Can Agents Work?

Jobs / Food service, cleaning, and personal care / 39-5011.00

Barbers

Provide barbering services, such as cutting, trimming, shampooing, and styling hair; trimming beards; or giving shaves.

US jobs
15,000
Median wage
$38,210 a year
Job family
Food service, cleaning, and personal care

Can agents do the work of barbers?

We read the evidence for the whole job family, Food service, cleaning, and personal care: Not yet (first measured in the last 12 months)

Direct benchmarks exist, but agents complete less than 20% of their tasks.

Evidence: BEHAVIOR Challenge 2025, 12.4% of tasks fully completed (Full task success rate).

0% of this occupation's work, by O*NET work activities, is measured by a direct benchmark.

  • 19%Groom or style hairNot measured
  • 13%Clean tools, equipment, facilities, or work areasNot measured
  • 12%Apply hygienic or cosmetic agents to skin or hairNot measured
  • 6%Confer with clients to determine needs or order specificationsNot measured
  • 6%Set up protective structures or coverings near work areasNot measured
  • 6%Maintain sales or financial recordsNot measured
  • 5%Maintain current knowledge in area of expertiseNot measured
  • 5%Purchase goods or servicesNot measured

Benchmarks for the job family

These cover work in food service, cleaning, and personal care, not always this occupation's tasks.

Direct evidence

Work benchmarks mapped primary to this family. They set the step when they report how many tasks agents complete.

Also relevant

These benchmarks cover part of this family's work, or have no result yet. They do not set its step.

Typical tasks

From O*NET 31.0. Core tasks first. Few of these tasks have a benchmark today.

  • Clean and sterilize scissors, combs, clippers, and other instruments.
  • Cut and trim hair according to clients' instructions or current hairstyles, using clippers, combs, hand-held blow driers, and scissors.
  • Question patrons regarding desired services and haircut styles.
  • Clean work stations and sweep floors.
  • Drape and pin protective cloths around customers' shoulders.
  • Apply lather and shave beards or neck and temple hair contours, using razors.
  • Record services provided on cashiers' tickets or receive payment from customers.
  • Shape and trim beards and moustaches, using scissors.
  • 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.
  • Stay informed of the latest styles and hair care techniques.
  • Shampoo hair.
Other job titles for this occupation (7)

Barber Shop Operator · Barber Stylist · Hair Stylist · Stylist · Hair Cutter · Licensed Barber · Tonsorial Artist