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Hospitality, Travel, & FoodGrowingBright Outlook

Shampooer

Operational-level

Also known as: Hair Assistant, Hair Shampoo Assistant, Salon Shampoo Assistant, Scalp Treatment Operator

Hospitality, Travel, & FoodBachelor's Degree

Job Description

As a Shampooer, you'll shampoo and rinse customers' hair in a salon setting. You spend most of your time indoors, in an environmentally controlled space, often standing and working closely with clients. You'll use your hands to apply products and rinse hair, requiring attention to detail to be exact and accurate. Strong communication skills like speaking clearly and active listening are key to understanding client needs, while monitoring and critical thinking help you adjust to different hair types and preferences. This role suits someone who enjoys helping clients feel refreshed and works well in a fast-paced, social environment.
Hair CareCosmetologySalon ServicesPersonal CareHospitalityCustomer ServiceBeauty

Skills employers are looking for in 2027

Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.

Hot technologies

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Bright Outlook

O*NET flags this career as a Bright Outlook occupation: grows rapidly over the next decade.

Projected growth

+5.6%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

2,200

per year (US)

Jobs today

15,400

in 2025 → 16,200 (2035)

Typical entry education

No formal educational credential

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook.

Work Environment

How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.

Email & digital communication
Low
Working in a team
High
Contact with others
High
Freedom to make decisions
Moderate
Time pressure
Moderate
Time spent sitting
Low
Working outdoors
Low
Indoor, climate-controlled
High
Dealing with customers
High
Level of competition
Moderate

Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)

Future Perspective

Growing Job Market

The job outlook for Shampooers is growing, with a projected employment change of +5.6% from 2025 to 2035 and about 2,200 openings each year. This career has a "Bright Outlook" due to its rapid growth. While a high school diploma is typically all you need to start, the median annual wage is about $32,600. Many Shampooers move on to become Hair Stylists or Salon Managers.

Career ladder

Often before this role

  • Salon Assistant
  • Salon Receptionist
  • Hair Stylist Apprentice

Where it can lead

  • Hair Stylist
  • Hairdresser
  • Salon Manager

Impact of AI on this Job

AI's impact on shampooers will likely be limited in the next 5-10 years, as the role relies heavily on human touch and personalized interaction. While AI might assist with salon operations like scheduling or inventory, the core task of washing and rinsing hair remains a hands-on service. The personal connection and care provided by a shampooer are difficult to automate.