Cosmetologist in Evanston, IL

The Salary Picture: Where Evanston Stands

As a local, I can tell you that the cosmetology scene in Evanston is a unique mix of high-end client expectations and a fiercely competitive local market. You’re not just dealing with Northwestern University students; you’re serving a well-educated, affluent population that knows the difference between a good cut and a great one. Let’s break down the numbers to see how you’ll fare.

The median salary for a cosmetologist in the Evanston area is $38,669/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $18.59/hour. This is slightly above the national average of $38,370/year, a small but meaningful difference that reflects the cost of living and the spending power of the local clientele. However, it’s crucial to understand that this median figure masks a wide range of earnings based on experience, specialization, and the type of salon you work in. The metro area supports about 150 jobs for cosmetologists, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 8%, which is stable but not explosive. This means you’re looking at a consistent market, not a gold rush, so your skill and reputation will be your primary drivers of income.

Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect to earn at different career stages in the local market. These figures are estimates based on the provided median and typical industry progression in a metro like Evanston.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Factors & Local Context
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$28,000 - $34,000	Typically starts as an assistant or junior stylist. Income is heavily commission-based (40-50%). You’ll be building a clientele, often through salon walk-ins and referrals from senior stylists. Focus on mastering the basics: cuts, color application, and customer service.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$35,000 - $45,000	You have a solid, returning clientele. Commission rates may increase (50-60%). You might specialize in something like balayage or curly hair techniques. This is the most common bracket for established stylists in local salons.
Senior/Expert (8+ years)	$45,000 - $65,000+	This is where you can truly thrive. Top stylists in high-end salons near Northwestern or on Chicago Ave can command premium prices ($100+ for a cut/color). Many in this bracket are salon managers, independent suite renters, or have a dedicated, high-spending clientele. A significant portion of income may also come from tips (often 15-25% of service).

Insider Tip: In Evanston, the "mid-level" to "senior" jump often happens faster if you specialize. A stylist who becomes known for expert color correction or extensions can book clients from across the North Shore, not just Evanston.

Comparison to Other Illinois Cities

To put Evanston’s salary in perspective, let’s compare it to other major Illinois metros.

City	Median Salary (Cosmetologist)	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Notes
Evanston	$38,669	102.6	High demand for quality, affluent client base.
Chicago	$38,370	107.5	Larger market, more competition, but higher earning potential for top-tier artists.
Peoria	$36,500	88.4	Lower cost of living, but a smaller, more traditional client base.
Springfield	$35,800	85.2	State capital, steady demand but less trend-driven than Evanston or Chicago.

As you can see, Evanston’s salary is competitive, but the key differentiator is the client profile. You’re not competing with the volume of Chicago, but with the quality and spending power of the North Shore.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. A median salary of $38,669 sounds okay, but how does it translate to actual living in Evanston? We’ll use the cost of living index of 102.6 and the average 1BR rent of $1,231/month as our benchmarks.

Assumptions for a single filer (2024 tax estimates):

• Federal Income Tax: ~$2,800
• FICA (7.65%): ~$2,958
• State Income Tax (IL flat 4.95%): ~$1,914
• Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay: ~$31,000 (~$2,583/month)

Monthly Budget Breakdown for an Evanston Cosmetologist:

Expense Category	Estimated Cost	Notes & Reality Check
Rent (1BR)	$1,231	This is the city average. You can find studios for ~$1,050, but 1BRs in safer, walkable areas like the Main-Dempster or Central Evanston areas will be at this price point or higher.
Utilities	$150	Includes electricity, gas, internet. Older buildings in Evanston can have higher heating costs in winter.
Food	$350	Groceries are slightly above the national average. A meal out in downtown Evanston can easily cost $20+.
Transportation	$120	If you rely on the CTA/Pace (bus to Chicago, local buses), a monthly pass is $105. If you own a car, factor in gas, insurance, and Evanston’s high parking permit costs ($300/year in many zones).
Miscellaneous	$250	Cell phone, household items, personal care, occasional entertainment.
Savings/Emergency Fund	$482	This is what’s left from the take-home pay. It’s a tight margin.

Total Monthly Expenses (without savings): ~$2,101
Remaining for Savings/Debt: ~$482

Can they afford to buy a home?
Realistically, on a $38,669 salary, buying a home in Evanston is extremely challenging. The median home price in Evanston is over $400,000. With a down payment of 20% ($80,000), a mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would likely exceed $2,000/month, far beyond what this budget can sustain. Homeownership is generally only feasible for cosmetologists in Evanston if they have a partner with a second income, have moved into a senior/expert earning bracket ($65,000+), or are willing to live in a condo or a smaller, older home further from the lakefront.

Where the Jobs Are: Evanston's Major Employers

Evanston’s job market for cosmetologists is not dominated by a few large chains but by a mix of independent salons, high-end boutiques, and niche service providers. Building a network here is key.

1. Salon 820: A cornerstone of the local beauty scene on Chicago Avenue. They focus on a high-end, artistic approach and attract a dedicated clientele. They often look for stylists with a strong portfolio and a specific aesthetic. Hiring tends to be selective, focusing on artists who align with their brand.

2. The Hair Shop & Spa: Located on Dempster Street, this is a more traditional, full-service salon with a steady walk-in and appointment clientele. They offer a stable environment for building a book of business. They frequently hire assistants and junior stylists, making it a good entry point.

3. Suite Rentals/Independent Salons: The trend in Evanston is toward individual suites. Look for spaces in buildings on Davis Street or Howard Street. Landlords like Howard Street Salon Suites or The Studio at The Point offer individual spaces for rent. This is a major path for mid-to-senior level stylists to increase their income (keeping 70-80% of service revenue vs. a 50% commission). Hiring is done directly by the suite renter, so networking is essential.

4. Nail Salons & Spas (e.g., Glamour Nails, Evanston Nail & Spa): While focused on nails, many of these salons also employ cosmetologists for basic services or have adjacent beauty spaces. They offer a different client flow, often with more walk-in volume.

5. Northwestern University Support Services: While not a direct employer, the university is a massive client driver. Salons near the campus (especially on Sherman Avenue) see a lot of student traffic. The “student budget” is lower, but the volume is high. This is a key area for building initial clientele.

Hiring Trends: The market is stable. The 8% growth is reflected in the steady opening of new suite rentals and boutique salons, not large chain expansions. The biggest hiring need is for stylists who can manage their own books and marketing, as the suite-rental model becomes more prevalent.

Getting Licensed in IL

To work legally in Illinois, you must be licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). The process is straightforward but requires time and investment.

Requirements:

1. Education: Complete 1,500 hours at a state-licensed cosmetology school. In the Chicago area, you can attend schools like Tricoci University of Beauty Culture (multiple campuses, including one in Chicago) or Empire Beauty School (Chicago). These schools have strong job placement pipelines into the Evanston market.
2. Examination: Pass the Illinois State Board of Cosmetology exam (written and practical). The exam fee is approximately $120.
3. Application: Submit your application to the IDFPR with proof of education and exam results. The license application fee is $100.

Timeline & Costs:

• Schooling: 10-12 months of full-time study.
• Total Education Cost: $15,000 - $20,000 (varies by school, includes tuition, kits, and fees).
• Licensing Fees (exams + application): $220.
• Total Investment: $15,220 - $20,220.

Insider Tip: Many salons in Evanston will hire you as an "assistant" or "apprentice" while you are still in school. This is the best way to get your foot in the door and start building a client base before you even graduate.

Best Neighborhoods for Cosmetologists

Where you live in Evanston affects your commute, lifestyle, and rent. Here’s a breakdown of key areas.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Why It Works for a Cosmetologist
Downtown Evanston	Urban, walkable, busy. Close to the L (Purple Line) and Metra to Chicago.	$1,400+	You’re in the heart of the action. Great for networking, easy to commute to salons on Chicago Ave or Davis St. High walkability means you can run errands between appointments.
Main-Dempster	Residential, family-friendly, quiet. A bit further from the L.	$1,200	More affordable and peaceful. A short bus ride or bike to most salons. Good for those who want a calm home life after a busy day on their feet.
North Evanston (near Northwestern)	Collegiate, energetic, near the lakefront.	$1,350	You’re close to a major client base (students, faculty, staff). The downside is potential noise and higher rent for proximity to campus.
South Evanston (Rogers Park border)	Diverse, more urban, excellent public transit (Red Line at Howard).	$1,100	The most affordable option. You have direct CTA access to downtown Chicago for broader job opportunities or client sourcing. The commute to Evanston salons is easy via bus or car.
West Evanston (near Skokie)	Suburban, quiet, more car-dependent.	$1,050	Lowest rent, but you’ll likely need a car. Commute to central Evanston salons is 10-15 minutes by car. Good for those who prefer a detached home environment.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Evanston, career growth isn’t just about tenure; it’s about specialization and business acumen.

Specialty Premiums:

• Expert Colorist (Balayage, Color Correction): Can command 20-30% higher service prices. This is the most lucrative specialty in the area.
• Extensions Specialist (Tape-in, K-Tips): High demand, especially among the Northwestern community. Requires additional certification.
• Curly Hair Specialist: A growing niche with a dedicated, loyal clientele willing to pay a premium for expert care.
• Bridal & Event Hair: The North Shore wedding market is lucrative. Building a portfolio for bridal work can lead to high-ticket, day-of services.

Advancement Paths:

1. Senior Stylist: Build a full clientele, raise your service prices, and potentially move to a higher-end salon.
2. Salon Manager: Requires business skills. Involves overseeing staff, inventory, and marketing for a salon. Pay is often a base salary plus commission on salon-wide sales.
3. Independent Suite Renter: The most common path for growth. You become your own boss, set your own hours and prices, and keep the majority of your revenue. This requires marketing skills (Instagram, TikTok, client retention) and financial discipline for rent, insurance, and supplies.
4. Educator/Brand Ambassador: If you become an expert in a specific technique or product line (e.g., Olaplex, Redken), you can teach classes for brands or at cosmetology schools, diversifying your income.

10-Year Outlook: The 8% job growth is steady. The market will continue to favor independent, entrepreneurial stylists who can build a personal brand. The suite-rental model will likely become even more dominant. Technology (online booking, social media marketing) will be essential for success. The demand for high-quality, specialized services will remain strong, while basic, commodity services may face more competition.

The Verdict: Is Evanston Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Affluent Client Base: Clients have the means and desire for quality services and are often willing to pay for expertise.	High Cost of Living: Rent and general expenses are above the national average, making it tight on a median salary.
Stable Market: Consistent demand from a mix of students, professionals, and long-term residents provides job security.	Competitive Entry: Breaking into the established salon scene or building a clientele from scratch takes time and hustle.
Vibrant, Intellectual Community: The environment is stimulating and diverse, which can be personally rewarding.	Traffic & Parking: Getting around the city, especially during rush hour or near campus, can be frustrating.
Proximity to Chicago: You have access to the vast Chicago market for jobs, education, and a broader client base if needed.	Suite Rental Pressure: The trend toward independent suites means you must also become a savvy businessperson, not just a stylist.
Walkable & Transit-Friendly: Many salons are in walkable or transit-accessible areas, reducing car dependency.	Seasonal Fluctuations: Business can dip during Northwestern summer breaks and winter holidays, requiring financial planning.

Final Recommendation: Evanston is an excellent choice for a mid-to-senior level cosmetologist who is ready to specialize, market themselves, and potentially move into the suite-rental model. The financial upside is real for those who can secure a high-end clientele. For entry-level stylists, it’s a viable but challenging start—be prepared for a lower initial income and a strong focus on building your skills and book. If you value intellectual stimulation, a stable client base, and a professional environment, Evanston can be a rewarding home for your career.

FAQs

1. Can I make a living as an entry-level cosmetologist in Evanston?
Yes, but it will be tight. On an entry-level salary (around $30,000), you’ll need a roommate or a very low-cost living situation (e.g., a studio in South Evanston). The key is to view your first 1-2 years as an investment—focus on training, building your portfolio, and developing a client base. Your income will grow as you move to the mid-level ($35,000-$45,000).

2. Is it better to work in a traditional salon or rent a suite?
It depends on your career stage. Traditional salons (like Salon 820) are great for learning, stability, and mentorship as a junior stylist. Suite rentals are the path for experienced stylists with a built clientele who want to maximize their income and control. Most successful cosmetologists in Evanston start in a traditional salon before making the leap to a suite.

3. How important is a social media presence?
Absolutely critical. In a market like Evanston, where clients are tech-savvy and research-driven, your Instagram or TikTok portfolio is your digital storefront. It’s often how new clients find you, especially if you’re an independent suite renter. Before you even graduate, start documenting your work and building a professional social media account.

4. Do I need a car in Evanston?
It’s a major advantage but not strictly necessary. Salons are concentrated in