Personal Care & Fitness Aurora, IL Pop. 197,757

Cosmetologist Salary in Aurora, Illinois

The median cosmetologist salary in Aurora, IL is $33,326 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 0.0% above the Illinois state average.

City Median
$33,326
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-1,754
Cost of Living
95%

Cosmetologist Pay in Aurora: What to Expect (2026)

Aurora offers a median cosmetologist salary of $33,326, which is $0 above the Illinois state average of $33,326. Compared to the national median of $35,080, Aurora pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Aurora's cost of living is 95% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for cosmetologists in Aurora spans from $20,900 at the 10th percentile to $55,100 at the 90th percentile — a $34,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $22,800, while senior cosmetologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $52,250. With a population of 197,757, Aurora is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Cosmetologist Salary in Aurora by Experience

In Aurora, an entry-level cosmetologist earns around $22,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $52,250 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$22,800
$-1,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$34,200
$-1,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$52,250
$-2,750 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Aurora, IL

Percentile Aurora
10th Percentile $20,900
25th Percentile $25,650
Median (50th) $33,326
75th Percentile $43,700
90th Percentile $55,100

Cosmetologist Salary in Other Illinois Cities

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Aurora

Education

Most cosmetologist positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Aurora and the surrounding Illinois area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Hair StylingColor TheorySkincareMakeup ApplicationClient RelationsSanitation

Job Outlook

Nationally, cosmetologist employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Aurora may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Cosmetologist Jobs in Aurora

Browse open cosmetologist positions in Aurora, IL:

Frequently Asked Questions: Cosmetologist Salary in Aurora

How much does a Cosmetologist make in Aurora, IL? ▼
The median cosmetologist salary in Aurora, Illinois is $33,326 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $35,080. Salaries range from $20,900 (10th percentile) to $55,100 (90th percentile).
How much does a Cosmetologist make per hour in Aurora? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $33,326, a cosmetologist in Aurora earns approximately $16 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Aurora compare to the Illinois state average for cosmetologist pay? ▼
Aurora's median cosmetologist salary of $33,326 is 0.0% above the Illinois state average of $33,326. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Aurora, IL? ▼
Aurora has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a cosmetologist salary of $33,326 in Aurora has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a cosmetologist in Aurora? ▼
Most cosmetologist positions in Aurora require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Hair Styling, Color Theory, Skincare, Makeup Application. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.