Short answer

• Good — demand for barbers in Illinois is steady and expected to grow modestly over the next decade, with many entry paths (employed by shops/salons, booth rental, self‑employment, mobile services, or working in related fields). Key realities: you must be licensed in Illinois after graduating from an approved school, starting pay varies widely by city and experience, and most barbers build income through a mix of wage/commission + tips and/or booth rental. (idfpr.illinois.gov)

Details that matter

1. Licensing and legal steps (required)

• Illinois requires a barber license through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). Graduating from an IDFPR‑approved barber or cosmetology program and passing the state exam (and following whatever CORE online application steps are current) is the usual route. Check IDFPR/CORE for application and renewal details. (idfpr.illinois.gov)

2. Job demand and outlook

• Nationally (and reflected in Illinois), employment for barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists is projected to grow about 4–6% over the 2024–34 decade (barbers ~4%, personal appearance workers around 6%), which is a bit faster than average for all occupations. Many openings come from turnover/retirements as well as growth. (bls.gov)

3. Typical employers and work settings

• Barbers most often work in barbershops and small salons; many are self‑employed or rent a booth. Other settings: upscale salons, hotels/resorts, spas, mobile barbering (house calls), barber schools (teaching after experience), film/TV/theater, or opening your own shop. Self‑employment is common — expect a mix of employee roles and independent work. (bls.gov)

4. Earnings (range and what affects pay)

• Illinois reported averages vary by source and city. Recent job-site data show average hourly rates in Illinois ranging from roughly $15 up to $55/hour depending on location and experience; statewide typical annual salaries reported in late 2024–2025 sources are in the roughly $27–36K range, with top earners and busy shop owners making considerably more. Tips and commission significantly affect take‑home pay. Earnings tend to be higher in larger metro areas (Chicago suburbs, downtown Chicago) and for barbers who build a steady clientele or who offer specialty services. (Indeed.com)

5. Career paths and advancement

• Common progressions:
  • Start as an employee or apprentice, build clientele.
  • Rent a chair/booth or open a barbershop (higher earning potential but more overhead).
  • Specialize (kids cuts, fades, beard work, straight‑razor shaving, coloring), which can raise rates.
  • Become a barber instructor, manager, or product rep.
  • Add complementary services (grooming packages, retail product sales, mobile services).
• Legislation and apprenticeship options: Illinois has been updating rules and adding apprenticeship pathways in legislation and IDFPR updates — apprenticeships can be an alternative route to licensure where available. (Check current law/IDFPR for exact apprenticeship rules). (Legiscan.com)

6. How to improve your job prospects right after school

• Build a strong portfolio and social presence (Instagram, TikTok, Yelp/Google listings).
• Start with an assistant or junior role to learn business systems and retainers.
• Network locally with barbershop owners and other stylists; offer free/discounted cuts to build your client list quickly.
• Get booked frequently — repeat clients are the main income driver. Offer loyalty programs and online booking.
• Learn retail/product sales, add specialty skills (straight‑razor, fades, beard care), and take continuing education to stand out.
• Consider booth rental or mobile barbering only after you have a steady clientele and understand overhead costs.

Practical next steps (first 90 days after graduation)

• Confirm your license application requirements and apply via IDFPR/CORE. (idfpr.illinois.gov)
• Create an online portfolio, set up Google Business/Profile, and collect your first reviews.
• Work at a shop to learn client flow and upselling, while building repeat clients.
• Track earnings, tips, and expenses so you can decide when/if to rent a chair or open your own space.

If you want, I can:

• Look up current Illinois licensing steps/fees and the exact IDFPR application link for the barber license (I can fetch the live page and cite it).
• Find local salary and job listings in a specific Illinois city (Chicago, Naperville, Peoria, etc.) to show realistic starting wages in your area.

Which (if any) of those would you like me to fetch now?