No matter how passionate you are about beauty, choosing a career in cosmetology isn’t just about creativity and fun. This important decision comes down to building a secure future that guarantees financial stability as well as abundant opportunities for professional growth. Whether you are considering this as your first career or you’re looking for a meaningful change, it’s only natural to ask “how much does a cosmetologist make?”. In this blog we will cover everything you need to know about your future earnings!
What’s the Average Salary of a Cosmetologist?
First things first, the answer depends on several factors including experience, location, specialization and education. However, one thing is certain: cosmetology is the kind of field that offers the freedom to fully shape your income around your goals.
With the right training from a reputable cosmetology school you can acquire the necessary skills to become a qualified professional, increasing your earning potential. So, let’s get into more detail on what you can expect to earn as a cosmetologist and what affects salary.
According to national data, the average salary for a cosmetologist in the U.S. ranges from $66,000 – $121,000 per year. However, in states like Illinois and especially in major cities like Chicago, earnings can be significantly higher.
So, depending on the area where you operate, experienced professionals and salon owners can easily earn more. Also, keep in mind that tips, commissions and side work freelance projects also play a significant role in increasing your total income as a cosmetologist.
For example, a cosmetologist in Chicago working in an upscale salon with a regular loyal clientele can command both premium rates and pretty generous tips.
And while rural or small-town professionals may seem to earn less initially, they enjoy lower competition and cost of living and optimal freedom and independence.
What Factors Affect Cosmetologist Income?
So as we said, there are several variables that influence how much you can earn as a cosmetologist. Let’s explore the most important ones:
1. Location
First, your geographic location indeed impacts your earnings. A cosmetologist in Illinois can easily charge higher rates simply due to the greater demand for beauty services.
2. Experience
Recent graduates may start at entry-level pay, however they benefit from the numerous opportunities to start earning immediately, thanks to the higher demand for professionals in this field.
That being said, income increases as you gain more experience and start building client trust. Within 3 to 5 years in the field, many new cosmetologists see a steady climb in their earnings.
3. Specializations
Expanding your skill set with additional training in different areas such as color correction, hair extensions or advanced skincare treatments can significantly boost your hourly rate. Holding both a cosmetology license and an esthetician license can increase the versatility of your work and in turn, your income potential.
4. Type of Employment
Whether you work in a beauty salon, rent your own booth or decide to start your own business, your job model will impact how much you take home. In general, entrepreneurs and freelancers often have higher earning ceilings.
5. Reputation & Clientele
Showcasing your skills, dedication and professionalism will help you develop a loyal client base, which will allow you to command higher prices for your treatments, especially for the more complex ones.
Moreover, you’ll start seeing a significant improvement on the consistency of your appointments. This will help you maintain a steady stream of income which can be gradually expanded as needed. Keep in mind that word-of-mouth and client referrals are crucial in this industry!
How to Get a Cosmetology License and Start Earning Fast
At this point you may be wondering exactly how to get a cosmetology license so you can kickstart your professional career. The steps are quite straightforward, but they do require dedication and choosing the right academic institution.
Here’s what you need to know:
Step 1: Enroll in an Accredited Cosmetology School
To get licensed in cosmetology you must first complete a state-approved cosmetology training program. At Cosmetology & Spa Academy, our curriculum combines both hand-s on practical experience with in-depth theoretical knowledge of hair, skin, nails and sanitation practices.
Explore our cosmetology program, talk to our admissions team and learn from experienced instructors who truly care about your success!
Step 2: Meet the Cosmetology Requirements in Illinois
To qualify for an Illinois cosmetology license, you must:
- Complete 1,500 hours of approved training
- Pass both a written and practical state board exam
- Be at least 16 years old and hold a high school diploma or GED
Our admissions team is happy to walk you through all the cosmetology requirements in Illinois and help you set a schedule that works best for you.
Step 3: Take the Cosmetology Licensing Exam
After your consistent training, it’ll be time to graduate from cosmetology school. At this point, you’ll be ready to take the Illinois State Board exam. At Cosmetology & Spa Academy, we’ve designed our curriculum and programs to fully prepare you for both your exam and real-life challenges you’ll face later on.
We help our students undergo several mock exams, while providing consistent feedback so that you can feel fully confident when completing your exam.
👉 Book a Tour of our Crystal Lake, Schaumburg, Elgin, or Rockford campus and find out how to get a cosmetology license with the help of the best professionals in the industry.
What’s the Difference Between a Cosmetology License and an Esthetician License?
Both licenses can lead to exciting careers in beauty, but they’re actually not the same. A cosmetology license covers a wide range of services including hair, nails, skincare and makeup.
On the other hand, an esthetician license largely focuses on skincare, including a variety of specialized treatments such as facials, waxing and other advanced treatments.
At Cosmetology & Spa Academy, we offer both cosmetology and esthetics programs, so you can freely choose the path that best fits your passion and vision.
Whether you’re drawn to full-service beauty or want to specialize in skincare, our experienced instructors and strong industry network will help you build the skills and confidence you need to succeed.
Career Paths That Can Increase Your Earning Potential
After you earn your license of cosmetology, your career options go far beyond makeup or hairstyling. Some especially popular, high-paying cosmetology jobs include:
- Salon ownership
- Beauty influencer or content creator
- Bridal hair and makeup artist
- Runway or editorial stylist
- Cosmetology educator or beauty instructor
- Freelance hair or makeup artist
- Cosmetology expert for film/TV
📚 Do you enjoy the creativity involved in the beauty industry but you’re also drawn towards educational fields? Want to teach the next generation of beauty professionals? Consider our Beauty Instructor Program and turn your own experience into leadership.
Why Choose Cosmetology & Spa Academy?
At Cosmetology & Spa Academy, we don’t just help students get licensed. Our goal is to fully prepare you for your new career, its challenges, difficulties and obstacles, so that you can take the first steps towards a truly rewarding path.
Whether you’re pursuing an Illinois cosmetology license, an esthetician license, or training in barbering or instruction, we provide everything you need:
- Over 30 years of excellence in beauty education
- Experienced, caring instructors who are passionate about their job
- Flexible full-time and part-time scheduling with night-classes options
- 4 modern campuses fully equipped to provide students with everything they need to succeed
- Supportive, fun and inclusive learning environment
Career placement assistance and continuous employer networking
We understand that you’re not just looking for a classroom. You’re looking for a credible institution where you can get the guidance you need to actually succeed in your new path.
At our cosmetology school, we make sure that our students get much more than just technical skills. We offer a sense of community and a professional team all committed to your success.
Final Thoughts: A Cosmetology Career with Unlimited Potential
So, how much does a cosmetologist make? The truth is, your income will reflect your commitment, training and drive. With the right education and a good support system, there’s really no limit to how far you can go.
Whether you want to style celebrities, run your own salon or become a beauty educator, it all starts with one decision: investing in yourself.
At Cosmetology & Spa Academy, we’re ready to help you achieve that dream!
📞 Contact us to start your journey toward earning your cosmetology license and building a career that makes a difference both in your life and in the lives of your future clients.
