Occupation

Barbers

Human Advantage 68%

Significant human skills needed

AI Automation Risk Moderate Risk
3.6 / 10

Some tasks in this role may be augmented by AI, but human oversight and interpersonal skills remain important.

Provide barbering services, such as cutting, trimming, shampooing, and styling hair; trimming beards; or giving shaves.

Also Known As: Barber, Barber Shop Operator, Barber Stylist, Hair Cutter, Licensed Barber, Stylist, Tonsorial Artist

Video

Core Tasks

  1. Clean and sterilize scissors, combs, clippers, and other instruments.
  2. Drape and pin protective cloths around customers' shoulders.
  3. Cut and trim hair according to clients' instructions or current hairstyles, using clippers, combs, hand-held blow driers, and scissors.
  4. Question patrons regarding desired services and haircut styles.
  5. Clean work stations and sweep floors.
  6. Apply lather and shave beards or neck and temple hair contours, using razors.
  7. Record services provided on cashiers' tickets or receive payment from customers.
  8. Shape and trim beards and moustaches, using scissors.
  9. Perform clerical and administrative duties such as keeping records, paying bills, and hiring and supervising personnel.
  10. Stay informed of the latest styles and hair care techniques.
  11. Suggest treatments to alleviate hair problems.
  12. Order supplies.
  13. Shampoo hair.
  14. Recommend and sell lotions, tonics, or other cosmetic supplies.

Supplemental Tasks (4)

  1. Provide skin care and nail treatments.
  2. Keep card files on clientele, recording notes of work done, products used and fees charged after each visit.
  3. Curl, color, or straighten hair, using special chemical solutions and equipment.
  4. Provide face, neck, and scalp massages.

Education & Training

Job Zone 3 Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Education Level Distribution

Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.

Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
29%
High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
25%
Less than a High School Diploma
21%
Some College Courses
12%
Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
11%
Bachelor's Degree
2%
Master's Degree
1%

Technology & Tools

Hot Technologies

  • Facebook
  • Linux
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Microsoft Word

Software (11)

  • Appointment scheduling software
  • Customer information databases
  • Point of sale POS payment software
  • YouTube

Tools & Equipment (25)

  • Adjustable barber chairs
  • Barber scissors
  • Curling irons
  • Desktop computers
  • Electric shavers
  • Facial hair trimmers
  • Hair styling combs
  • Handheld blow dryers
  • Handheld electric hair clippers
  • Hot air brushes
  • Laptop computers
  • Latherizing machines
  • Pointed tweezers
  • Protective capes
  • Rat tail combs
  • Round brushes
  • Shaving brushes
  • Spray bottles
  • Straight razors
  • Straight-bladed scissors
  • Straightening irons
  • Strops
  • Thinning shears
  • Vent brushes
  • Whet stones

Where This Career Leads

Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.

Personal Care Services Hospitality, Events, & Tourism

Zone 3
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