Certifications & licenses in Illinois
Compare requirements, salaries, and career paths for 28 professional credentials in IL. Data from BLS OEWS and primary state licensing sources.
What's different about Illinois
Licensing landscape in Illinois
To renew a license, cosmetologists must complete 14 hours of continuing education every two years, a requirement updated to also include a one-hour course on domestic violence awareness.
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
For license renewals on or after January 1, 2023, EMS personnel must complete a one-hour course on the diagnosis, treatment, and care of individuals with Alzheimer's disease.
Illinois Department of Public Health
To renew their license annually by April 30th, licensed plumbers in Illinois are required to complete four hours of continuing education.
Illinois Department of Public Health
While state law requires 600 training hours, many Illinois schools now offer accelerated 9-month programs to meet the rising demand for massage therapists as of 2026.
Bodycraft Wellness Massage Program
Metro concentration of certified careers
Cost-of-living adjusted earnings in Illinois
A salary of $60,000 in Decatur, IL has the approximate purchasing power of a $75,000 salary in an average-cost US city.
Regional comparison: Illinois vs. neighbors
| State | Median annual wage | vs IL |
|---|---|---|
| IL | $45,960 | — |
| IN | $38,330 | -17% vs IL |
| IA | $39,350 | -14% vs IL |
| KY | $38,370 | -17% vs IL |
| MO | $37,680 | -18% vs IL |
| WI | $45,130 | -2% vs IL |
| State | Required training hours | vs IL |
|---|---|---|
| IL | 600 hours | — |
| IN | 625 hours | +25 hours |
| IA | 600 hours | 0 hours |
| KY | 600 hours | 0 hours |
| MO | 500 hours | -100 hours |
| WI | 600 hours | 0 hours |
Healthcare in Illinois
14 paths| Career | License | Median salary |
|---|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) | Required | $45,960 |
| Dental Assistant | No | $48,610 |
| EMT | Required | $42,260 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | Required | $75,000 |
| Medical Assistant | No | $46,090 |
| Medical Coder | No | $56,440 |
| Paramedic | Required | $60,660 |
| Pharmacy Technician | Required | $46,650 |
| Phlebotomist | No | $46,010 |
| Radiology Technologist | Required | $79,930 |
| Registered Nurse (RN) | Required | $95,990 |
| Respiratory Therapist | Required | $84,090 |
| Surgical Technologist | No | $64,650 |
| Dental Hygienist | Required | $96,670 |
Skilled Trades in Illinois
5 paths| Career | License | Median salary |
|---|---|---|
| CDL Truck Driver | Required | $60,320 |
| Electrician | No | $99,560 |
| HVAC Technician | No | $77,410 |
| Plumber | Required | $99,950 |
| Welder | No | $51,320 |
Personal Care & Wellness in Illinois
4 paths| Career | License | Median salary |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Trainer | No | $46,800 |
| Barber | Required | $65,430 |
| Cosmetologist | Required | $34,040 |
| Massage Therapist | Required | $60,490 |
Professional & Business in Illinois
5 paths| Career | License | Median salary |
|---|---|---|
| CPA (Certified Public Accountant) | Required | $80,230 |
| Notary Public | Required | — |
| Paralegal | No | $63,670 |
| Insurance Agent | Required | $64,280 |
| Real Estate Agent | Required | $59,220 |