A shampooer cleans and conditions hair and scalp for clients in salons and spas. The work is hands-on, client-focused, and you can enter the field with a certificate. Here is what the role involves, the skills it takes, and how to get in.
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Shampooers wash, rinse, and condition clients' hair using various products and techniques. You work directly with the public, listening to their needs and building relationships that keep them coming back. You monitor water temperature and product application to ensure safety and quality. You communicate with stylists and other team members about client preferences and any scalp or hair concerns. You also help maintain a clean, organized workspace and may assist with other salon tasks like scheduling or inventory.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Shampooers earn a median of $32,600 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is strong. Employment is projected to grow 6 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than average for all occupations, with about 2,700 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
Most shampooers complete a certificate program, which typically covers hair and scalp care, chemistry of shampoos and conditioners, customer service, and salon safety practices. These programs are offered at cosmetology schools and community colleges. Some positions allow on-the-job training, though a certificate strengthens your prospects. You will learn both technical skills and the interpersonal abilities needed to make clients feel welcome and cared for. Once certified, you can apply directly to salons and spas.
Many shampooers move into styling or other salon roles, while others build long-term careers in client care. If you are exploring this path and want to map out next steps, Pathly can map the shampooer path that fits you with your counselor to create a plan that fits your goals.
You are practical, detail-oriented, and enjoy working with your hands. You listen well, communicate clearly, and genuinely care about helping others feel their best.
Reading about a career is the easy part. Turning it into a plan is where most students get stuck. Pathly takes you from curious to a clear next step, and gives your counselor the insight to champion you along the way.
Start with a quick quiz and assessments that surface your personality, your EQ, and what really motivates you, so your next steps are built around who you actually are.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).