Nail Technology Schools in Illinois
Browse our directory of nail technology schools in Illinois, or skip ahead to learn about the state's nail technology licensing requirements and job outlook.
Browse All Nail Technology Schools in Illinois
For School Owners
Don't see your school listed? Want to discuss becoming a featured school in the directory? Contact us to learn more.
700 East Terra Cotta Avenue
Crystal Lake, IL 60014
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
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
15301 South Cicero Avenue
Oak Forest, IL 60452
7350 West 87th Street
Bridgeview, IL 60455
530 East North Avenue
Glendale Heights, IL 60139
751 East Park Avenue
Libertyville, IL 60048
5321 North Harlem Avenue
Chicago, IL 60656
602 West Glen Avenue
Peoria, IL 61614
5485 East State Street
Rockford, IL 61108
ABC School of Cosmetology and Nail Technology – Accredited
Lake In The Hills, IL 60156
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:
Nail Technology Schools Near Me
Check out the Nail Technology schools these cities in Illinois have to offer.
Cost of Nail Technician School Across IL
| Metro | Average Tuition |
|---|---|
| Champaign / Springfield / Decatur | $4,000 |
| Chicago | $3,878 |
| Rockford | $3,783 |
Comparing Program Costs in IL
| Cosmetology School Costs |
|---|
| Highest range: $13,450 - $24,000 |
| Lowest range: $2,900 - $13,450 |
| Average: $18,918 |
| Nail Technology School Costs |
| Highest range: $5,143 - $9,146 |
| Lowest range: $1,140 - $5,143 |
| Average: $3,823 |
How to Become a Manicurist in Illinois
- 350 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 manicurists in Illinois is $22,630 ($10.88/hour). This is lower than the national average of $25,770 ($12.39/hour).
- There is a predicted 4% job increase between 2016-2026 for manicurists. This is lower than the expected national growth of 10%.
Illinois is one of the most fashion-forward states in the Midwest, thanks to major cities like Chicago and Springfield.
As a nail technician in this state, you can work in busy metropolitan areas or upscale suburbs to give clients beautiful nails and build your skills.
State License Requirements
Required to earn a nail technology license
The next step in getting a nail technician license in Illinois is taking your licensing exams. This includes a written test and a hands-on practical exam. When you apply for your exams, you must also pay a $210 fee to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. After you pass your exams and they approve your application, you may get your IL nail tech license and start your career.
Education Details
How do you get your foot in the door in this field? Of course, it all comes down to training. At a licensed nail tech program in Illinois, you can learn from nail technicians with years or decades of experience. As you learn new techniques, you practice them on mannequin hands to strengthen your skills. You also get to work with real clients, which helps you learn how to communicate with customers and make your work more efficient. In Illinois, applicants need at least 350 hours of training to qualify for licensure. Required course topics are listed below.
Courses Taught at Illinois Nail Tech Schools
License Renewal
License renewal period
Continuing education required
Like most states, Illinois requires nail technician training and licensure to work legally in this state. If you have a goal to work in nails, then you will need to complete a minimum 350-hour training program, and then go through the initial license application process. Once you receive your nail technician license in Illinois, you will need to renew before September 30th in even-numbered years. The fee for renewal is $25. Illinois also requires 14 continuing education units between each renewal period. Be sure to ask each beauty school in your area how they help students prepare for this process.
Illinois Nail Technology Careers
Average yearly salary for nail technology in Illinois
When it's time to start your nail technology career, you can figure out if you fit in at a high-end hair salon, a luxurious resort spa, or a small nail salon. No matter where you work, you can look forward to spending your days applying artificial nails, beautifying natural nails, and softening skin with manicures and pedicures. In Illinois, demand for nail professionals is growing. Between 2016 and 2026, job openings may increase 4% throughout the state (CareerOneStop, 2020). The average salary for an Illinois manicurist is $22,630 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2020).
Nail art and professional nail care services have become increasingly popular within the past decade, which has increased the demand for nail technologists. Nail technologist jobs are projected to grow at a rate of 10% through the year 2024, which is slightly faster than the average growth rate for all other professions. Consumer interest in quicker and mobile nail care services is driving the bulk of the demand, but the need to replace retiring and transitioning nail technologists will also open up new job opportunities for manicurists.
Contact the Illinois State Board of Nail Technology
- 100 West Randolph, 9th Floor Chicago, IL 60601
- Website: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
- Call: 888-473-4858