Application Fee
See agencyVerified by IL Board of Education
K-12 Teacher Licensing in Illinois
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for k-12 teacher in Illinois, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for K-12 Teacher in Illinois
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$64,160 median (3% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#16 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Illinois eligibility requirements for K-12 Teacher licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 4. Submit the application to Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Illinois
With a median salary of $64,160, K-12 Teachers in Illinois earn 3% above the national median of $62,340. Illinois ranks #16 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2.1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,451Median annual salary
$64,160Hourly estimate
$30.853% above national median
Difference: +$1,820
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationK-12 Teacher Salary Ranking
#16 of 50 statesfor K-12 Teacher median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Washington | $99,110 |
| #2 | California | $98,190 |
| #3 | Rhode Island | $86,900 |
| #4 | Massachusetts | $83,260 |
| #5 | New York | $82,480 |
Nearby States Comparison
K-12 Teacher licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $64,160 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Wisconsin | $60,690 | Degree required | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Iowa | $55,540 | Degree required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $48,250 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Kentucky | $57,980 | Specific course required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Indiana | $58,370 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Wisconsin | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Iowa | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Missouri | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Kentucky | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Indiana | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
320 West Washington, Springfield, IL, 62786
Phone: 2177828556
Related Careers in Illinois
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $66,670 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $83,580 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $82,490 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $60,410 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a K-12 Teacher in Illinois?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for K-12 Teachers in Illinois?
Illinois lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for K-12 Teachers.
What education do you need to become a K-12 Teacher in Illinois?
The board typically expects Degree required for K-12 Teacher licensure in Illinois.
What is the typical K-12 Teacher salary in Illinois?
The median annual salary for K-12 Teachers in Illinois is $64,160. Salaries range from $45,750 (10th percentile) to $101,350 (90th percentile).
How does the K-12 Teacher salary in Illinois compare to the national average?
K-12 Teachers in Illinois earn 3% above the national median of $62,340, with a state median of $64,160.
How many K-12 Teachers work in Illinois?
Illinois employs approximately 61,000 K-12 Teachers according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my K-12 Teacher license to Illinois from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for K-12 Teachers in Illinois?
The licensing agency is Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Review agency details at https://www.idfpr.com/.
How often do you renew a K-12 Teacher license in Illinois?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.