Laser Training Schools in Illinois

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

How to Become a Laser Technician in Illinois

The business of permanent hair removal is a huge industry. In particular, laser technology is very popular, as it is one of the oldest and most trusted types of permanent hair removal.

State License Requirements

Before becoming a laser technician in Illinois, you should go through a comprehensive training program that gives you lots of hands-on experience with laser equipment. This is considered a medical procedure, so you must be under the direct supervision of a physician while working. There are no specific licensing requirements, since some places provide on-site training to employees. A thorough laser training program can give you the skills you need to work with high-end equipment.

Education Details

The most important part of studying laser technology is learning how to use a laser. It is a very precise skill, as you have to use a laser to stop growth at the base of each hair follicle. By the time you complete your weeks or months of training, you should plan on getting lots of practical experience.

License Renewal

To instill confidence and qualify for these credentials, you should take a certification program recognized by the National Council on Laser Certification (NCLC), which requires you to renew every three years and pay a $95 fee.

Illinois Laser Training Careers

Skin care is a very stable specialty in Illinois. Between 2015 and 2022, O*Net predicts a 38% increase in skin care specialist jobs throughout the state. Their statistics show that the average salary for a skin care specialist in Illinois is $23,900 per year (O*Net, 2015).

Upon graduation, you may find that your laser skills can be put to use in quite a variety of settings. Spas and salons tend to be the most popular places of employment for laser technicians, but dermatology offices and specialized hair removal clinics are other options to consider. Hands-on practice is the best thing you can do for your career. You should have very strong laser skills when you complete your education, but it takes dozens of clients for you to really perfect your technique. The more quickly you gain practical experience, the more you can develop your reputation as a skilled laser technician in your community.

Contact the Illinois State Board of Cosmetology