Cosmetologist in Illinois: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
Illinois employs 13,190 cosmetologists, with a statewide median of $34,040 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Illinois licensing picture, and where to train.
What Cosmetologists Earn in Illinois (May 2025)
- Illinois median pay
- $34,040 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $31,200
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $41,110
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $58,960
- Employed in Illinois
- 13,190
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $36,110 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for cosmetologists in major Illinois markets:
- Peoria
- $32,280 (340 employed)
- Springfield
- $31,200 (280 employed)
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 $34,040 median holds roughly its face value.
Job Outlook in Illinois (2024–2034)
Illinois is projected to grow cosmetologists employment +0.8%, slower than the +5.6% projected nationally. The state expects about 2,570 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Illinois License and Certification Requirements
Cosmetologist License — regulated by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR).
- Complete a Illinois-approved cosmetology program (1,500 hours hours) at a licensed cosmetology school. Programs cover hair cutting, coloring, chemical services, skin care basics, nail care basics, cosmetology law, and sanitation.
- Pass the state cosmetology board exam — both the written (theory) and practical (hands-on) components. Most states use the NICS (National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology) exam or a state-specific exam.
- Apply to Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) for your cosmetologist license. Renew biennially with CE hours. Cosmetologists can work in salons, spas, barber shops, theatrical/film makeup, and as educators once licensed.
Official requirements: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) →
Training in Illinois
Illinois's cosmetology program typically takes 9–12 months full-time. IDFPR administers the licensing exam. Chicago's salon market is one of the largest in the Midwest — the city's diverse neighborhoods (Pilsen, Logan Square, Hyde Park, Lincoln Park) support distinct salon cultures. Illinois cosmetologists often specialize in the city's multicultural markets.
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: People who are creative, social, and want a licensed practice with real self-employment potential once they build a clientele.
Think twice if: Standing all day, chemical exposure, irregular booth-rental income, and state-mandated training hours of 1,000–1,600 sound like barriers.
Why it's resilient: Hair styling and cosmetology services are built on physical technique and personal client relationships — inherently local and human.
First Steps
Check your state's required hours, compare licensed school costs, and ask about job placement rates before enrolling.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do cosmetologists make in Illinois?
The median wage for cosmetologists in Illinois is $34,040 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $31,200, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $58,960. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Cosmetologist in Illinois?
Cosmetologist License, overseen by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). Complete a Illinois-approved cosmetology program (1,500 hours hours) at a licensed cosmetology school. Programs cover hair cutting, coloring, chemical services, skin care basics, nail care basics, cosmetology law, and sanitation.
Is being a Cosmetologist a good career in Illinois?
Hair styling and cosmetology services are built on physical technique and personal client relationships — inherently local and human.
Which Illinois metros pay cosmetologists the most?
Among Illinois metro areas, Peoria leads at $32,280, followed by Springfield ($31,200). 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 Cosmetologist in Illinois?
Real Illinois options include Cameo Beauty Academy, Cannella School of Hair Design-Chicago, Cannella School of Hair Design-Villa Park. Most cosmetologists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Cosmetologist a growing career in Illinois?
Illinois projects cosmetologists employment to change +0.8% from 2024 to 2034, with about 2,570 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
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 39-5012. 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
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); 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.