Hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists
SOC Code: 39-5012
Hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists carries a 42% AI exposure score (High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $35,250 and +5.6% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 575,200 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
Hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists (SOC 39-5012) carries an AI exposure score of 42%, placing it in the High 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 in the 40–70% range indicates meaningful automation pressure on specific task categories, but the role as a whole still requires human judgment for coordination, exception handling, or client interaction.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 575,200 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +5.6% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $35,250, 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 Hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists. 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. Keep work stations clean and sanitize tools, such as scissors and combs.
- 2. Bleach, dye, or tint hair, using applicator or brush.
- 3. Cut, trim and shape hair or hairpieces, based on customers' instructions, hair type, and facial features, using clippers, scissors, trimmers and razors.
- 4. Schedule client appointments.
- 5. Update and maintain customer information records, such as beauty services provided.
- 6. Demonstrate and sell hair care products and cosmetics.
- 7. Analyze patrons' hair and other physical features to determine and recommend beauty treatment or suggest hair styles.
- 8. Train or supervise other hairstylists, hairdressers, and assistants.
- 9. Massage and treat scalp for hygienic and remedial purposes, using hands, fingers, or vibrating equipment.
- 10. Shampoo, rinse, condition, and dry hair and scalp or hairpieces with water, liquid soap, or other solutions.
Key Skills Required
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Service Orientation
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Social Perceptiveness
- Reading Comprehension
- Monitoring
- Complex Problem Solving
Knowledge Areas
- Customer and Personal Service
- Sales and Marketing
- Administration and Management
- Education and Training
- English Language
- Chemistry
- Administrative
- Economics and Accounting
- Personnel and Human Resources
- Mathematics
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists?
Hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists has an AI exposure score of 42%, indicating a high level of automation risk. Some tasks in this role can be augmented or partially automated by AI, but core responsibilities require human judgment.
What is the job outlook for Hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists is projected to grow by 5.6% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 575,200 workers.
What skills are needed for Hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists?
Key skills for Hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists include Active Listening, Speaking, Service Orientation, and others. Typical entry-level education is Postsecondary nondegree award.
How much do Hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists earn?
The median annual wage for Hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists is $35,250, 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 Hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists?
The typical entry-level education for Hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists 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 Hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists?
Hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists 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
High automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. A moderate share of tasks may be augmented by AI tools.
Related Occupations
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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).