Esthetician Schools in Illinois

If you hope to become an esthetician in Illinois, there's no time like the present to begin your journey. In recent years, the field of esthetics has seen explosive growth. Illinois, the sixth most populous state in the U.S. and home to Chicago, the nation's third-largest city, is at the forefront of many of the latest trends in esthetics.

Browse our directory of esthetician schools in Illinois, or skip ahead to learn about the state's esthetician licensing requirements and job outlook.

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Cameo Beauty Academy – Accredited

9714 South Cicero Avenue
Oak Lawn, IL 60453

(708) 636‐ 4660
Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding, Teacher Training

700 East Terra Cotta Avenue
Crystal Lake, IL 60014

(815) 207-8599
Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Barbering, Nail Technology, Teacher Training

609 South Randall Road
Elgin, IL 60123

(630) 345-8665
Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Barbering, Teacher Training

657 Highgrove Place
Rockford, IL 61108

(815) 605-6088
Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Barbering, Teacher Training

142 East Golf Road
Schaumburg, IL 60173

(815) 572-4797
Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Barbering, Nail Technology, Teacher Training

3602 Marquette Road Suite 2
Peru, IL 61354

(815) 441-9904
Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Nail Technology, Teacher Training, Continuing Education

6943 East State Street
Rockford, IL 61108

(815) 564-7233
Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Nail Technology, Teacher Training, Continuing Education

211 East 3rd Street
Sterling, IL 61081

(815) 441-5856
Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Nail Technology, Teacher Training, Continuing Education

10024 Skokie Boulevard 301C
Skokie, IL 60077

(847) 329-9174
Programs:
Esthetics, Continuing Education

1200 Harger Road Suite 100
Oak Brook, IL 60523

(630) 517-0754
Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Nail Technology, Makeup Artistry, Hair Design, Teacher Training

825 Village Quarter Road
West Dundee, IL 60118

Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics

5460 U.S. Highway 34
Oswego, IL 60543

(630) 554-2266
Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Nail Technology, Teacher Training

10321 South Roberts Road
Palos Hills, IL 60465

(708) 430-1755
Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Nail Technology, Teacher Training

2245 Gateway Drive
Sycamore, IL 60178

(815) 756-3596
Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Nail Technology, Teacher Training

4335 West 147th Street
Midlothian, IL 60445

(708) 687-7800
Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Nail Technology, Makeup Artistry, Teacher Training

15301 South Cicero Avenue
Oak Forest, IL 60452

(708) 687-7800
Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Nail Technology, Teacher Training

1100 North Sherman Avenue
Naperville, IL 60560

Programs:
Esthetics

1870 Busse Highway
Des Plaines, IL 60016

Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Nail Technology, Makeup Artistry, Massage Therapy, Continuing Education

307 Golf Mill Center
Niles, IL 60714

(773) 508- 5600
Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Nail Technology, Teacher Training

1037-1043 Curtiss Street
Downers Grove, IL 60515

(773) 635-7700
Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Teacher Training

7350 West 87th Street
Bridgeview, IL 60455

(708) 233-9933
Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Barbering, Nail Technology, Teacher Training

6458 North Sheridan Road
Chicago, IL 60626

(888) 616-9051
Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Barbering, Teacher Training

264 South Randall Road
Elgin, IL 60123

(847) 376-0740
Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Teacher Training

530 East North Avenue
Glendale Heights, IL 60139

(630) 790-1500
Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Nail Technology, Teacher Training

751 East Park Avenue
Libertyville, IL 60048

(847) 247-8100
Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Barbering, Nail Technology, Teacher Training

755 West Raab Road
Normal, IL 61761

(309) 449-8010
Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics

5321 North Harlem Avenue
Chicago, IL 60656

(773) 467-1900
Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Barbering, Nail Technology, Teacher Training

602 West Glen Avenue
Peoria, IL 61614

(888) 616-9051
Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Nail Technology, Teacher Training

5485 East State Street
Rockford, IL 61108

(888) 616-9051
Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Barbering, Nail Technology, Teacher Training

202 East University Street Suites H-J
Urbana, IL 61801

Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics

2913 West White Oaks Drive
Springfield, IL 62704

(217) 753-8990
Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Barbering, Nail Technology, Massage Therapy, Teacher Training
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A Touch of Serenity Spa & Career Institute

1702 Washington Street Suite 101
Waukegan, IL 60085

ABC School of Cosmetology and Nail Technology – Accredited

9213 South Illinois Route 31
Lake In The Hills, IL 60156

Advanced Educator

208 North Wood Street
Washington, IL 61571

American Academy of Esthetics

4300 Commerce Court Suite 200
Lisle, IL 60532

Debutante's School of Beauty – Accredited

145 North 3rd Street
Dekalb, IL 60115

Douglas J Aveda Institute - Chicago – Accredited

2828 North Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60657

Dudley Beauty College - Chicago – Accredited

8501 South Green Street 11
Chicago, IL 60620

G Skin & Beauty Institute - Chicago – Accredited

17 North State Street Suite 400
Chicago, IL 60602

G Skin & Beauty Institute - Schaumburg – Accredited

90 West Hillcrest Boulevard Suite 302
Schaumburg, IL 60195

I.M. Beauty School – Accredited

615 Milwaukee Avenue 28
Glenview, IL 60025

Innovations Design Academy – Accredited

214 East Washington Street
MaComb, IL 61455

International Skin Beauty Academy – Accredited

5025 North Broadway Street
Chicago, IL 60640

Kishwaukee College

21193 Malta Road
Malta, IL 60150

Lake Land College

5001 Lake Land Boulevard
Mattoon, IL 61938

Marco Polo Schools

4011 West School Street
Chicago, IL 60641

Paul Mitchell The School Bradley – Accredited

1600 North State Route 50 Room 522
Bourbonnais, IL 60914

Paul Mitchell The School Normal – Accredited

1503 East College Avenue Suite L
Normal, IL 61761

Paul Mitchell The School Tinley Park – Accredited

18454 West Creek Drive
Tinley Park, IL 60477

Pivot Point Academy – Accredited

144 East Lake Street Suite C
Bloomingdale, IL 60108

Reflections Academy of Beauty – Accredited

3122 Brettwood Circle
Decatur, IL 62526

Rend Lake College

468 North Ken Gray Parkway
Ina, IL 62846

Royal School of Cosmetology – Accredited

401 West National Avenue Suite C
Effingham, IL 62401

Roza Nail Technology School

10024 Skokie Boulevard 301B
Skokie, IL 60077

Sandra Rossi Education Center – Accredited

264 West Rand Road
Arlington Heights, IL 60004

Thrive Skin Institute

1301 22nd Street 102
Oak Brook, IL 60523

Trenz Beauty Academy - Calumet City – Accredited

695 Wentworth Avenue
Calumet City, IL 60409

Trenz Beauty Academy - Chicago – Accredited

2605 West 79th Street
Chicago, IL 60652

True U

845 North Michigan Avenue Suite 925 W
Chicago, IL 60611

Universal Spa Training Academy – Accredited

340 Burlington Avenue
Downers Grove, IL 60515
Accredited School

You must attend a school that meets any licensure requirements as defined by your state. Most states require that you graduate from an accredited or state-approved school.

Esthetician Schools Near Me

How to Become a Esthetician in Illinois

Illinois Esthetician Careers At a Glance
  • 750 education hours are required to become licensed.
  • You must renew your license every 2 years.
  • 10 continuing education hours are required to renew your license.
  • The average for estheticians in Illinois is $53,490 ($25.72/hour).
  • There is a predicted 6% job increase between 2018 - 2028 for estheticians.

According to the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation (IDFPR), you must meet the following requirements to become an esthetician in Illinois:

  • Be 16 years of age
  • Have graduated from high school or its equivalent or be older than the age at which you're legally allowed to leave high school
  • Complete an approved 750-hour esthetics training program lasting between 18 weeks and four consecutive years
  • Pass the esthetics test
  • Pay all relevant fees

A cosmetology license, which requires 1,500 hours of training, may allow you to practice as an esthetician in Illinois. In contrast, an esthetician's license only allows you to work as an esthetician.

Illinois Esthetics Careers

$53,490

Average yearly salary for esthetics in Illinois

Estheticians (also called skincare specialists) tend to earn slightly higher salaries than cosmetologists. In Illinois, estheticians earned a mean salary of  $53,490 per year ($25.72 per hour) as of 2021, while cosmetologists earned $42,660.

In Illinois, esthetician jobs are expected to grow by 6% between 2018-2028.

The highest-paying metro areas for estheticians in Illinois are:

  • Bloomington: $40,580
  • Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI: $48,300
  • Springfield, IL Metro Area: $42,730
  • St. Louis, MO-IL: $30,400

Data from CareerOneStop (2022)

How to Become an Esthetician in Illinois

750 Education Hours

Required to earn a esthetics license

Estheticians in Illinois are qualified to perform cosmetic treatments; they're restricted from treating the deeper skin layers. Their work includes beautifying, massaging, cleansing, exfoliating, and stimulating the outer layer of skin. They may also apply makeup or eyelashes and remove unwanted hair.

Estheticians in Illinois aren't licensed to perform in-depth medical procedures, including Botox.

Though graduates of cosmetology programs may perform esthetic services, cosmetology licensure requires a total of 1,500 hours and includes hair and nail care.

If you're interested in working only with skin as an esthetician, the state law says you may earn an esthetician license with only 750 hours of training from a state-approved esthetics program.

Classes must cover, at a minimum, the following topics:

  • Anatomy and physiology
  • Application and removal of products
  • Cleansing, steaming, exfoliation, and extraction procedures
  • Electricity and electrical device use
  • Hair and its follicles and growth cycles
  • Hair removal
  • Integumentary system and skin histology
  • Intrinsic and extrinsic factors affecting the skin
  • Introductory chemistry
  • Mask use
  • Massage
  • Sanitation and infection control
  • Sebaceous and sudoriferous gland disorders
  • Skin analysis and consultation, documentation, and treatment
  • Skin conditions, disorders, and diseases
  • Skincare products
  • Specialized services

Can I Apprentice as an Esthetician in Illinois?

Illinois has no apprenticeship pathway to earning an esthetician's license.

Illinois Esthetician Licensing Requirements

If you meet the age and educational requirements, you can apply to take the esthetics licensure exam.

This 90-minute written exam, administered by the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC), costs $30 to take. The exam divides the required subjects listed above into two umbrellas, with the following amounts of focus:

  • Scientific concepts: 60%
  • Esthetics practices: 40%

You have three chances to pass the exam with at least a 75% score—if that doesn't happen, the state will require you to take an additional 125 hours of remedial esthetician training before you can apply to take the exam again.

Illinois Esthetician Licensure Reciprocity

If you have an esthetician license in another state and want to work in Illinois, the state offers licensure by endorsement.

For an endorsement to be possible, your state's licensure requirements must be similar to those of Illinois, or you need to have worked as a licensed esthetician for a certain amount of time. A full year of employment generally equals 150 hours of training.

In addition to proving your training meets or exceeds Illinois' requirements, you need to submit an application package to the IDFPR. The package must include official proof of licensure, proof of any name change (if applicable), and a $45 fee.

Esthetician Specialties in Illinois

If you want to offer specialized services in Illinois but don't want to obtain additional licensure, consider researching popular types of spas, salons, and treatments in your community.

In Illinois, many esthetics programs and salons/spas emphasize green practices, including the use of sustainable, natural products. While this is not a licensure specialty, it may be possible to study green or eco-friendly esthetics in your program or through continuing education.

You may also be able to earn additional certifications or undergo training related to specific treatments, products, or equipment. While programs must cover introductory practices for many of these specialties, additional training can set you apart.

For example, certifications or continuing education may be available in eyelash extensions, corrective esthetics, or lymph drainage.

Some spas and salons offer on-the-job training programs for certain treatments or products they may use.

While there isn't a license for medical estheticians, these professionals may perform all treatments estheticians can—plus a little more. They often work in locations traditional estheticians often can't, like dermatologists' offices. While some places may hire you and train you on the job, taking courses independently could give you a leg up on the competition.

Esthetician License Renewal in Illinois

2 Years

License renewal period

10 Hours

Continuing education required

Your esthetician license in Illinois is good for two years, at which point you must renew your license. All licenses expire on September 30 of each odd-numbered year.

During the two years between expiration dates, you must complete 10 hours of continuing education units (CEUs), five of which can be completed online, to qualify for renewal.

All beauty professionals in Illinois must complete a one-hour CEU over domestic violence and sexual assault awareness. Estheticians are especially well-positioned to recognize signs of abuse due to their work on various parts of the body, allowing them to notice things like scars and bruises others may not see.

Contact the Illinois State Board of Esthetics

Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation

Here are some additional resources for estheticians in Illinois.

America's Beauty Show
Headquartered in Chicago, IL, this U.S. chapter of CIDESCO provides members with access to industry news, policy advocacy, continuing education opportunities, networking, insider access to products and supplies, and more.

Chicago Magazine
This lifestyle publication highlights the best of the Chicago area, from news and politics to food and drink, culture, and style, including features on makeup, skincare, and other beauty-related subjects.

Commercial_Combo_Program-Career-Geo
Esthetics/Skin Care
Illinois

How to Become a Esthetician in Your State