Career Explorer Personal care
Human edge, steady
Barbers
Provide barbering services, such as cutting, trimming, shampooing, and styling hair; trimming beards; or giving shaves.
Among the most resilient careers: more resilient than 80% of the 831 careers we score. AI exposure is low (the Bureau of Labor Statistics rates it moderate), and US jobs are projected to change by +3.3% by 2035, slower than average. The work leans on physical dexterity and emotional intelligence.
AI struggles with much of this work. Hiring is expected to grow slower than average, or to shrink.
- Median pay (2025)
- $38,210
- Job growth to 2035
- +3.3%
- Openings a year
- 6,900
- People doing it (2025)
- 75,800
- Usual route in
- College certificate
Where people already use AI for this work
- Confer with clients to determine needs or order specifications
- Maintain current knowledge in area of expertise
- Advise patients or clients on medical issues
From Microsoft Research, Working with AI (2025).
Work AI rarely helps with
- Groom or style hair
- Clean tools, equipment, facilities, or work areas
- Set up protective structures or coverings near work areas
What the work looks like
- Clean and sterilize scissors, combs, clippers, and other instruments.
- Cut and trim hair according to clients' instructions or current hairstyles, using clippers, combs, hand-held blow driers, and scissors.
- Question patrons regarding desired services and haircut styles.
- Clean work stations and sweep floors.
- Drape and pin protective cloths around customers' shoulders.
From O*NET 31.0, US Department of Labor.
Careers using similar strengths, with a stronger outlook
- Skincare specialistsHuman edge, growing, Index 97, +8.8%
- Dental assistantsHuman edge, growing, Index 97, +7.4%
- Medical appliance techniciansHuman edge, growing, Index 89, +3.5%
- Massage therapistsHuman edge, growing, Index 98, +15.3%
Also known as: Barber Shop Operator, Barber Stylist, Hair Stylist, Stylist.
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Sources: US Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2025 to 2035; O*NET 31.0; Microsoft Research (2025); Anthropic Economic Index (2026); Eloundou and colleagues (Science, 2024); Felten, Raj and Seamans (2023). How we score. Updated 12 October 2026.