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 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for K-12 Teacher in Illinois
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Stand-alone license
- Education: Degree required
- Examination: Third-party exam required
- Application Fee: See agency
- Experience: Work experience required
- Background Check: No criminal record prohibitions
- Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license
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 baseline eligibility requirements.
- 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
- 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
- 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.
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 6-24 months.
Median 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 | 6-24 months |
| Wisconsin | $60,690 | Degree required | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Iowa | $55,540 | Degree required | No exam required | 6-24 months |
| Missouri | $48,250 | Specific course required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Kentucky | $57,980 | Specific course required | No exam required | 6-24 months |
| Indiana | $58,370 | Degree required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
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 | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Wisconsin | 72 | Medium | Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Iowa | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Missouri | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Kentucky | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Indiana | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
320 West Washington, Springfield, IL, 62786
Phone: 2177828556
Related Careers in Illinois
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Librarian | $62,360 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
| School Counselor | $61,210 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
| Architect | $79,320 | No educational requirements | 6-24 months |
| Audiologist | $84,520 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a K-12 Teacher in Illinois?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, 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. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. 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/.