Shampooers
Machines can already do 31% of this job's tasks. By 2035 that rises to 74%. The job changes before it disappears.
Share of the work machines can do
Worldwide baseline, 2026 to 2050
Shampooers in 2026: the short answer
- Today: machines can do 31% of this job's tasks, and AI use is already seen in 0% of them.
- Forecast: machines can do half of its tasks by 2032, and 74% by 2035, according to the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit.
- Size: 8,070 people do this job in the United States, on a median pay of $32,600 a year.
- Contact with people: it scores 88% for contact with people.
- Also called: Hair Assistant, Shampoo Assistant, Shampoo Person, Shampoo Technician.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massage, shampoo, and condition patron's hair and scalp to clean them and remove excess oil | 90% | 30% to 75% | |
| Treat scalp conditions and hair loss, using specialized lotions, shampoos, or equipment such as infrared lamps or vibrating equipment | 5% | 20% to 60% | |
| Advise patrons with chronic or potentially contagious scalp conditions to seek medical treatment | 3% | 35% to 58% | |
| Maintain treatment records | 3% | 70% to 95% |
The skills this job runs on
The skills shampooers use most, most used first.
Safer jobs nearby
Jobs with a similar skill shape where machines can do less of the work by 2035.
- Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers54% of tasks by 2035 · US median $32,910
- Manicurists and Pedicurists41% of tasks by 2035 · US median $35,760
- Parking Attendants66% of tasks by 2035 · US median $35,150
- Cashiers65% of tasks by 2035 · US median $32,880
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Questions
When will machines do half of the tasks of Shampooers?
Machines can do half of its tasks by 2032. That is the worldwide baseline from the 311 Workforce Starburst, before adjusting for country.
Will AI take the job of shampooers?
Machines can do 31% of the tasks of shampooers today and 74% 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 39-5093.00 (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). Shampooers: the outlook to 2050. 311 Workforce Starburst. https://www.311institute.com/jobs/shampooers/