Cosmetologist in Illinois

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for IL. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary

$34,800

trending_down -1.3% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Illinois.

engineering

13,770

Jobs (IL)

monitoring Strong

+5.6%

10-yr job growth

payments

$225

Licensing fees

schedule

12-18 months (for 1500-hour program)

Time to complete

route How to become a cosmetologist in Illinois

To become a licensed Cosmetologist in Illinois, individuals must complete 1,500 hours of training at an Illinois-approved cosmetology school or 3,000 hours of apprenticeship, and possess a high school diploma or GED. The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) requires applicants to pass the Illinois Cosmetology Examination, which includes both a written theory and a practical skills exam. Additionally, a 1-hour domestic violence continuing education course is required for initial renewal, and a criminal background check is part of the application process.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $29,120

25th percentile $29,770

50th (median) $34,800

75th percentile $49,230

90th (experienced) $62,610

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Illinois. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Illinois requirements

Licensing body	Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
State license	Required
Education	1500 hours of cosmetology training at an Illinois-approved school or 3000 hours of apprenticeship under a licensed cosmetologist, and a high school diploma or GED. Also requires a 1-hour, one-time continuing education course on Domestic Violence for initial renewal.
Exam	Illinois Cosmetology Examination (written theory exam and practical skills exam administered by PSI via Continental Testing Services) ($195)
Application fee	$30
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	14.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Minimum age is 16 years old. Illinois does not have a hands-on practical exam; it requires a computerized written test that includes theory and scenario-based practical knowledge. A criminal background check is required for new applicants.

Source: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+5.6%

Faster than average

Annual openings

75,800

Nationwide per year

Total employment

575,200

Nationwide

neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure -0.68/1.00

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

check_circleIllinois license required — clearer credential signal to employers
check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+5.6%)
check_circleLow AI disruption risk

psychology

Wondering if a cosmetologist career is the right fit?

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Frequently asked questions

How do I become a cosmetologist in Illinois? expand_more

Illinois requires cosmetologists to complete the required education (1500 hours of cosmetology training at an Illinois-approved school or 3000 hours of apprenticeship under a licensed cosmetologist, and a high school diploma or GED. Also requires a 1-hour, one-time continuing education course on Domestic Violence for initial renewal.), pass the Illinois Cosmetology Examination (written theory exam and practical skills exam administered by PSI via Continental Testing Services), and submit your application ($30 fee).

Is a cosmetologist license required in Illinois? expand_more

Illinois mandates state licensure for cosmetologists. Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation oversees the process, which includes passing the Illinois Cosmetology Examination (written theory exam and practical skills exam administered by PSI via Continental Testing Services).

What is the average cosmetologist salary in Illinois? expand_more

cosmetologists in Illinois earn a median of $34,800 annually. This is close to the national median of $35,250. New cosmetologists start around $29,120; seasoned professionals can reach $62,610.

What's the total cost to get cosmetologist certified in Illinois? expand_more

Costs include exam fee ($195) and application fee ($30). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.

How many months or years does cosmetologist certification take in Illinois? expand_more

The typical timeline in Illinois is 12-18 months (for 1500-hour program). This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.

What are the continuing education requirements for cosmetologists in Illinois? expand_more

License renewal in Illinois requires completing 14.0 hours of continuing education on a 2.0-year cycle.