HospitalityOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Flight Attendant Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$90,900/yr
Typical range: $91,483 – $108,462
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Flight Attendant salary by experience level in Chicago
Flight Attendant Salary Progression in Chicago
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $54,540 | $4,545 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $65,145 | $5,429 | +19% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $72,215 | $6,018 | +32% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $78,780 | $6,565 | +44% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $90,900 | $7,575 | +67% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $99,990 | $8,333 | +83% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $102,263 | $8,522 | +88% |
Current Salary
$90,900
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $44/hr
Next Level Target
$99,990
Principal · 14
+$9Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
37/100
Below Average
+5% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Flight Attendant salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead Flight Attendants in Chicago, IL earn approximately $91K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Flight Attendant make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $91K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $44/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Flight Attendant in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Flight Attendant in Chicago, IL earns $91K–$108K/yr.