Barbers

Barbers score 16 out of 100, which is low exposure to AI. That ranks #675 of 923 US occupations, where #1 is the most exposed. Of the 20 tasks in this job, AI could speed up 2 on its own and 3 more with extra software built on top of it. In April–May 2026, 2 of these tasks showed up in real conversations with Claude, Anthropic's AI assistant.

16/ 100

Low

Rank: #675of 923 jobs
US workers: 15,000BLS, May 2025
Median pay: $38,210a year
In real AI use: 2 of 20tasks, April–May 2026

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

AI can speed this up on its own: 2 (10%)
AI can speed this up with extra software: 3 (15%)
Little or no AI speed-up: 15 (75%)

Perform clerical and administrative duties such as keeping records, paying bills, and hiring and supervising personnel.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
Keep card files on clientele, recording notes of work done, products used and fees charged after each visit.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task
Stay informed of the latest styles and hair care techniques.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Order supplies.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Identify hair problems, using microscopes and testing devices, or by sending clients' hair samples out to independent laboratories for analysis.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
Clean and sterilize scissors, combs, clippers, and other instruments.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Drape and pin protective cloths around customers' shoulders.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Cut and trim hair according to clients' instructions or current hairstyles, using clippers, combs, hand-held blow driers, and scissors.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Question patrons regarding desired services and haircut styles.Little or no AI speed-up · core task · Seen in real AI use
Clean work stations and sweep floors.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Apply lather and shave beards or neck and temple hair contours, using razors.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Record services provided on cashiers' tickets or receive payment from customers.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Shape and trim beards and moustaches, using scissors.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Suggest treatments to alleviate hair problems.Little or no AI speed-up · core task · Seen in real AI use
Shampoo hair.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Recommend and sell lotions, tonics, or other cosmetic supplies.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Measure, fit, and groom hairpieces.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
Provide skin care and nail treatments.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
Curl, color, or straighten hair, using special chemical solutions and equipment.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
Provide face, neck, and scalp massages.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task

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Questions about barbers and AI

Will AI replace barbers?

Unlikely. Most of the work is hard for today's AI to speed up. Barbers score 16 out of 100 (low exposure), #675 of 923 US jobs. AI could speed up 5 of the job's 20 tasks, 2 of them on its own, while 15 see little or no speed-up. Exposure means the work is likely to change, not that the job will disappear.

Which barbers tasks can AI do?

The most exposed tasks include "Perform clerical and administrative duties such as keeping records, paying bills, and hiring and supervising personnel"; "Keep card files on clientele, recording notes of work done, products used and fees charged after each visit".

Which barbers tasks are hardest for AI?

Tasks with little or no AI speed-up include "Clean and sterilize scissors, combs, clippers, and other instruments"; "Drape and pin protective cloths around customers' shoulders"; "Cut and trim hair according to clients' instructions or current hairstyles, using clippers, combs, hand-held blow driers, and scissors".

Are people already using AI for this work?

Yes. In April–May 2026, 2 of the 20 tasks showed up in real conversations with Claude, according to the Anthropic Economic Index.

How many people work as barbers, and what do they earn?

About 15,000 people in the US, with median pay of $38,210 a year (BLS, May 2025).

How to read this score. Exposure measures how much of the work AI could speed up, not whether the job will disappear. A highly exposed job can change shape, with people spending less time on routine tasks and more on the rest. The score counts tasks AI can speed up on its own in full, and tasks that need extra software at half weight.

The ratings come from published research based on GPT-4 (2023). To show what's happening now, each task is also checked against the latest Anthropic Economic Index, which records which tasks people actually use AI for. That data is refreshed automatically when Anthropic publishes a new release. Read the full method.

Barbers

Task by task

Similar jobs, lower exposure

Other jobs in this field

Questions about barbers and AI

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