Barber in Illinois: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start

Licensed local services

Barbers in Illinois earn a statewide median of $65,430, with wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Illinois licensing picture, and where to train.

What Barbers Earn in Illinois (May 2025)

Illinois median pay: $65,430 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $31,460
Experienced (75th percentile): $71,930
Top earners (90th percentile): $71,990
Employed in Illinois: Not published (BLS suppressed)
U.S. median (for comparison): $18.73/hr (May 2024)

Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for barbers in major Illinois markets:

Chicago metro: $49,700

What That Pay Is Worth in Illinois

Prices in Illinois run right about the national average (cost-of-living index 100.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $65,430 median holds roughly its face value.

Illinois License and Certification Requirements

Barber license — regulated by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR).

Complete 1,500 hours at a licensed barber school (~12 months full time) — Illinois's requirement is on the higher end nationally.
Pass the written examination (no practical exam required).
Apply through IDFPR; cosmetology-to-barber crossover paths exist with reduced hours.

Official requirements: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) →

Training in Illinois

The 1,500-hour requirement is a longer runway than Missouri's 1,000 next door, but the written-only exam simplifies the finish. Chicago's neighborhood barbershop culture is deep; suburban shops and booth rentals offer varied business models.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Illinois include:

Cameo Beauty Academy — Certificate
Cannella School of Hair Design-Chicago — Certificate / Associate
Cannella School of Hair Design-Villa Park — Certificate
Capital Area Career Center — Certificate

Is This the Right Move for You?

Best for: Social, detail-oriented people who want a portable service skill.

Think twice if: Standing all day, variable income, or constant customer interaction sounds exhausting.

Why it's resilient: Barbering is personal, local, licensed, tactile, and built on repeat trust.

First Steps

Compare state barber-hour requirements and local school placement outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do barbers make in Illinois?

The median wage for barbers in Illinois is $65,430 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $31,460, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $71,990. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

What license or certification do you need to become a Barber in Illinois?

Barber license, overseen by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). Complete 1,500 hours at a licensed barber school (~12 months full time) — Illinois's requirement is on the higher end nationally.

Is being a Barber a good career in Illinois?

Barbering is personal, local, licensed, tactile, and built on repeat trust.

Which Illinois metros pay barbers the most?

Among Illinois metro areas, Chicago metro leads at $49,700. Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.

Where can I train to become a Barber in Illinois?

Real Illinois options include Cameo Beauty Academy, Cannella School of Hair Design-Chicago, Cannella School of Hair Design-Villa Park. Most barbers start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Sources and Verification

Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Illinois statewide and metro estimates for SOC 39-5011. Licensing summary compiled from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.

BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Illinois wages · Illinois licensing/certification source

Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities.

Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.