Professional Certifications & Licenses in Illinois
Compare requirements, salaries, and career paths in IL
Healthcare Careers in Illinois
| Career |
License Required |
Median Salary |
Time to Complete |
Est. Cost |
| Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) |
Yes
|
$44,750 |
1-4 months |
— |
| Dental Assistant |
No
|
$47,430 |
Varies depending on expanded functions pursued. |
— |
| EMT |
Yes
|
$40,780 |
4-6 months |
— |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) |
Yes
|
$66,030 |
1-2 years |
— |
| Medical Assistant |
No
|
$45,490 |
9-24 months |
— |
| Medical Coder |
No
|
$49,420 |
6 months to 3 years (depending on program type) |
— |
| Paramedic |
Yes
|
$40,780 |
1-2 years |
— |
| Pharmacy Technician |
Yes
|
$44,610 |
3-12 months |
— |
| Phlebotomist |
No
|
$45,620 |
Typically 4 weeks to 6 months for training programs |
— |
| Radiology Technologist |
Yes
|
$77,890 |
2 years |
— |
| Respiratory Therapist |
Yes
|
$81,310 |
2-4 years (based on degree program) |
— |
| Surgical Technologist |
No
|
$62,510 |
9-24 months |
— |
| Dental Hygienist |
Yes
|
$96,490 |
2 years |
— |
Trades Careers in Illinois
| Career |
License Required |
Median Salary |
Time to Complete |
Est. Cost |
| CDL Truck Driver |
Yes
|
$59,790 |
3-8 weeks (training) + application processing |
— |
| Electrician |
No
|
$96,360 |
Approximately 4 years (for initial certification/journeyman level) |
— |
| HVAC Technician |
No
|
$71,620 |
Varies by local municipality; EPA 608 certification typically 2-3 months. |
— |
| Plumber |
Yes
|
$96,200 |
4-6 years |
$400 |
| Welder |
No
|
$49,730 |
4-12 months for certificate program; 2 years for associate's degree |
— |
| Barber |
Yes
|
$36,300 |
10-12 months (full-time) or 12-18 months (part-time) |
— |
| Cosmetologist |
Yes
|
$34,800 |
12-18 months (for 1500-hour program) |
— |
| Massage Therapist |
Yes
|
$60,640 |
Several weeks (after training and exam) |
— |
Professional Careers in Illinois
Illinois Certifications Ranked by Salary
| # |
Career |
Category |
Median Salary |
| 1 |
Dental Hygienist |
Healthcare |
$96,490 |
| 2 |
Electrician |
Trades |
$96,360 |
| 3 |
Plumber |
Trades |
$96,200 |
| 4 |
Respiratory Therapist |
Healthcare |
$81,310 |
| 5 |
CPA (Certified Public Accountant) |
Professional |
$79,300 |
| 6 |
Radiology Technologist |
Healthcare |
$77,890 |
| 7 |
HVAC Technician |
Trades |
$71,620 |
| 8 |
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) |
Healthcare |
$66,030 |
| 9 |
Surgical Technologist |
Healthcare |
$62,510 |
| 10 |
Paralegal |
Professional |
$62,290 |
| 11 |
Massage Therapist |
Trades |
$60,640 |
| 12 |
CDL Truck Driver |
Trades |
$59,790 |
| 13 |
Insurance Agent |
Professional |
$59,340 |
| 14 |
Real Estate Agent |
Professional |
$51,210 |
| 15 |
Personal Trainer |
Professional |
$50,290 |
| 16 |
Welder |
Trades |
$49,730 |
| 17 |
Medical Coder |
Healthcare |
$49,420 |
| 18 |
Dental Assistant |
Healthcare |
$47,430 |
| 19 |
Phlebotomist |
Healthcare |
$45,620 |
| 20 |
Medical Assistant |
Healthcare |
$45,490 |
| 21 |
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) |
Healthcare |
$44,750 |
| 22 |
Pharmacy Technician |
Healthcare |
$44,610 |
| 23 |
EMT |
Healthcare |
$40,780 |
| 24 |
Paramedic |
Healthcare |
$40,780 |
| 25 |
Barber |
Trades |
$36,300 |
| 26 |
Cosmetologist |
Trades |
$34,800 |