Shampooers
Shampooers wash and rinse customers' hair in salons, barbershops, and other personal care settings. The work involves applying shampoo and conditioner, massaging the scalp, and rinsing thoroughly. Most positions are entry-level roles in the beauty and personal care industry.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against shampooers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical day involves greeting customers, assessing their hair type, and washing hair at salon sinks. Shampooers apply products systematically, massage scalps, rinse thoroughly, and may style or dry hair. The work is repetitive but varies by customer, requiring attention to water temperature, product selection, and client comfort throughout shifts that may span several hours.
Who this work suits
Holland code RSC. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to do well in this work if you're comfortable with hands-on tasks and enjoy interacting with people in a personal setting. You're organized, detail-oriented about cleanliness and customer preferences, and find satisfaction in providing a service that makes people feel cared for.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most people in this occupation hold a certificate or training program.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $38,240 | $38,870 | $39,100 | 210 |
| California | $37,080 | $37,080 | $37,080 | — |
| New York | $34,300 | $37,070 | $40,720 | 1,210 |
| Maryland | $31,880 | $34,900 | $36,420 | 500 |
| Massachusetts | $33,010 | $34,840 | $35,940 | — |
| Illinois | $31,200 | $34,190 | $35,990 | 240 |
| Connecticut | $34,010 | $34,010 | $34,580 | — |
| New Jersey | $32,910 | $33,180 | $37,620 | 690 |
| Delaware | $31,200 | $32,150 | $35,040 | 200 |
| Texas | $25,600 | $31,200 | $31,200 | 840 |
| Oklahoma | $23,390 | $29,420 | $29,710 | 70 |
| Louisiana | $23,390 | $29,160 | $30,530 | — |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against shampooers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 39-5093.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.