How much does a shampooer make?
a year · about $16 an hour
A typical shampooer in the United States makes $32,600 a year, about $16 an hour, below a typical US worker ($50,980) (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They shampoo, condition, massage, and rinse clients’ hair, sometimes rinsing out color or perm products for a stylist. Between clients, they fold towels, restock supplies, and sweep hair from the salon floor.
Did you know? Some shampooers may use infrared lamps or vibrating devices while treating scalp problems or hair loss—so their tools go beyond shampoo and towels.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $23,110 and $38,240How do you become one?
BLS lists no formal education credential or related experience, and only short-term on-the-job training. Rules vary: Nevada requires shampoo technologists to register and work under a licensed cosmetologist or hair designer.
School needed: High school plus some training
Good for people who like building and doing and helping and teaching
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, experience and useful skills, any state-required license, and the salon or employer and location can all affect pay. The hours worked and tips can also change a shampooer’s total earnings.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in District of Columbia ($38,870), lowest in Alabama ($21,810).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $23,110 | $32,600 | $38,240 | about 8,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $38,870 | about 210 |
| California | $37,080 | — |
| New York | $37,070 | about 1,000 |
| Maryland | $34,900 | about 500 |
| Massachusetts | $34,840 | — |
Official definition: Shampoo and rinse customers’ hair.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.bls.gov/emp/tables/education-and-training-by-occupation.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/39-5093.00
- www.nvcosmo.com/salon-rules-regulations
- www.aboc.alabama.gov/license/license-types/shampoo-assistant
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY