HowToGetLicensed

Cosmetologist License: New York vs Illinois

Thinking about getting your cosmetologist license? Here's how New York and Illinois compare on education requirements, exam fees, total costs, and renewal obligations.

Requirement New York Illinois
Education Hours 1000 hours 1500 hours
Exam New York Cosmetology Exam Illinois Cosmetology Exam
Application Fee $40 $50
Exam Fee $15 $70
Total Estimated Cost $6,000 - $18,000 $7,000 - $18,000
Renewal Period Every 4 years Every 2 years
CE Hours 4 hours 14 hours
Renewal Fee $40 $60

Which State Is Easier or Cheaper?

Lower cost: New York is the more affordable option, with an average total cost of $6,000-$18,000 compared to $7,000-$18,000.

Fewer education hours: New York requires 1000 hours of pre-license education, compared to 1500 hours in Illinois.

Full State Guides

Compare cosmetologist requirements across all 50 states →