align with the lower end of the spectrum. Seniority remains a primary influencer of earnings, with flight attendants moving up the pay ladder as they gain experience. To maximize their income, aspiring flight attendants in Carbondale should consider applying to major airlines, including Delta or American, known for their comprehensive benefits and higher pay structures. Attaining qualifications such as the FAA Certificate of Demonstrated Proficiency can also enhance prospects, along with negotiating per-diem compensation, which contributes valuable tax-advantaged income during travel.
More salary data for Carbondale, 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 $57,825 for flight attendantsin the Carbondale 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 Carbondale 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