Personal Care & Fitness Chicago, IL Pop. 2,693,976

Cosmetologist Salary in Chicago, Illinois

The median cosmetologist salary in Chicago, IL is $37,536 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median and 12.6% above the Illinois state average.

City Median
$37,536
vs State Avg
+$4,210
vs National
+$2,456
Cost of Living
107%

Cosmetologist Pay in Chicago: What to Expect (2026)

Chicago offers a median cosmetologist salary of $37,536, which is $4,210 above the Illinois state average of $33,326. Compared to the national median of $35,080, Chicago pays above average for this role.

Chicago's cost of living is 107% 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 Chicago spans from $23,540 at the 10th percentile to $62,060 at the 90th percentile — a $38,520 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $25,680, while senior cosmetologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $58,850. As a major metro area with a population of 2,693,976, Chicago typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Cosmetologist Salary in Chicago by Experience

In Chicago, an entry-level cosmetologist earns around $25,680, while experienced professionals earn up to $58,850 per year. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$25,680
+$1,680 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$38,520
+$2,520 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$58,850
+$3,850 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chicago, IL

Percentile Chicago
10th Percentile $23,540
25th Percentile $28,890
Median (50th) $37,536
75th Percentile $49,220
90th Percentile $62,060

Cosmetologist Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$37,886
Pop. 149,540
Aurora, IL
$33,326
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$29,818
Pop. 114,394
Rockford, IL
$28,766
Pop. 148,655

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Chicago

Education

Most cosmetologist positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Chicago 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 Chicago may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Cosmetologist Jobs in Chicago

Browse open cosmetologist positions in Chicago, IL:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Cosmetologist Salary in Chicago

How much does a Cosmetologist make in Chicago, IL? ▼
The median cosmetologist salary in Chicago, Illinois is $37,536 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median of $35,080. Salaries range from $23,540 (10th percentile) to $62,060 (90th percentile).
How much does a Cosmetologist make per hour in Chicago? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $37,536, a cosmetologist in Chicago earns approximately $18 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chicago compare to the Illinois state average for cosmetologist pay? ▼
Chicago's median cosmetologist salary of $37,536 is 12.6% above the Illinois state average of $33,326. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chicago, IL? ▼
Chicago has a cost of living index of 107% compared to the national average. This means a cosmetologist salary of $37,536 in Chicago has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a cosmetologist in Chicago? ▼
Most cosmetologist positions in Chicago 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.