Opening a barbershop in Illinois can be a rewarding business. The state’s regulatory framework is run by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), which sets rules for barber licenses and salon/shop registration. The owner of a barbershop does not need to be a licensed barber, but every person providing barbering services must be licensed. Chicago and some municipalities add their own licensing or permit requirements.
This guide walks you through what you need specifically in Illinois: barber license (1,500 clock hours at an approved barber school, then exam—apply via CORE), salon/shop registration with IDFPR for the barbershop, business registration with the Illinois Secretary of State where applicable, workers’ compensation, realistic costs for Chicago and downstate, where to look for space, equipment, and how to hire licensed barbers while staying compliant with Illinois law.
8 Steps to Open Your Barbershop in Illinois
Research and Business Plan
Illinois’s barbershop market varies by region. Chicago and the suburbs are dense and competitive; Springfield, Rockford, Peoria, Aurora, and Joliet offer a range of rents and demand. Many barbershops struggle with unclear pricing and target clientele—doing solid research up front helps you avoid that.
What to research in Illinois:
- Local competition: Use Yelp and Google Maps to see how many barbershops are in your target area, what they charge (typical Illinois haircuts range from about $25–$45 in many areas to $50–$80+ in premium Chicago spots), and what makes them stand out.
- Your clientele: Define who you’re serving—professionals, families, students, or a specific community.
- Rent and costs: Commercial rent in Chicago and the metro area can be high; Springfield, Rockford, Peoria, and smaller cities are often more affordable. Check LoopNet, Zillow Commercial, or local brokers.
- Peak times: Match your hours to when clients actually come—lunch and evening slots matter in business districts.
Your business plan should include:
- Executive summary: Your concept, target market, and how you’ll compete in your Illinois market.
- Market and competition: Local demand, competitor pricing, and your positioning.
- Marketing plan: How you’ll get clients—Google, Instagram, and word of mouth.
- Financial projections: Revenue, rent, labor (Illinois minimum wage is $15; Chicago 4+ employees is higher), and profitability.
- Operations: Hours, services, and day-to-day running of the shop.
Useful resources for Illinois businesses:
Strategic Location in Illinois
Where you open in Illinois has a big impact on rent, clientele, and competition. Chicago and the suburbs command higher rent but strong demand; Springfield, Rockford, Peoria, Aurora, Joliet, and Naperville offer a mix of affordability and traffic.
What makes a good Illinois location:
- Foot traffic and visibility: Storefronts on busy streets or near offices and retail draw more walk-ins.
- Parking: Many Illinois clients drive; easy parking matters.
- Zoning: Confirm with the city, village, or township that the space is allowed for personal care / barbershop use before signing a lease.
- Local permits: Chicago and some municipalities have additional licensing or permit requirements—check with your local government.
Search for commercial space in Illinois:
Major Illinois markets:
Chicago & metro
Chicago, Evanston, Oak Park, Naperville, Schaumburg—high rent and competition but strong demand. Chicago has its own minimum wage and may have additional licensing; check city requirements.
Springfield & downstate
Springfield (state capital), Rockford, Peoria, Bloomington-Normal—more affordable rent and steady local demand.
Aurora, Joliet, Elgin
Suburban metros with a mix of rent levels and competition; good options for balance of cost and traffic.
Other areas
Smaller cities and towns across the state offer lower rents and steady local demand.
Legal Requirements and Permits in Illinois
Illinois barbershops are regulated by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). You need a barber license for every person cutting hair (1,500 clock hours—or 50 credit hour equivalency—at an approved barber school, with online instruction not exceeding 10% of total hours, then pass the barber examination). You need a Salon/Shop registration with IDFPR for the barbershop—each location must be registered separately. The owner of the barbershop does not need to be a licensed barber, but any person providing barbering services must be licensed. You also need business registration with the Illinois Secretary of State where applicable, and workers’ compensation is required for employers (with limited exemptions). Chicago and some municipalities add their own licensing or permit requirements. All licensees and establishments must follow sanitary standards set by IDFPR.
Barber License (Individual)
Every barber who cuts or shaves hair in your Illinois shop must hold a current Barber License from IDFPR. You must complete a minimum of 1,500 clock hours (or 50 credit hour equivalency) at an approved barber school. Online instruction is permitted but cannot exceed 10% of the total required hours. An optional internship can substitute for up to 150 hours after completing 750 hours with a minimum 80% grade average. You must be at least 16 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent, graduate from an approved barber school, pass the barber examination, and pay the required fees. Licenses must be renewed every 2 years by July 31 of odd-numbered years; currently no continuing education is required for renewal. As of October 2024, IDFPR launched CORE, a new online system for barber license applications—apply through CORE or the IDFPR portal.
Where: IDFPR – Barber
IDFPR – Barber →IDFPR – Online resources (CORE) →Salon/Shop Registration (Barbershop)
Each business providing barbering services in Illinois must be registered as a salon or shop with IDFPR. This applies to all barbershop establishments, including sole proprietorships and one-person operations. If you own multiple locations, you need a separate salon/shop registration for each location. The owner does not need to be a licensed barber to own the establishment; however, any person actually providing barbering services must be licensed as a barber. Apply for salon/shop registration online through IDFPR’s portal (e.g. online-dfpr.micropact.com or CORE). Contact your local municipality for any additional city, village, or township licensing requirements. All licensees and establishments must follow the sanitary standards outlined in the regulations.
Where: IDFPR – Salon/Shop registration
IDFPR – Barber (salon/shop info) →Business Entity and Secretary of State
If you operate as an LLC or corporation, you must form and register the entity with the Illinois Secretary of State, Department of Business Services. File Articles of Organization (Form LLC-5.5) for an LLC—submit two identical copies with at least one original signature. Sole proprietors may use a trade or assumed name; check state and local requirements. The Secretary of State maintains the business entity search at apps.ilsos.gov/corporatellc/.
Where: Illinois Secretary of State – Business Services
IL SOS – LLCs →IL SOS – Incorporation →EIN and Taxes
If you have employees or operate as an LLC/corporation, you need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS (free, online). If you sell retail products (e.g. pomade, beard oil), you generally need to register for Illinois sales tax with the Illinois Department of Revenue and collect and remit sales tax.
IRS – EIN →IL Department of Revenue →Workers’ Compensation Insurance
General liability insurance is strongly recommended for barbershops (and often required by landlords). In Illinois, workers’ compensation coverage is required for employers—almost everyone who is hired, injured, or whose employment is localized in Illinois is covered. Sole proprietors, business partners, corporate officers, and LLC members may exempt themselves from coverage. You can meet the requirement by insuring with an authorized carrier, filing as a self-insurer with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission, joining a group pool, or other Commission-approved arrangements. Failure to provide required insurance can result in fines (up to $500 per day, minimum $10,000), personal liability for officers, and loss of protections under the Workers’ Compensation Act. Get coverage as soon as you have employees (unless you are an exempt sole proprietor with no employees).
IL Workers’ Compensation Commission – Insurance →Estimated Initial Investment in Illinois
Illinois costs vary by region. Chicago and the metro area tend to be at the higher end; Springfield, Rockford, Peoria, and smaller cities are more affordable. Below is an approximate breakdown in U.S. dollars for a small to mid-size shop in Illinois.
Note: In Chicago or prime suburbs, the upper end of these ranges is more common. In Springfield, Rockford, Peoria, or smaller cities, you may land in the lower to mid range. Keeping 3–6 months of operating expenses as working capital is a good practice.
Manage Your Barbershop with Technology
From day one, use management software like BarberíaClub to:
- Organise appointments online 24/7
- Manage clients and their history
- Send automatic reminders
- Reduce no-shows and stay organised
- Save time on admin
Equipment You Need for Your Illinois Barbershop
IDFPR expects clean, well-maintained tools and compliance with sanitary standards. Invest in professional chairs, mirrors, lighting, clippers, shears, and razors. Below are ballpark prices in USD and where to shop (national retailers ship to Illinois).
Professional Barber Chairs
You need at least one chair per barber. Hydraulic, durable chairs are the backbone of the shop.
Estimated price: $300 – $3,500 per chair
Entry-level from around $300; premium brands $2,000+.
Mirrors and Lighting
Large mirrors and good lighting are required for quality work and a professional setup.
Estimated price: $200 – $2,000+ (mirrors and lights combined)
Clippers, Shears, and Razors
Each barber needs professional clippers (e.g. Wahl, Andis, Oster), quality shears, and razors. Proper sterilization between clients is required—invest in an autoclave or approved disinfectant systems.
Estimated price: $150 – $600+ per clipper; $80 – $500+ per shear set; razors and blades extra
Products and Disinfection
Stock pomades, gels, beard oil, aftershave, and other retail products if you sell them (remember IL sales tax registration). Keep EPA-approved disinfectants and follow sterilization rules.
Estimated price: $1,000 – $5,000 initial product and disinfection supply
Staff Hiring in Illinois
Every barber in your Illinois shop must have a current Barber License from IDFPR. You can verify licenses through IDFPR. Illinois’s minimum wage is $15.00/hour for workers 18 and older (2025); tipped minimum is $9.00. Youth under 18 (working less than 650 hours per calendar year) earn $13.00. In Chicago, employers with 4 or more employees must pay at least $16.60/hour as of July 2025 (tipped $12.62); employers with fewer than 4 employees follow federal minimum wage except for domestic workers. Workers’ compensation is required for employers; sole proprietors, partners, and certain officers may exempt themselves.
What to consider when hiring in Illinois:
- License verification: Confirm the barber’s license is current and in good standing with IDFPR.
- Experience and portfolio: Review their work and, if possible, client references.
- Pay structure: Be clear on hourly vs. commission vs. booth rent, and comply with Illinois (and Chicago if applicable) minimum wage and wage-and-hour rules.
- Workers’ comp: Get coverage as soon as you have employees unless you are an exempt sole proprietor with no employees.
Resources for hiring and compliance in Illinois:
Management System and Technology
Many barbershops struggle with no-shows and double bookings. Software like BarberíaClub lets you take bookings online 24/7, keep client history, and send reminders—which Illinois clients increasingly expect, especially in Chicago and the suburbs.
Marketing and Promotion in Illinois
In Illinois, Instagram and Google are essential. Claim and optimize your Google Business Profile so you show up in local search and Maps. Post your work, location, and prices; run occasional promotions to fill the chair. In competitive markets like Chicago or the suburbs, a clear brand and consistent posting help you stand out. Word of mouth still works—deliver great service and ask happy clients for reviews.
- Google Business Profile: Keep your address, hours, and photos updated so you appear in “barbershop near me” searches.
- Instagram: Post cuts, fades, and shop vibes; use local hashtags (e.g. #ChicagoBarber #IllinoisBarber #ChiBarber) to reach Illinois clients.
- Encourage reviews on Google and Yelp—they matter in crowded Illinois markets.
Tips for Success in Illinois
Frequently Asked Questions – Illinois
Do I need a license to open a barbershop in Illinois?
You need a Salon/Shop registration with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) for the barbershop, and every barber who cuts or shaves hair must have a current Barber License from IDFPR. The owner of the barbershop does not need to be a licensed barber. Chicago and some municipalities may have additional licensing or permit requirements—check with your local government. You also need workers’ compensation if you have employees (with limited exemptions).
How many hours of training are required for an Illinois barber license?
You must complete a minimum of 1,500 clock hours (or 50 credit hour equivalency) at an approved barber school. Online instruction cannot exceed 10% of the total required hours. An optional internship can substitute for up to 150 hours after completing 750 hours with a minimum 80% grade average. You must be at least 16, have a high school diploma or equivalent, graduate from an approved school, and pass the barber examination. Licenses renew every 2 years by July 31 of odd-numbered years; no continuing education is currently required. Apply through IDFPR’s CORE system or portal. See IDFPR’s barber page for current fees and details.
How much does it cost to open a barbershop in Illinois?
A realistic range is roughly $28,000–$110,000+, depending on size, location, and build-out. Chicago and the metro area tend toward the upper end; Springfield, Rockford, Peoria, and smaller cities can be lower. Rent, security deposit, build-out, equipment, licenses, insurance (including workers’ comp if you have employees), and 3–6 months of working capital are the main cost drivers.
What is the first step to open a barbershop in Illinois?
Plan your business and confirm your barbers (or yourself) have or will get an IDFPR barber license (1,500 hours at an approved school, then exam). Secure a location that meets local zoning. Form your business entity with the Illinois Secretary of State if using an LLC or corporation. Register your salon/shop with IDFPR and ensure every person providing barbering services is licensed. Check your city, village, or township for additional licensing. Get workers’ compensation as soon as you have employees (unless exempt).