Barbers
SOC Code: 39-5011
Barbers carries a 34% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $38,960 and +4.1% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 76,000 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Barbers (SOC 39-5011) carries an AI exposure score of 34%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 76,000 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +4.1% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $38,960, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Postsecondary nondegree award, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Barbers. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 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.
Key Skills Required
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Social Perceptiveness
- Service Orientation
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Time Management
- Active Learning
Knowledge Areas
- Customer and Personal Service
- Administration and Management
- English Language
- Economics and Accounting
- Psychology
- Mathematics
- Production and Processing
- Sales and Marketing
- Education and Training
- Administrative
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Barbers?
Barbers has an AI exposure score of 34%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Barbers?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Barbers is projected to grow by 4.1% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 76,000 workers.
What skills are needed for Barbers?
Key skills for Barbers include Active Listening, Speaking, Social Perceptiveness, and others. Typical entry-level education is Postsecondary nondegree award.
How much do Barbers earn?
The median annual wage for Barbers is $38,960, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Barbers?
The typical entry-level education for Barbers is Postsecondary nondegree award. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Barbers?
Barbers roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
Explore More on PlainWorkforce
Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).