Cosmetologist in Illinois
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for IL. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Illinois.
Jobs (IL)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
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.
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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 |
| Reciprocity | Illinois offers licensure by endorsement, requiring equivalent education, experience, and prior exam verification.Reciprocal states: Illinois offers licensure by endorsement. Applicants must submit proof of education and work experience to demonstrate that their home state's training requirements are at least as extensive as Illinois's 1,500 hours. Illinois may credit up to 300 hours for each year of licensed experience (maximum 3 years) toward the 1,500-hour requirement. Verification of a passing score on a licensing exam is also required. Foreign education credits may be applied towards the cosmetology school requirements, but a foreign license cannot be directly transferred; applicants must still pass the state board exam. |
| 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
Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Illinois? See whether Illinois recognizes an out-of-state credential — with the tier and pathway for all 50 states — in our Cosmetologist license reciprocity guide.
work_outline Job outlook
AI & tech impact
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
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
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