License Requirements in Illinois
Browse all 79 trade and professional licenses in Illinois (IL). 63 require a state-level license.
Last updated 2026-05-08
By the numbers: 63 of 79 trades require a state-level license from a Illinois Department, Board, or licensing Authority. Renewal periods, Continuing Education Hours, and Application Fees vary by trade — see each trade page for the specifics.
| Trade | License Required | Median Salary |
|---|
| 🚨Alarm Installer |
Required |
$51,313 |
| 📏Architect |
Required |
$97,975 |
| ⚠️Asbestos Abatement Worker |
Required |
$50,473 |
| 🔨Auctioneer |
Required |
$37,621 |
| 🔗Bail Bondsman |
Not Required |
$44,457 |
| 💈Barber |
Required |
$37,890 |
| ♨️Boiler Operator |
Required |
$65,310 |
| 🚛CDL Driver |
Required |
$57,120 |
| 📊CPA |
Required |
$84,670 |
| 🏠Chimney Sweep |
Not Required |
$44,814 |
| ✈️Commercial Pilot |
Required |
$141,361 |
| ✂️Cosmetologist |
Required |
$35,890 |
| ⚖️Court Reporter |
Required |
$66,738 |
| 🏗️Crane Operator |
Required |
$63,325 |
| 💥Demolition Contractor |
Required |
$65,520 |
| 🦷Dental Hygienist |
Required |
$78,670 |
| 🚰Drinking Water Operator |
Required |
$56,091 |
| 🚑EMT / Paramedic |
Required |
$42,934 |
| ⚡Electrician |
Not Required |
$75,210 |
| 🛗Elevator Mechanic |
Required |
$107,541 |
| 🌍Environmental Scientist |
Not Required |
$82,929 |
| 🧴Esthetician |
Required |
$40,761 |
| 🧯Fire Sprinkler Fitter |
Required |
$67,053 |
| ⚱️Funeral Director |
Required |
$68,754 |
| 🏗️General Contractor |
Required |
$82,670 |
| 🪨Geologist |
Required |
$88,851 |
| 🪟Glazier |
Not Required |
$50,746 |
| ❄️HVAC Technician |
Not Required |
$65,430 |
| 👂Hearing Aid Specialist |
Required |
$61,603 |
| 🔍Home Inspector |
Required |
$66,670 |
| 🧱Insulation Worker |
Not Required |
$51,607 |
| 📋Insurance Agent |
Required |
$64,670 |
| 🗣️Interpreter |
Required |
$59,944 |
| 🗺️Land Surveyor |
Required |
$71,998 |
| 🌿Landscape Contractor |
Not Required |
$58,611 |
| 🛡️Lead Abatement Worker |
Required |
$48,520 |
| 💉Licensed Practical Nurse |
Required |
$62,716 |
| 🔐Locksmith |
Required |
$47,785 |
| 💆Massage Therapist |
Required |
$52,353 |
| 🦠Mold Remediation |
Not Required |
$48,835 |
| 🏦Mortgage Loan Originator |
Required |
$71,883 |
| 💅Nail Technician |
Required |
$35,595 |
| 📜Notary Public |
Required |
— |
| 👓Optician |
Required |
$46,462 |
| 🐛Pest Control Operator |
Required |
$42,340 |
| 🧪Pesticide Applicator |
Required |
$42,168 |
| 💊Pharmacy Technician |
Required |
$42,315 |
| 🏃Physical Therapy Assistant |
Required |
$67,284 |
| 🔩Pipefitter |
Not Required |
$66,318 |
| 🔧Plumber |
Required |
$73,250 |
| 📊Polygraph Examiner |
Required |
$71,526 |
| 🏊Pool Contractor |
Not Required |
$61,257 |
| 🕵️Private Investigator |
Required |
$62,107 |
| 📨Process Server |
Required |
$40,603 |
| ⚙️Professional Engineer |
Required |
$105,672 |
| 📡Radiologic Technologist |
Required |
$77,080 |
| ☢️Radon Mitigation |
Required |
$52,626 |
| 🏠Real Estate Agent |
Required |
$59,120 |
| 📐Real Estate Appraiser |
Required |
$64,407 |
| 🩺Registered Nurse |
Required |
$78,670 |
| 🫁Respiratory Therapist |
Required |
$81,858 |
| 🏘️Roofing Contractor |
Required |
$56,340 |
| 🚌School Bus Driver |
Required |
$42,766 |
| 🎓School Counselor |
Required |
$64,795 |
| 🛡️Security Guard |
Required |
$37,359 |
| 🚽Septic System Installer |
Required |
$51,366 |
| 🔨Sheet Metal Worker |
Not Required |
$61,866 |
| 🔎Skip Tracer |
Not Required |
$44,688 |
| 🤝Social Worker |
Required |
$61,299 |
| ☀️Solar Installer |
Not Required |
$50,053 |
| 💪Substance Abuse Counselor |
Required |
$56,395 |
| 🎨Tattoo Artist |
Required |
$44,919 |
| 📚Teacher |
Required |
$69,716 |
| 🚗Tow Truck Operator |
Required |
$40,341 |
| 🐾Veterinary Technician |
Required |
$45,927 |
| 🏭Wastewater Operator |
Required |
$56,091 |
| 🚰Water Treatment Operator |
Required |
$56,091 |
| 🔥Welder |
Not Required |
$52,340 |
| 💧Well Driller |
Not Required |
$55,062 |
Common questions about Illinois licensing
Which trades require a state-level license in Illinois?
63 of the 79 trades on this page require a Illinois state license. The remainder are licensed at the local/county level or not at all.
Who issues professional licenses in Illinois?
Most occupational licenses in Illinois are issued by the relevant state Department or licensing Board listed on each individual trade page. Renewal periods are typically 1–3 years and most boards require Continuing Education Hours between renewals.
Can I transfer my license from another state to Illinois?
Reciprocity varies by trade. Illinois accepts some out-of-state licenses by endorsement after Experience and Exam verification — check the trade-specific page for the exact policy.
Data last verified 2026. Salary data from BLS OEWS. Always verify with the relevant Illinois licensing board.