Cosmetology schools in Illinois
We found 64 schools offering cosmetology training in Illinois, with campuses in Chicago, Springfield, Oak Forest, and Niles and more. Cosmetologists in Illinois earn a median $34,040 a year, according to the BLS.
- Schools
- 64
- Public colleges
- 12
- Median pay in IL
- $34,040
- Cities with schools
- 25
24 cosmetology schools
School results
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City Colleges of Chicago-Harry S Truman College
Chicago, IL · Public
- Cosmetology
- Automotive technician
- IT support & networking
- +3
Cosmetology schools by city
- Chicago (37 within 30 mi)
- Aurora (24 within 30 mi)
- Joliet (18 within 30 mi)
- Rockford (6 within 30 mi)
- Elgin (22 within 30 mi)
- Springfield (3 within 30 mi)
- Waukegan (13 within 30 mi)
- Cicero (38 within 30 mi)
- Evanston (30 within 30 mi)
- Arlington Heights (29 within 30 mi)
- Bolingbrook (34 within 30 mi)
- Orland Park (38 within 30 mi)
- Oak Lawn (40 within 30 mi)
- Wheaton (37 within 30 mi)
- Hoffman Estates (28 within 30 mi)
- Glenview (31 within 30 mi)
- Crystal Lake (13 within 30 mi)
- Belleville (3 within 30 mi)
- DeKalb (6 within 30 mi)
- Edwardsville (3 within 30 mi)
- Yorkville (14 within 30 mi)
- Woodstock (9 within 30 mi)
- East Peoria (3 within 30 mi)
- Stone Park (39 within 30 mi)
- Ullin (3 within 30 mi)
What cosmetologists earn in Illinois
Median pay means half earn more and half earn less. Pay grows with experience, certifications and overtime.
Cosmetologist salary in IllinoisHow to become a cosmetologist
- Median pay
- $34,040
- $16.37 an hour
- Typical range
- $31,200–$58,960
- 10th to 90th percentile
- Jobs in IL
- 13,190
- Job growth, 2025–35
- +7.7%
- 73,400 openings a year (U.S.)
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, and Employment Projections.
Hear from the best fits near Illinois
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- Ask about financial aid and apprenticeships
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Step 1 of 3: Your trade
Frequently asked questions
How many cosmetology schools are in Illinois?
We list 64 schools in Illinois with cosmetology programs: 12 public colleges and 52 private career schools. Campuses are in Chicago, Springfield, Oak Forest, Niles, and Rockford.
Are there community college cosmetology programs in Illinois?
Yes. 12 public colleges in Illinois offer cosmetology. Public programs often cost less and are usually eligible for federal financial aid. Confirm costs and aid with each school.
How much does cosmetology school cost in Illinois?
Among the 61 schools here that report it to the U.S. Department of Education, the average yearly net price (after grants and scholarships) ranges from $1,672 to $33,008. That figure covers the whole school, not just this program, so ask each school for the program's total cost.
How much do cosmetologists make in Illinois?
The median pay for cosmetologists in Illinois is $34,040 a year, and most earn between $31,200 and $58,960, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
How do I choose a cosmetology school in Illinois?
Ask each school about accreditation, total cost after financial aid, hands-on lab hours, certification exam prep, class sizes and job placement. Request info from two or three schools so you can compare their answers side by side.
Other programs in Illinois
- IT schools (44)
- Criminal justice programs (44)
- Welding schools (44)
- CNA classes (42)
- Medical assistant schools (39)
- Auto mechanic schools (38)
- LPN programs (36)
- EMT and paramedic schools (36)
- Industrial maintenance schools (36)
- Medical billing and coding schools (34)
- Esthetician schools (32)
- HVAC schools (31)
- Drafting schools (30)
- Radiology tech schools (25)
- Phlebotomy classes (24)
- Fire science programs (23)
Cosmetology schools in other states
- Texas (136)
- California (119)
- Florida (104)
- North Carolina (63)
- Pennsylvania (55)
- Ohio (48)
- Oklahoma (45)
- Tennessee (43)
- Georgia (42)
- Michigan (41)
- New York (34)
- Louisiana (32)
- Puerto Rico (32)
- Arkansas (30)
- Wisconsin (30)
- Indiana (29)