Shampooers
SOC code 39-5093 · O*NET-SOC 39-5093.00 · Little to some preparation needed
Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation
Shampooers pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$32,600
a year
Hourly
$15.67
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$31,980
$15.37 per hour
Middle 50%
$28,550 – $35,550
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$23,110 – $38,240
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
8,070
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $23,110
- $11.11/hr
- 25th percentile
- $28,550
- $13.72/hr
- Median percentile
- $32,600
- $15.67/hr
- 75th percentile
- $35,550
- $17.09/hr
- 90th percentile
- $38,240
- $18.39/hr
What does a shampooer do?
Shampoo and rinse customers' hair.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Massage, shampoo, and condition patron's hair and scalp to clean them and remove excess oil.
- Advise patrons with chronic or potentially contagious scalp conditions to seek medical treatment.
- Maintain treatment records.
- Treat scalp conditions and hair loss, using specialized lotions, shampoos, or equipment such as infrared lamps or vibrating equipment.
How to become a shampooer
Most people in this role hold post-secondary certificate — 68% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Experience
- Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
Education reported by people doing this job
- Post-Secondary Certificate68%
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)18%
- Less than a High School Diploma13%
- Some College Courses1%
Common questions
How much does a shampooer earn?
The national median is $32,600 a year. The full range runs from $23,110 at the 10th percentile to $38,240 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a shampooer without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Speaking3.3/5
- Active Listening3.1/5
- Monitoring2.8/5
- Reading Comprehension2.5/5
- Critical Thinking2.5/5
Knowledge areas
- Customer and Personal Service4.2/5
- English Language4.1/5
- Sales and Marketing3.2/5
- Public Safety and Security2.7/5
- Chemistry2.7/5
- Education and Training2.7/5
- Psychology2.6/5
Transferable strengths: Service Orientation, Social Perceptiveness, Coordination, Judgment and Decision Making, Time Management.