Cosmetology Schools in Illinois
- 1,500 education hours are required to become licensed.
- You must renew your license every 2 years.
- 14 continuing education hours are required to renew your license.
- Average salary for cosmetology in Illinois is $29,900.
- There is a predicted 4% job increase between 2016 - 2026.
You know what it takes to make the perfect ombre and which hair colors go with which skin tones. When it comes to makeup, you can name high-end brands and their affordable counterparts. Why not turn your experience and passion into a new career? Cosmetology Schools in Chicago
State License Requirements
Required to earn a cosmetology license
Throughout your beauty career, you are under the supervision of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. After graduating from a cosmetology school in Illinois, you can submit your transcripts and a $45 licensing fee to them. Your license is awarded after you pass your written and skills tests.
Education Details
As a busy cosmetology student, youll spend lots of time in the classroom and on the salon floor. Your practical experience may first put you behind a mannequin head, and then behind a real client. To become a full-fledged cosmetologist, you have to master many important skills. The ones listed below are required teaching in Illinois.
Required Topics in Illinois Cosmetology Schools
- Basic training: tools and their uses, shampooing, cosmetology chemicals, hair type, sanitation, hygiene, skin diseases, anatomy and physiology, electricity, and nail technology
- Chemical application and hair treatment: permanent waving, hair coloring, hair bleaching, hair relaxing, hair conditioning, toning and rinsing
- Hairstyling and dressing: Cutting, thinning, trimming, shaping, use of equipment, curling, and hair treatments
- Shop management: labor law, client relations, bookkeeping, and business ethics
- Esthetics and nail technology
License Renewal
License renewal period
Continuing education required
Barber licenses and barber teacher licenses expire on July 31 of each odd-numbered year, and licensees may renew within the month prior to expiration. Cosmetology instructors, cosmetology clinic teachers and cosmetology licenses expire on September 30 of each even-numbered year. Illinois requires cosmetologists to certify on their renewal applications that they have successfully completed 14 hours of cosmetology continuing education within the 2-year licensure period. Cosmetology instructors and cosmetology clinic teachers must show a minimum of 24 hours of continuing education from a sponsor registered with the division within the 2-year licensure period. License renewal is $50 per two-year period.
Illinois Cosmetology Careers
Average yearly salary for cosmetology in Illinois
Beauty industry growth in Illinois is in line with what is expected in other states. Demand for cosmetologists may increase 4% through 2026 (O*Net, 2019). The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports an average annual salary of $29,900 for cosmetologists (2019).
A beauty education is flexible, giving you a lot of freedom in your career choices and work settings. Illinois is an excellent place to make a name for yourself as a cosmetologist. Large cities like Chicago and Springfield have high-end, well-renowned salons and spas on every street. Upscale suburban areas have no shortage of spas and salons that help busy professionals relax. No matter which work setting you thrive in, Illinois has a place for you.
Contact the Illinois State Board of Cosmetology
- 320 W. Washington St., 3rd Fl. Springfield, IL 62786
- Email: Phone Number: 1-888-473-4858
- Call: 100 W. Randolph Street, 9th Fl.
- Fax: Chicago, IL 60601
Illinois possesses a distinctive cosmetology culture, one that is influential and
has allowed for numerous people to become professionals statewide. As more
are expected to satisfy the demand of clients who enjoy quality service, those
looking to get started in cosmetology consult these groups.
Illinois Department of Professional Licensing
Illinois Association of Cosmetology Schools
Cosmetologists Chicago
Find Other Cosmetology Schools in Illinois
Check out the Cosmetology schools other cities in Illinois have to offer.
You must attend school in the state you want to practice in. Most states require that you graduate from an accredited school. Click here to learn more about the requirements in your state.

700 East Terra Cotta Avenue
Crystal Lake, IL 60014




3602 Marquette Road Suite 2
Peru, IL 61354




226 Hawthorn Village Commons
Vernon Hills, IL 60061


8057 North Milwaukee Avenue
Niles, IL 60714

15301 South Cicero Avenue
Oak Forest, IL 60452

6458 North Sheridan Road
Chicago, IL 60626

5321 North Harlem Avenue
Chicago, IL 60656

7350 West 87th Street
Bridgeview, IL 60455

2500 Georgetown Road
Danville, IL 61832

264 South Randall Road
Elgin, IL 60123

530 East North Avenue
Glendale Heights, IL 60139

751 East Park Avenue
Libertyville, IL 60048




202 East University Street Suite H I J
Urbana, IL 61801

2913 West White Oaks Drive
Springfield, IL 62704

ABC School of Cosmetology and Nail Technology
Lake In The Hills, IL 60156