How much does a Cosmetologist license cost in Illinois?

Getting a Cosmetologist license in Illinois costs $210 upfront (exam fee $95, application fee $65, license fee $50). Renewal runs $55 every 2 years.

How much do licensed cosmetologists earn in Illinois?

Licensed cosmetologists in Illinois earn a median salary of $34,680/year, compared to $24,480/year without the license.

How many CE hours are required to renew a Cosmetologist license in Illinois?

Illinois requires 16 continuing education hours every 2 years to renew a Cosmetologist license.

Cosmetologist Licenses › Illinois

Cosmetologist License Cost in Illinois 2026: $210 Fees, $35K Salary

Getting a Cosmetologist license in Illinois costs $210 upfront. At state-adjusted salaries, that pays back in 0.2 months.

Cosmetologist License in Illinois — Key Numbers

$210

Upfront Cost

$35K

Median Salary (Licensed)

$55

Renewal (every 2 yrs)

0.2 mo

Payback Period

Salary data: BLS OEWS 2024 state estimates. Fees: state licensing board schedules.

Cosmetologist License Cost Breakdown — Illinois

Exam fee $95

Application fee $65

Initial license fee $50

Total upfront $210

Renewal fee (every 2 yrs) $55

CE hours required per cycle 16 hours

Salary without license (Illinois) $24,480/yr

Salary with license (Illinois) $34,680/yr

5-year net ROI $51K

Licensing body: Illinois Board of Cosmetology. Verify current fees before applying — schedules change.

Cosmetologist License in Illinois — What to Know

Illinois cosmetology licensing requires significant education hours — most states in this tier require 1,000–1,500 hours of cosmetology school before the state board exam. The $35K median covers licensed cosmetologists; top stylists at independent salons or booth renters in Illinois's metro areas earn considerably more. Illinois's licensing board requires both a practical and written exam. School tuition ($6,000–$18,000) is the real upfront cost — the license fees themselves are minor.

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Other License Costs in Illinois

Real Estate Agent → Registered Nurse → General Contractor →

← All states: Cosmetologist License Costs

All certifications in Illinois · Payback period by state

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