Cosmetologist in Illinois
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for IL
How to Become a Cosmetologist in Illinois
To become a licensed Cosmetologist in Illinois, individuals must complete 1,500 hours of training at an Illinois-approved cosmetology school or 3,000 hours of apprenticeship, and possess a high school diploma or GED. The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) requires applicants to pass the Illinois Cosmetology Examination, which includes both a written theory and a practical skills exam. Additionally, a 1-hour domestic violence continuing education course is required for initial renewal, and a criminal background check is part of the application process.
Cosmetologist Requirements in Illinois
| Detail | Illinois |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | 1500 hours of cosmetology training at an Illinois-approved school or 3000 hours of apprenticeship under a licensed cosmetologist, and a high school diploma or GED. Also requires a 1-hour, one-time continuing education course on Domestic Violence for initial renewal. |
| Exam | Illinois Cosmetology Examination (written theory exam and practical skills exam administered by PSI via Continental Testing Services) ($195) |
| Application Fee | $30 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 14.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Minimum age is 16 years old. Illinois does not have a hands-on practical exam; it requires a computerized written test that includes theory and scenario-based practical knowledge. A criminal background check is required for new applicants. |
Source: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
Cosmetologist Salary in Illinois
The median cosmetologist salary in Illinois is $34,800 per year, which is 1.3% below the national median of $35,250.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $29,120 |
| 25th | $29,770 |
| 50th (median) | $34,800 |
| 75th | $49,230 |
| 90th (experienced) | $62,610 |
Illinois employs approximately 13,770 cosmetologists.
Cosmetologist Job Outlook
AI Impact on Cosmetologists
Low AI Exposure (Score: -0.68/1.00)
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
Is Becoming a Cosmetologist in Illinois Worth It?
Factors to consider: Illinois's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.