The growth of the beauty industry, including the esthetics industry can never be overemphasized, in fact, Statista reported that Revenue in the Beauty & Personal Care market amounts to US$625.70bn in 2023. They also reported that most revenue is generated in the United States which is US$98bn in 2023.
So, you see you’re on the right track, whether you intend to enroll in one of the top esthetician schools in Illinois, California, Colorado, NY, or even Texas.
For women, this passion always began as kids, when boys were busy playing with their guns, our companion, and confidante, was our dolls. How we meticulously styled their hair and decorated their wardrobes, all the caring has birthed a sense of empathy that we carry as women today.
Now we’ve grown older, this fascination with dolls we had has produced a deeper interest in beauty and self-care. Now we experiment with makeup, hair styling, and skincare.
As women, the passion for esthetics has always been there, but that doesn’t mean men don’t have the passion.
Illinois provides you with a wealth of options in esthetics and cosmetology schools, and before we list them, let’s first know how much these estheticians actually make, their potential careers, and how to become one in Illinois.
How Much Do Estheticians Make in Illinois
The amount Estheticians make annually differs based on their level, their salary basically ranges from $16,500 to $69,500. The average salary of Estheticians in Illinois is $31,000 annually.
As we said it differs, so if you’re newly employed you should expect $27,000 per year, if it’s a mid-level worker, they earn $32,000 annually, whereas an experienced-level worker accumulates a sum of $39,000 per year. Then, senior level work, that is an esthetician that has had more than 11 years of experience, will be earning $46,000 per year.
Esthetician Careers in Illinois
Here are some esthetician Careers in IL
- Clinical esthetician
- Medical esthetician
- Laser hair removal technician
- Spa esthetician
- Make-up artist
- Waxing Specialist
- Body contouring specialist
- Microblading/micro-pigmentation specialist
- Lash extension specialist
- Brow Specialist
How to Become an Esthetician in Illinois
Becoming an Esthetician in Illinois is not a hard nut to crack, you can become a licensed esthetician within 6 months to 2 years depending if you are enrolled in a certificate program or an associate degree. Here are step-by-step procedures to become an esthetician in IL.
- First of all, you need to graduate from high school or at least obtain a GED.
- Enroll and complete an esthetician training program which requires a minimum of 750 hours to receive your license from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR)
- You will need to pass the National Cosmetology Association (NCA) State Licensure Exam
- Apply for a license from the IDFPR
These are exactly how you can become an esthetician in Illinois, once you’re done, you’re free to look for a job.
Pro Tip: you always need to complete 15 hours of continuing education every two years which will help you maintain your license, so don’t stop learning.
Top Esthetician Schools in Illinois
Before choosing a school, we would advise you to consider factors such as program length, accreditation (all provided schools here are accredited), and hands-on training opportunities. Make sure their curriculum aligns with your career goals.
1. Tricoci University of Beauty Culture
Tricoci University is well-respected for both its cosmetology and esthetics programs in Illinois which made them win the AACS School of the Year Award in 2022. To add to their prestige, they also provide financial aid, and they awarded more than $1.3 million in Grants and Scholarships Last Year.
To be admitted, you need to hold a high school diploma, high school transcripts of completion, or a GED certificate.
- Location
- Chicago City/Metro Campus
- Elgin Campus
- Libertyville Campus
- Normal Campus
- Peoria Campus
- Rockford Campus
- Urbana Campus
2. University of Spa & Cosmetology Arts
This is among the top esthetician schools in Illinois that offers a wide range of esthetics programs in topics like skin care, makeup, and hair removal. Their state-of-the-art Spa facility also helps to increase your learning and the USCA is accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts & Sciences (NACCAS).
The Esthiology or Esthetics program will only take 750 clock hours to complete, whereas their Cosmetology program takes 1,500 clock hours.
- Location
- 2913 West White Oaks Drive
Springfield, IL 62704
3. Studio Rend Lake College Cosmetology School
This is among the Cosmetology schools in Illinois that will teach you about hair cutting, hair styling, and scientific concepts in skin care and special esthetics procedures, coupled with the latest and hottest trends. One of the interesting things about studying here is that you’ll be guided by expert supervisors and work with real clients.
You can either choose their 2-year associate degree in Applied Science with a concentration in Cosmetology, 30.5 hours professional certificate in esthetics programs in Illinois, or their 50 hours professional certificate in cosmetology.
- Locations
- 5680 State Route 154
Pinckneyville, IL 62274
- 321 Potomac Blvd
Mt. Vernon, IL 62864
- 468 N. Ken Gray Parkway
Ina, IL 62846
4. Kishwaukee College
Kish believes in helping people increase their confidence through proper skincare to live their lives more fully which makes them one of the top esthetician schools in Illinois. Their Esthetics program will help you to gain the right foundation in esthetics techniques and practices, human biology, first aid, nutrition, and ethics.
Their 760-hour (three semesters) Esthetics certificate program will prepare you to become a licensed esthetician and it meets the requirements of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). After the course, you’ll be able to sit for the exam approved by the IDFPR to become a Licensed Esthetician in the State of Illinois.
- Location
- 21193 Malta Road
Malta, IL 60150
5. Aveda Institute
Aveda Institute is one of the best esthetics, cosmetology, Spa, and skin care schools in Illinois that will help you develop your skills and nurture your creativity.
Their cosmetology program will focus on hair cutting, color, texture services, nail care, makeup application, business development, retail knowledge, etc. Their esthetics program combines age-old Ayurvedic knowledge with modern science, which provides you with the best understanding of skin care. You also decide to enroll in the Massage Therapy program.
Also, Located in the trendy area of Lakeview, near Boystown, within walking distance to Lincoln Park makes it easy for you to commute to and from your house.
- Location
- 2828 N. Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60657
6. The New Age Spa Institute
One of the reasons NASI is among the best esthetician schools in Illinois is because of their advanced esthetics training, including medical esthetics which will give you a headstart in the industry. Their licensing programs include Esthetics, Nail Technology, Clinical Massage, Cidesco, Eyelash Extension, Makeup Artistry, and Clinical Aesthetics.
Also, another thing that sets them apart is that they have a 99% enrollment-to-graduation ratio, which is rarely seen in other esthetician schools.
Located in Chicago, IL, suburb of Des Plaines, makes it very convenient for out-of-state students to join them.
- Location
- 1870 Busse Hwy Des Plaines, IL 60016
7. G Skin & Beauty Institute – Oakbrook
One of the uniqueness that qualified them to be among the top esthetician schools in Illinois is that they only use top-grade Organic Products. They also go further to teach their students to do their formulations and make their own Organic Products, which is why the ‘G’ in their stands for Green.
Studying esthetics at G Skin & Beauty Institute will prepare you for work in a spa, or a medical office, and be a makeup artist able to do weddings, runways, etc.
- Location
- Schaumburg, IL
- Oak Brook, IL
- Naperville, IL
- Chicago, IL
8. Estelle Skin Care & Spa Institute
So many schools are thriving to be among the top Skincare schools in Illinois, and in the United States, including Estelle Skin Care & Spa Institute. For more than 25 years, they have been providing a rigorous pathway to acquiring an Esthetic license, and you can complete their program within six months.
Their state-of-the-art campus features a fully-equipped practical lab, theory classrooms, retail areas stocked with leading professional product lines, a student lounge, etc. You won’t only learn classic European techniques, but also comprehensive training on how to work as an esthetician in the medical field.
- Location
- 10024 Skokie Boulevard
Suite 301 | Skokie, IL 60077
Key Takeaway
Pursuing a career in esthetics or cosmetology can be a noteworthy adventure, especially seeing that getting a certificate or degree doesn’t take so much time. In fact, with your 6-month certificate, you can reach unlimited heights as long as you’re committed, hardworking, and disciplined in the field.
Illinois on its own provides amazing top esthetician schools, and if you reside in this great state, you’ve got a handful of options, but remember to stick to your career goals while choosing.
