Nail tech schools in Illinois
We found 10 schools offering nail technician training in Illinois, with campuses in Schaumburg, Freeport, Glenview, and Hillside and more. Nail technicians in Illinois earn a median $37,050 a year, according to the BLS.
- Schools
- 10
- Public colleges
- 4
- Median pay in IL
- $37,050
- Cities with schools
- 6
Nail tech schools by city
- Chicago (7 within 30 mi)
- Naperville (4 within 30 mi)
- Elgin (4 within 30 mi)
- Waukegan (3 within 30 mi)
- Arlington Heights (4 within 30 mi)
- Orland Park (4 within 30 mi)
What nail technicians earn in Illinois
Median pay means half earn more and half earn less. Pay grows with experience, certifications and overtime.
Nail technician salary in IllinoisHow to become a nail technician
- Median pay
- $37,050
- $17.81 an hour
- Typical range
- $31,200–$48,840
- 10th to 90th percentile
- Jobs in IL
- 2,470
- Job growth, 2025–35
- +9.2%
- 21,900 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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- Compare real costs and start dates
- Ask about financial aid and apprenticeships
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Frequently asked questions
How many nail technician schools are in Illinois?
We list 10 schools in Illinois with nail technician programs: 4 public colleges and 6 private career schools. Campuses are in Schaumburg, Freeport, Glenview, Hillside, and Olney.
Are there community college nail technician programs in Illinois?
Yes. 4 public colleges in Illinois offer nail technician. Public programs often cost less and are usually eligible for federal financial aid. Confirm costs and aid with each school.
How much does nail technician school cost in Illinois?
Among the 9 schools here that report it to the U.S. Department of Education, the average yearly net price (after grants and scholarships) ranges from $4,162 to $21,847. That figure covers the whole school, not just this program, so ask each school for the program's total cost.
How much do nail technicians make in Illinois?
The median pay for nail technicians in Illinois is $37,050 a year, and most earn between $31,200 and $48,840, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
How do I choose a nail technician 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
- Cosmetology schools (64)
- 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)
Nail tech schools in other states
- Florida (57)
- California (54)
- Texas (47)
- Puerto Rico (24)
- Ohio (23)
- Michigan (20)
- Pennsylvania (19)
- Oregon (14)
- Utah (14)
- Georgia (13)
- North Carolina (13)
- Tennessee (13)
- Oklahoma (12)
- Wisconsin (12)
- Idaho (11)
- Indiana (11)