Analysis
NAICS 8121 is the 2022 industry group for personal care services, part of 812 (Personal and Laundry Services). Census lists 48 example activities under it in the official index.
County Business Patterns counts 160,726 US establishments in this code in 2023, employing 764,640 people at an average annual payroll of $30,547 per employee (4th percentile of national industries). 68% of the establishments have fewer than five employees, which marks it as a small-business industry.
Between 2018 and 2023 the number of establishments grew 18% and employment rose 4%. The 2018 count used NAICS 2017, so part of a large move can come from codes being redefined rather than from businesses opening or closing.
By establishments it ranks 1st of the 4 codes at this level within Personal and Laundry Services, with 58.9% of them.
Across its national industries Census lists 48 index entries; typical ones are barber shops, beautician services, manicure and pedicure salons and diet centers, non-medical.
It splits into 2 more detailed codes. The largest by establishments is 81211 (Hair, Nail, and Skin Care Services) with 126,382.
Official definition
This industry group comprises establishments, such as barber and beauty shops, that provide appearance care services to individual consumers.
Source: US Census Bureau, NAICS 2022 Manual.
Index entries (48)
- Barber shops
- Beautician services
- Manicure and pedicure salons
- Diet centers, non-medical
- Aqua therapy services, non-medical