Illinois is a great place to pursue a career as a nail technician, since there are many employment opportunities available in dozens of thriving metropolitan areas throughout the state.
Nail technician schools in Illinois are accredited through the Higher Learning Commission and the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences.
Nail Technician Licensing Requirements in Illinois
There are three requirements to receiving your nail technician license in Illinois. First of all, you must be sixteen years of age or older. You also have to have a minimum of an 8th grade education. If you do not have a high school diploma or GED you must take an “Ability to Benefit” test administered by the Illinois Division of Professional Regulation. Finally, you have to have completed 350 hours of approved nail training. Picking out the right school is as important as picking out your career, so make sure to select a school that has a good reputation and that has both financial aid and job placement assistance as well.
If you have a valid license from another state, you don’t have to worry. You can obtain a license in Illinois without having to take the exam required. However, you do still have to renew your license, and in Illinois you must renew on the 31st of October during years that end in an even number like 2010 and 2012. Renewing your license requires you to complete ten hours of continuing education per renewal period.
Employment Outlook for Technicians in Illinois
Chicago is the third largest city in the country and the fifth most populous state. This means there is a great opportunity for people who are looking to enter the nail technician industry.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nail technicians in Illinois earn around $20 average annually plus tips. Chicago is a huge tourist attraction, and as a result many of the nail technicians in the city prefer to cater to the tourism industry as well as to other high end or high volume clientele bases.
Illinois Nail Technician Schools
LIST OF ALL NAIL TECHNICIAN SCHOOLS IN ILLINOIS
Illinois Nail Technicians Academy – Arlington Heights, IL
American Career College – Berwyn, IL
Chicago Nail School – Blue Island, IL
Carl Sandburg College – Carthage, IL
Cannella School of Hair Design – Chicago, IL
Cannella School of Hair Design – Chicago, IL
Capri Garfield Ridge School – Chicago, IL
Kankakee Academy of Hair Design – Chicago, IL
Rosel School of Cosmetology – Chicago, IL
Dudley Beauty College – Chicago, IL
Elle International Beauty Academy – Chicago, IL
Mr John’s School of Cosmetology, Esthetics & Nails – Decatur, IL
Academy of Nails – Downers Grove, IL
Du Quoin Beauty College – Du Quoin, IL
La’ James International College – East Moline, IL
Vee’s School of Beauty Culture – East St Louis, IL
Cannella School of Hair Design – Elgin, IL
Cannella School of Hair Design – Elmhurst, IL
Curve Metric School of Hair Design – Elmwood Park, IL
Highland Community College – Freeport, IL
Josef Phillips Academy – Freeport, IL
Carl Sandburg College of Cosmetology – Galesburg, IL
Lake County High School Tech – Grayslake, IL
Image Designer School of Nail Technology – Hoffman Estates, IL
A Touch of Serenity Spa and Career Institute – Homewood, IL
Mr John’s School of Cosmetology & Nails – Jacksonville, IL
The Nail Inn & School of Cosmetology – Lemont, IL
Tri-County Beauty Academy – Litchfield, IL
Trend Beauty College – Marion, IL
Evolutions Academy of Nail Technology Inc. – Marion, IL
Lake Land College of Cosmetology – Mattoon, IL
Morris Academy of Hair Design – Morris, IL
Lucyna’s Goldfingers European Spa & Boutique – Mt. Prospect, IL
Midwest Institute of Nail Technology – Mundelein, IL
New Image Cosmetology Tech Center – O Fallon, IL
Hair Tech Academy – Peoria, IL
Advanced Educator – Peoria Area, IL
ABC Cosmetology School – River Grove, IL
Skin Care Institute – Skokie, IL
Career Academy Nail Technology – St. Charles, IL
Academy of Nail Technology – Tinley Park, IL
Concept College of Cosmetology – Urbana, IL
Mr John’s School of Cosmetology & Nails – Urbana, IL
Creative Touch Cosmetology School, LLC – Waterloo, IL