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.
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.
The average salary for cosmetologists in Illinois is $27,040 ($13.00/hour). This is higher than the national average of $26,090 ($12.54/hour).
There is a predicted 4% job increase between 2016–2026 for cosmetologists. This is lower than the expected national growth of 9%.
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?
State License Requirements
1,500 Education Hours
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, you'll 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
2 Years
License renewal period
14 Hours
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
$27,040
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 $27,040 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
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
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.
