Cosmetology School in Illinois
If you're considering becoming a cosmetologist in Illinois, now may be a great time to start. Some of the state's metropolitan areas employ among the highest numbers of cosmetologists in the country, and you'll even see some areas ranked as the top-paying.
Cosmetologists in Illinois can offer a wide range of beauty-related services, including hair care, skin care, nail care, hair removal, and more. Whether you're looking for the best cosmetology schools in Chicago or beyond, understanding the requirements for beauty school and how to earn a license can be the first step toward a fulfilling career.
Browse our directory of cosmetology schools in Illinois, or skip ahead to learn about the state's cosmetology licensing requirements and job outlook.
Browse All Cosmetology Schools in Illinois
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700 East Terra Cotta Avenue
Crystal Lake, IL 60014
657 Highgrove Place
Rockford, IL 61108
142 East Golf Road
Schaumburg, IL 60173
3602 Marquette Road Suite 2
Peru, IL 61354
6943 East State Street
Rockford, IL 61108
211 East 3rd Street
Sterling, IL 61081
3106 West North Avenue
Stone Park, IL 60165
226 Hawthorn Village Commons
Vernon Hills, IL 60061
1200 Harger Road Suite 100
Oak Brook, IL 60523
5460 U.S. Highway 34
Oswego, IL 60543
10321 South Roberts Road
Palos Hills, IL 60465
2245 Gateway Drive
Sycamore, IL 60178
4335 West 147th Street
Midlothian, IL 60445
8057 North Milwaukee Avenue
Niles, IL 60714
15301 South Cicero Avenue
Oak Forest, IL 60452
1037-1043 Curtiss Street
Downers Grove, IL 60515
7350 West 87th Street
Bridgeview, IL 60455
5321 North Harlem Avenue
Chicago, IL 60656
6458 North Sheridan Road
Chicago, IL 60626
264 South Randall Road
Elgin, IL 60123
530 East North Avenue
Glendale Heights, IL 60139
751 East Park Avenue
Libertyville, IL 60048
1503 East College Avenue Suite L
Normal, IL 61761
602 West Glen Avenue
Peoria, IL 61614
5485 East State Street
Rockford, IL 61108
202 East University Street Suites H-J
Urbana, IL 61801
ABC School of Cosmetology and Nail Technology – Accredited
Lake In The Hills, IL 60156
Cannella School of Hair Design - Archer Avenue – Accredited
Chicago, IL 60632
Cannella School of Hair Design - Commercial Avenue – Accredited
Chicago, IL 60617
G Skin & Beauty Institute - Schaumburg – Accredited
Schaumburg, IL 60195
Im Beauty School - Cosmetology, Nail Technology, Esthetics
Glenview, IL 60025
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.
Related Beauty Careers
Not sure this is the right fit for you? Learn more about other career options in the beauty industry. Related specializations include:
Cosmetology Schools Near Me
Check out the Cosmetology schools these cities in Illinois have to offer.
How to Become a Cosmetologist 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.
What Happens in Cosmetology School in Illinois?
Required to earn a cosmetology license
For most people, attending a cosmetology school is the first step toward a beauty career. With a traditional cosmetology program, you'll learn the ins and outs of hair care, styling, cutting, treatment, and more. In addition, you'll also learn basic esthetics, eyelash extensions, hair removal, makeup techniques, and manicure and pedicure treatments. You'll also learn about important safety and sanitation practices and business ethics to help prepare you for a career in the field.
Some schools also offer internship programs included in the curriculum, which consist of 150 hours of training under the direct supervision of a salon. Regardless of whether or not the school offers an internship program, you'll still be required to complete a combination of classroom and practical education, where you'll practice styling, cutting, and other cosmetology services.
Some of the highlights of the cosmetology curriculum include:
While there is an upfront cost to cosmetology school, it can be an investment in your career and future. Some schools offer tuition payment plans or financial aid. Student loans can also be an option to help pay for cosmetology school. Be sure to calculate your earning potential compared with the cost of school to make the best choice for your unique situation.
While some states have a separate hair curriculum or licensure, Illinois' cosmetology program will prepare you for a wide-ranging career in the beauty industry, emphasizing hair. However, if you'd like to pursue other jobs in the field, you may wish to attend a specialized program like esthetician school in Illinois.
Can I Apprentice as a Cosmetologist in Illinois?
Illinois doesn't offer apprenticeships as a pathway to licensure in the field.
Illinois Cosmetology Exams
To receive your cosmetology license in Illinois, you must complete a written exam administered by PSI. The test is available in English, Spanish, and Chinese. You'll need to apply for the exam online ahead of time and bring any necessary identification documents to the testing center.
Once you graduate from your program, you need to take the following steps to earn your license:
Cosmetologist Salary and Projected Job Growth in Illinois
Pursuing a cosmetology career can be a great way to support yourself and grow your skills and earning potential. However, a cosmetologist's salary can vary depending on many factors, including location, clients, work environment, skill level, and more.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the average salary for a cosmetologist in Illinois is $42,120 per year. CareerOneStop, on the other hand, estimates a range of anywhere from $28,330 to $61,180 for cosmetologists in the state. With both sources, it's important to remember that these numbers don't account for all earning potential, like freelancers or small business owners. Location can also play a role, as a cosmetology career in Chicago may be more lucrative than in a smaller town to account for the cost of living.
CareerOneStop projects a 14% increase in employment opportunities in the industry over ten years, with more than 2,500 cosmetology roles predicted to open per year. As career opportunities expand, the right training can help set you apart and prepare for a growing career in the beauty industry.
Getting Your Cosmetology License in Illinois
To earn your cosmetology license in Illinois, you need to fulfill the following requirements:
You must complete 1,500 hours of training in no less than eight months and no more than seven consecutive years and pass a cosmetology exam.
Alternatively, you could complete a crossover program by completing 1,000 hours of barber school training and later taking 500 hours of cosmetology training.
You can take the licensure exam once you finish your required cosmetology training. If you pass, you'll receive your Illinois cosmetology license. No background check is required.
According to state law, a cosmetology license qualifies you to cut, style, and care for hair (including facial hair), nails, and skin for cosmetic, not medical, purposes.
Illinois Cosmetology Licensure Reciprocity
The state of Illinois doesn't currently have any reciprocity agreements. However, if you're a licensed cosmetologist in another state, you may apply for a license by endorsement. For your license to be considered for endorsement, one of the following must be true:
If you meet those eligibility requirements, you can apply to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) with proof of your existing license and by paying a fee.
Cosmetology License Renewal in Illinois
License renewal period
Continuing education required
In Illinois, cosmetologists must renew their licenses before September 30 of every odd-numbered year.
To renew your license, you must submit a renewal application and a renewal fee and prove you've completed 14 hours of approved continuing education (CE).
This CE must include a one-hour domestic violence and sexual assault awareness education program. People working in beauty have the unique opportunity to see people up close, which may alert them to any potential signs of abuse.
Contact the Illinois State Board of Cosmetology
- 100 West Randolph, 9th Floor Chicago, IL 60601
- Website: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
- Call: 888-473-4858