How to become a shampooer

Shampoo and rinse customers' hair.

Steps to get there

Most employers expect usually requires a high school diploma or ged, though some occupations may not..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.

What shampooers do

• 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.
• Treat scalp conditions and hair loss, using specialized lotions, shampoos, or equipment such as infrared lamps or vibrating equipment.

Skills that matter most

• Speaking
• Active Listening
• Monitoring
• Reading Comprehension
• Critical Thinking
• Writing
• Active Learning
• Learning Strategies

Is shampooer a good career?

On the numbers, this job is close to the average across occupations. Median pay is 36% below the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.

Where it pays most

• District of Columbia $38,870
• New York $37,070
• Maryland $34,900
• Illinois $34,190
• New Jersey $33,180

Shampooers salary by state and city

Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.