Skip to content

Prototype—not an official NYS Department of Labor service

Start over

Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists

The short answer

This job is less likely to change much. Most of the work is the kind AI can't help with. In New York State, the number of these jobs is expected to grow over the next decade, with about 5,245 openings expected each year.

Step 1

Where your job stands

Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the least exposed fifth for how much AI could touch it. Most of what it involves isn't the kind of work AI can take over.

How much AI could touch this job

Least exposedband 1 of 5
least exposedmost exposed

Looking at the job itself, AI could help with a small part of this job's tasks.

What this means

Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the least exposed fifth, out of 656 jobs we could rank. Read more in the methodology.

Step 2

What AI can and can’t help with in this job

This job is in the least exposed fifth of New York jobs for AI exposure. The tasks below show why: most of what it involves is work AI can't simply take over.

AI can help with or automate about 9% of the tasks in this job.

Tasks AI can help with or automate

  1. Schedule client appointments.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

  2. Update and maintain customer information records, such as beauty services provided.

    AI could do much of this on its own

Tasks AI can't do much of

  1. Keep work stations clean and sanitize tools, such as scissors and combs.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  2. Bleach, dye, or tint hair, using applicator or brush.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  3. Cut, trim and shape hair or hairpieces, based on customers' instructions, hair type, and facial features, using clippers, scissors, trimmers and razors.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  4. Demonstrate and sell hair care products and cosmetics.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  5. Analyze patrons' hair and other physical features to determine and recommend beauty treatment or suggest hair styles.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

Step 3

Jobs you could switch to

If you're thinking about a change, these are jobs your experience already fits—related work you could move into. Pick your area to see local options.

See related jobs in

The closest matches by the skills they use—each has projected openings in New York State, pays within reach of your job now, and is no more exposed to AI than your job. Each card shows what the move would take.

  • Manicurists and Pedicurists

    Very similar work
    slightly less pay3,214 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays slightly less—$35,537 vs your $36,661 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires a postsecondary nondegree award.

    Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.

    Skills you already have

    • Customer and Personal Service
    • Near Vision
    • Arm-Hand Steadiness
    • Finger Dexterity
    • Speech Recognition

    Your current skills largely cover this move.

  • Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers

    Similar work
    +68% pay346 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 68% more—$61,588 vs your $36,661 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires no formal educational credential, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.

    Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.

    Skills you already have

    • Customer and Personal Service
    • Arm-Hand Steadiness
    • Finger Dexterity
    • Near Vision
    • Visualization

    New skills to build

    • Design
    • English Language
    • Production and Processing
    • Rate Control
    • Reaction Time
  • Sewers, Hand

    Similar work
    +4% pay41 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 4% more—$38,229 vs your $36,661 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires no formal educational credential, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.

    Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.

    Skills you already have

    • Arm-Hand Steadiness
    • Manual Dexterity
    • Finger Dexterity
    • Near Vision
    • Visualization

    Your current skills largely cover this move.

  • Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers

    Similar work
    +35% pay46 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 35% more—$49,618 vs your $36,661 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires no formal educational credential, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.

    Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.

    Skills you already have

    • Near Vision
    • Arm-Hand Steadiness
    • Manual Dexterity
    • Visual Color Discrimination
    • Oral Comprehension

    Your current skills largely cover this move.

  • Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers

    Somewhat similar work
    slightly less pay2,541 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays slightly less—$35,849 vs your $36,661 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires no formal educational credential, plus short-term on-the-job training.

    Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.

    Skills you already have

    • Near Vision
    • Arm-Hand Steadiness
    • Oral Expression
    • Oral Comprehension
    • Trunk Strength

    New skills to build

    • Public Safety and Security
    • Operation and Control
  • Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers

    Somewhat similar work
    +17% pay36 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 17% more—$43,065 vs your $36,661 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.

    Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.

    Skills you already have

    • Arm-Hand Steadiness
    • Near Vision
    • Finger Dexterity
    • Manual Dexterity
    • Visualization

    New skills to build

    • Reaction Time
    • Production and Processing
    • Mechanical
  • Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners

    Somewhat similar work
    +17% pay10,529 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 17% more—$43,017 vs your $36,661 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires no formal educational credential, plus short-term on-the-job training.

    Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.

    Skills you already have

    • Customer and Personal Service
    • Oral Expression
    • Near Vision
    • Oral Comprehension
    • Trunk Strength

    New skills to build

    • Public Safety and Security
    • Stamina
  • Furniture Finishers

    Somewhat similar work
    +35% pay100 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 35% more—$49,439 vs your $36,661 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus short-term on-the-job training.

    Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.

    Skills you already have

    • Near Vision
    • Manual Dexterity
    • Visualization
    • Arm-Hand Steadiness
    • Finger Dexterity

    New skills to build

    • Mechanical
    • Quality Control Analysis
    • Operation and Control
    • Static Strength
    • Operations Monitoring
  • Painters, Construction and Maintenance

    Somewhat similar work
    +67% pay1,655 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 67% more—$61,187 vs your $36,661 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires no formal educational credential, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.

    Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.

    Skills you already have

    • Arm-Hand Steadiness
    • Near Vision
    • Manual Dexterity
    • Visual Color Discrimination
    • Oral Comprehension

    New skills to build

    • Gross Body Equilibrium
    • Building and Construction
    • Gross Body Coordination
    • Stamina