Barbers
Machines can already do 15% of this job's tasks. By 2035 that rises to 44%. The job changes before it disappears.
Share of the work machines can do
Worldwide baseline, 2026 to 2050
Barbers in 2026: the short answer
- Today: machines can do 15% of this job's tasks, and AI use is already seen in 0% of them.
- Forecast: machines can do half of its tasks by 2037, and 44% by 2035, according to the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit.
- Size: 15,000 people do this job in the United States, on a median pay of $38,210 a year.
- Contact with people: it scores 87% for contact with people.
- Also called: Barber Shop Operator, Barber Stylist, Hair Stylist, Stylist.
Updated by the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit. These are worldwide baseline figures; the Workforce Starburst shows them for your country. Go deeper: How ready am I? or an executive briefing.
How the work changes, task by task
The tasks that take up most of the day, with the share of each that machines can do in 2026 (dark) and 2035 (pink). Worldwide baseline.
| Task | Share of the day | Machines can do | 2026 to 2035 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cut and trim hair according to clients' instructions or current hairstyles, using clippers, combs, hand-held blow driers, and scissors | 46% | 3% to 30% | |
| Shape and trim beards and moustaches, using scissors | 7% | 3% to 30% | |
| Question patrons regarding desired services and haircut styles | 5% | 30% to 54% | |
| Clean work stations and sweep floors | 5% | 20% to 60% | |
| Apply lather and shave beards or neck and temple hair contours, using razors | 5% | 3% to 30% | |
| Record services provided on cashiers' tickets or receive payment from customers | 5% | 70% to 95% | |
| Clean and sterilize scissors, combs, clippers, and other instruments | 4% | 20% to 60% | |
| Perform clerical and administrative duties such as keeping records, paying bills, and hiring and supervising personnel | 4% | 35% to 55% |
The skills this job runs on
The skills barbers use most, most used first.
Safer jobs nearby
Jobs with a similar skill shape where machines can do less of the work by 2035.
- Skincare Specialists41% of tasks by 2035 · US median $45,330
- Animal Trainers40% of tasks by 2035 · US median $39,990
- Nannies42% of tasks by 2035 · US median $34,980
- Self-Enrichment Teachers43% of tasks by 2035 · US median $46,800
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Questions
When will machines do half of the tasks of Barbers?
Machines can do half of its tasks by 2037. That is the worldwide baseline from the 311 Workforce Starburst, before adjusting for country.
Will AI take the job of barbers?
Machines can do 15% of the tasks of barbers today and 44% by 2035. The job changes before it disappears: the routine tasks move first.
Sources and citing
Tasks and their share of the day: O*NET 31.0, occupation 39-5011.00 (US Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0). Pay and jobs: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. AI use today: Anthropic Economic Index (CC BY). Scoring and forecast: the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit; after 2035 the figures extend each trend, with lower confidence. Foresight, not advice.
Cite as: 311 Institute (2026). Barbers: the outlook to 2050. 311 Workforce Starburst. https://www.311institute.com/jobs/barbers/