Barbie's careers

Since Barbie's introduction as a teenage fashion model in 1959, the doll has been portrayed with many careers. Dolls are sold with sets of clothes and accessories that fit the career being portrayed. For example, the Lifeguard Barbie playset includes a Barbie, an outfit with shoes, a lifeguard chair, a dolphin, and a life preserver, while the Spanish Teacher Barbie includes a Barbie, an outfit with shoes, flashcards, a Spanish quiz, an easel, a notebook, a key chain, and a hairbrush.

According to Mattel, Barbie has had over 1000 careers, recently including more STEM fields.

By category

Arts, media, and entertainment

Actor (1977, re-released 2008 and 2022; Western Star 1980, 1988, Silver Screen 1994, 1999, Between Takes 2000, 2001, Hooray for Hollywood 2002, 2003, 2004, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2024)
Artist (2008, 2018, 2022)
Cake baker (2014, 2019)
Chef (clothing pack 1991, clothing pack 1995, 2010, 2019, 2020, clothing pack 2022)
Bakery chef (2018, 2021)
Cookie chef (2014)
Cupcake chef (2015)
Dessert chef (2013)
Pancake chef (2012)
Pasta chef (2021)
Pastry chef (clothing pack 2014, 2023)
Pizza chef (2009, 2026)
Smoothie chef (2016)
Spaghetti chef (2017)
Sweet chef (2013)
TV chef (2009)
Cinematographer (2024 2010)
Dancer (2011)
Ballerina (1961, 1976, 1984, clothing pack 1995, 2009, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2024)
Ballroom dancer (1991, 2014, 2025)
Cabaret dancer (2007)
Can-can dancer (2009, 2011)
Rockette (1992)
Showgirl (2008 2002)
Fashion designer (1960, re-released 1995; clothing pack 1992, 2001, 2002, 2012, clothing pack 2015,)
Fashion editor (1965, 2000)
Fashion model (1959, Top Model 2008, I can be... Fashion Model 2012, 2022)
Fashion trend forecaster (1999)
Film director (2015, 2024)
Game show host (1987)
Gamer (2026)
Interior designer (2022)
Magician (2013)
Make-up artist (Barbie loves MAC 2007, I can be... Makeup Artist 2013, 2022)
Musician (2017, 2019, clothing pack 2020, clothing pack 2022)
Bard (2004)
Keyboardist (2021)
Lute player (Japan-exclusive Barbie Styled by Yuming 2000)
Pianist (playset 1989)
Rock star/guitarist (1986, 1998, 2010, 2013, 2015, 2021, 2025)
Saxophonist (clothing pack 2018)
Violinist (2013, clothing pack 2021, 2023)
Music producer (2021)
News anchor (2010, 2019)
Photographer
Baby photographer (2008)
Fashion photographer (2012)
Pet photographer (2022)
Photojournalist (2019, collaboration with National Geographic)
Rapper (1992)
Singer (Solo in the Spotlight 1960, re-released 1990 and 1995; Japan-exclusive 1987, Bandstand Beauty 1996, 2002, 2013, 2023)
Country Western singer (Country Western Star 1994, Country Rose 1997, Rising Star 1998, 1999)
Jazz singer (2007)
Lounge singer (2006)
Pop singer (Pop Sensation 2002, Pop Icon 2010, Pop Star 2019, Pop Star 2023, 65th Anniversary Careers 2024)
SeaWorld trainer (2009,)
Sports reporter (2023)
Hair stylist (2014, 2015, 2021)
Wardrobe stylist (2023)
Tour manager (2025)

Business

Avon representative (1999)
Babysitter (accessories only 1963, accessories only 1976, 2010, 2013, 2014, 2015)
Bake shop worker (Japan-exclusive 1998, 2006 playset 2021)
Business executive (Career Girl 1963, re-released 2006; Day to Night 1985, re-released 2018; 1992, clothing pack 2020, Barbie Rewind Career Girl 2021)
Café worker (playset 1998)
Candy and ice cream parlor worker (1988)
Cashier
McDonald's cashier (playset 1982, playset 1994, 2001)
Pizza Hut cashier (playset 2001)
See's Candies cashier (1999)
Supermarket cashier (playset 1992)
Chief Sustainability Officer (2022 2024)
Crepe shop worker (Japan-exclusive 1987)
Fashion department worker (playset only 1982)
Dog daycare owner (2019)
Donut shop owner (2026)
Entrepreneur (2014)
Farmer (2018, playset 2020, 2022, 2024)
Chicken farmer (2019)
Farmer's market stall owner (2022)
Fashion boutique owner (2023)
Film studio executive (2024 2021)
Food truck operator (2020)
Grocery store worker (2018)
Ice cream cart owner (1987)
Ice cream shop worker (1989, playset 1998, 2022)
Mary Kay consultant (2003)
Noodle bar worker (2020)
Outdoor beauty store worker (Canada-exclusive 1999, 2002)
Pet boutique owner (2008)
Pet groomer (playset 1994, 2013, clothing pack 2020)
Restaurant owner (Japan-exclusive 1990,)
Shopkeeper (Pioneer Shopkeeper 1996)
Secretary (2007)
Smoothie bar worker (2021)
Waitress (2006, clothing pack 2012, 2017)
Soda fountain waitress (Coca Cola Series 1998)

Education

Art teacher (2002, 2007, 2011, clothing pack 2013, 2020)
Ballet teacher (2007, 2010, 2017)
Cooking teacher (2010)
English language teacher (2017)
Math teacher (2023 2014, 2019)
School teacher (India-exclusive 1991, clothing pack 1993, 2006, 2019, clothing pack 2021)
Elementary school teacher (1995, 1997, 2000, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2018, 2022)
Preschool teacher (playset 1997, 2009, I can be... Nursery School Teacher 2012, 2024, 2025)
Science teacher (2021)
Sign language teacher (1999)
Spanish language teacher (2000)
Student teacher (1965, re-issued 2009)
Yoga teacher (2012)

Medicine

Animal rescuer (2016, 2024)
Arctic animal rescuer (2012)
Marine wildlife rescuer (2013)
Panda rescuer (2022)
Art therapist (2024)
Candy striper (clothing pack 1964)
Dentist (1997, 2010, 2015, 2019, 2023, 2024, 2025)
Doctor (1988, 1993, Spain-exclusive José Carreras Doctora Barbie 1995, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2025)
Eye doctor (2015, 2017)
Nurse (1961, re-issued 2009. Civil War Nurse 1995, 2006, My Favorite Career 2010, 2012, 2014, clothing pack 2015, 2017)
Paramedic (2021)
Pediatrician (1995, playset 1996, Children's Doctor 2000, Baby Doctor 2001, Happy Family Baby Doctor 2003, Play All Day Baby Doctor 2006, I can be... Baby Doctor 2008, I can be... Kid Doctor 2010, I can be... Pediatric Doctor 2011, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2020, 2024, 2025)
Surgeon (1973, re-released 2021)
Veterinarian (1985, Brazil-exclusive 1992, I can be... Pet Vet 2012, 2021, 2025)
Horse veterinarian (I can be... Pony Doctor 2010)
Livestock veterinarian (Farm Vet 2016, Livestock Veterinarian 2023, 65th Anniversary Careers 2024)
Zoo veterinarian (Play All Day Zoo Doctor 2006, I can be... Zoo Doctor 2008, Zoo Doctor 2015)

Military

Army medic (1993)
United States Air Force pilot (1991,)
United States Air Force Thunderbirds pilot (1993)
United States Army officer (1989, Desert Storm 1992)
United States Marine Corps sergeant (1991)

Political

Campaign fundraiser (2020)
Campaign manager (2020 2023)
UNICEF Ambassador (1989 2024)
Vice presidential candidate (2016)

Public service

Canadian Mountie (1987, 2013)
Detective (1999, 2014)
Firefighter (clothing pack 1993, 2015, 2021, 2024)
Judge (2019)
Lifeguard (Baywatch 1994, 2011, clothing pack 2014, 2015, 2021, 2023)
Police officer (1993,)
Astronaut (1965, re-released 2025; 1985, 1994, clothing pack 1997, My Favorite Career 2010, I can be... Mars Explorer 2013, clothing pack 2014, 2017, 2021, 2023, 65th Anniversary Careers 2024
Biologist (2022)
Marine biologist (clothing pack 2012, 2022)
Polar marine biologist (2019, collaboration with National Geographic)
Computer engineer (Computer Engineer Barbie, 2010), (accompanying book pulled by Mattel in 2014)
Conservation scientist (2022)
Entomologist (2019, collaboration with National Geographic)
Game developer (2016)
Renewable energy engineer (2022 2026)
Paleontologist (1996,)
Scientist (2018, 2026)
Space scientist (2017)

Sports and athletics

Aerobics instructor (1984 Italy-exclusive A.C. Milan/Inter Milan 1999, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2022, 2023, Team USA 2026)
Baseball player (1993, 2018)
Major League Baseball player (1998 2024)
National Basketball Association player (1998)
Women's National Basketball Association player (1998)
Bowler (2000)
Boxer (2020, 2024)
Cheerleader (1963, clothing pack 1964, clothing pack 1992, Coca-Cola Cheerleader 2000, Pom Pom Divas 2006, Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Barbie 2007, 2010, clothing pack 2011, 2013, 2014, 2024)
Coach (2023)
Association football (soccer) coach (2019)
Figure skating coach (2019)
Gymnastics coach (2009, 2013, 2016, 2019)
Tennis coach (2017)
Volleyball coach (2017)
Equestrienne (1976, clothing pack 2010, 2012)
Figure skater (1990, 1996, 2000, clothing pack 2011, 2012, clothing pack 2014, 2015, clothing pack 2021, 2022, 2023, 2025, 2026)
General manager (2023 2024)
Gymnast (1993, clothing pack 2011, 2015, 2020, 2023)
Rhythmic gymnast (2017, 2021)
Hockey player (Tim Hortons 2020, 2021, Tim Hortons x PWHL 2025)
Martial artist (clothing pack 2012, 2017)
Matador (1999)
Olympic athlete
Olympic climber (2020)
Olympic figure skater (1975, 1988, 1997, 2002)
Olympic gymnast (1974, 1995)
Olympic karate (2020 Australia-exclusive 1977,)
Referee (2023)
Skier (2011, 2012)
Para alpine skier (2022)
Snowboarder (2012, 2022, 2025)
Swimmer (2012, 2019, 2023)
Tennis player (1962, 1971, European Sports Star 1979, 1986, clothing pack 1997, 2012, 2020, 2022, 2023)
Track-and-field runner (2012)
Volleyball player (2020, 2023)

Transportation

Aircraft engineer (2019)
Carriage driver (1998)
Flight attendant (American Airlines 1961–64, Pan Am 1966, United Airlines clothing pack 1973, Japan-exclusive Japan Airlines 1997, 2006, My Favorite Career 2010, Virgin Atlantic 2019,)
Pilot (Flight Time 1989, India-exclusive Flight Time 1995, Airline Pilot 1999, 2014, 2015, 2019, 2022, 2025)
Race car driver (2010, 2026)
Formula One driver (Scuderia Ferrari 2000)
NASCAR driver (1998,)
Tour guide (Toy Story 2 Tour Guide Special Edition 1999)
African safari guide (clothing pack 1995)
Wilderness guide (2021)
Train conductor (Travel Train Fun 2001)
Train hostess (Travel Train Fun 2001)

Other roles

Bee keeper (2018)
Cat burglar (Barbie by Christian Louboutin 2009)
Construction worker (clothing pack 2020)
Cowgirl (1997, 2004)
Dolphin trainer (2013)
Jillaroo (1993)
Maid (Japan-exclusive 1987,)
Ocean treasure explorer (2013)
Spy (Mystery Squad 2002, Spy Squad 2015)
Starfleet engineering officer (1996)
Superhero (Flying Hero 1995)
Usher (2007)
Zookeeper (2013)

By year

{| class="wikitable sortable"

!Year

!Careers

|1959

|Fashion model

|1960

|Fashion designer, singer

|1961

|Ballerina, flight attendant, nurse

|1962

|1963

|Babysitter (accessories only), business executive, cheerleader

|1964

|Cheerleader (clothing pack only), candy striper (clothing pack only), drum majorette

|1965

|Astronaut, fashion editor, student teacher

|1966

|Flight attendant

|1967

|1968

|1969

|1970

|1971

|1972

|1973

|Flight attendant (clothing pack only), surgeon

|1974

|Olympic gymnast

|1975

|Olympic figure skater, Olympic skier, Olympic swimmer

|1976

|Ballerina, babysitter (accessories only), equestrian

|1977

|Actress, Olympic swimmer

|1978

|1979

|Tennis player

|1980

|Actress

|1981

|1982

|McDonald's cashier (playset), makeup department worker (playset), fashion department worker (playset)

|1983

|1984

|Aerobics instructor, ballerina

|1985

|Astronaut, business executive, veterinarian

|1986

|Rock star, singer, travel agent (playset)

|1987

|Canadian Mountie, crepe shop worker, game show host (playset), ice cream cart owner, maid, singer

|1988

|Actress, candy and ice cream parlor worker, doctor, Olympic figure skater, singer

|1989

|Ice cream shop worker, pianist, pilot, rock star, United States Army officer, UNICEF Ambassador

|1990

|Figure skater, restaurant owner, singer

|1991

|Ballroom dancer, chef (clothing pack only), school teacher, United States Air Force pilot, United States Marine Corps sergeant, United States Navy petty officer QM1

|1992

|10

|Beach snack stand worker (playset), business executive, cheerleader, fashion designer (clothing pack only), rapper, Rockette, supermarket cashier (playset), United States Army officer, United States presidential candidate, veterinarian

|1993

|10

|Army medic, baseball player, doctor, firefighter (clothing pack only), gymnast, jillaroo, police officer, school teacher (clothing pack only), United States Air Force Thunderbirds pilot, veterinarian (clothing pack only)

|1994

|Actress, astronaut, Country Western singer, lifeguard, McDonald's cashier (playset), pet groomer (playset), scuba diver

|1995

|14

|African safari guide (clothing pack only), ballerina (clothing pack only), chef (clothing pack only), circus performer, doctor, elementary school teacher, fashion designer, firefighter, nurse, Olympic gymnast, pediatrician, pilot, singer, superhero

|1996

|Chef (clothing pack only), doctor, figure skater, paleontologist, Palmer's clothing store employee, pediatrician (playset), shopkeeper, singer, Starfleet security officer

|1997

|10

|Astronaut (clothing pack only), Country Western singer, cowgirl, dentist, elementary school teacher, Japan Airlines flight attendant, Olympic figure skater, pilot, preschool teacher (playset), tennis player (clothing pack only)

|1998

|11

|Association football (soccer) player, bake shop worker, carriage driver, Country Western singer, ice cream shop worker (playset), MLB player, NASCAR driver, NBA player, rock star, soda fountain waitress, WNBA player

|1999

|16

|Actress, association football (soccer) player, Avon representative, business executive, Country Western singer, detective, fashion trend forecaster, florist, matador, NASCAR driver, outdoor beauty store worker, pilot, rock star, See's Candies cashier, sign language teacher, tour guide

|2000

|13

|Actress, bowler, cheerleader, elementary school teacher, fashion editor, fashion model, figure skater, Formula One driver, lute player, Olympic swimmer, pediatrician, Spanish language teacher, United States presidential candidate

|2001

|Actress, fashion designer, fashion model, McDonald's cashier, pediatrician, Pizza Hut cashier (playset), train conductor, train hostess, United States Air Force pilot

|2002

|10

|Actress, art teacher, drum majorette, fashion designer, fashion model, Olympic figure skater, outdoor beauty store worker, pop singer, singer, spy

|2003

|Actress, dentist, fashion model, pediatrician

|2004

|Actress, bard, cowgirl, fashion model, United States presidential candidate

|2005

|Fashion model, film producer, veterinarian

|2006

|13

|Ballerina, bake shop worker, business executive, cheerleader, fashion model, flight attendant, lounge singer, maid, nurse, pediatrician, school teacher, veterinarian, waitress

|2007

|10

|Art teacher, ballet teacher, cabaret dancer, cheerleader, elementary school teacher, fashion model, jazz singer, make-up artist, secretary, usher

|2008

|11

|Actress, artist, baby photographer, elementary school teacher, fashion model, pediatrician, pet boutique owner, showgirl, swim teacher, United States presidential candidate, veterinarian

|2009

|12

|Actress, ballerina, can-can dancer, cat burglar, fashion model, gymnastics coach, nurse, pizza chef, preschool teacher, SeaWorld trainer, student teacher, TV chef

|2010

|26

|Actress, architect, astronaut, babysitter, ballerina, ballet teacher, cheerleader, chef, circus performer, computer engineer, cooking teacher, dentist, doctor, elementary school teacher, equestrian (clothing pack only), fashion model, flight attendant, pediatrician, pop singer, news anchor, nurse, race car driver, rock star, school teacher, veterinarian, wild animal trainer (clothing pack only)

|2011

|17

|Art teacher, association football (soccer) player, can-can dancer, cheerleader (clothing pack only), dancer, elementary school teacher, fashion model, figure skater (clothing pack only), firefighter (clothing pack only), flight attendant (clothing pack only), gymnast (clothing pack only), lifeguard, nurse, pediatrician, pilot (clothing pack only), police officer (clothing pack only), skier

|2012

|31

|Actress, arctic animal rescuer, artist, astronaut (clothing pack only), ballerina, doctor, equestrienne, fashion designer, fashion model, fashion photographer, figure skater, flight attendant, floral designer, gymnast, marine biologist (clothing pack only), martial artist (clothing pack only), music teacher (clothing pack only), nurse, paleontologist, pancake chef, pilot, preschool teacher, skier, snowboarder, swimmer, tennis player, track-and-field runner, United States presidential candidate, veterinarian, waiter (clothing pack only), yoga teacher

|2013

|22

|Actress, art teacher (clothing pack only), association football (soccer) player, astronaut, babysitter, Canadian Mountie, cheerleader, dessert chef, doctor, dolphin trainer, elementary school teacher, SeaWorld trainer, fashion model, gymnastics coach, make-up artist, marine wildlife rescuer, pediatrician, pet groomer, rock star, singer, sweet chef, violinist

|2014

|20

|Association football (soccer) player, astronaut (clothing pack only), babysitter, ballerina, ballroom dancer, cake baker, cheerleader, cookie chef, detective, entrepreneur, fashion model, figure skater (clothing pack only), hair stylist, lifeguard (clothing pack only), music teacher, nurse, pastry chef (clothing pack only), pilot, tennis player, veterinarian

|2015

|22

|Association football (soccer) player, babysitter, ballerina, cupcake chef, dentist, doctor, eye doctor, elementary school teacher, fashion designer (clothing pack only), fashion model, figure skater, film director, firefighter, gymnast, hair stylist, lifeguard, nurse (clothing pack only), pediatrician, pilot, rock star, spy, veterinarian

|2016

|Animal rescuer, fashion model, game developer, gymnastics coach, pediatrician, smoothie chef, United States presidential candidate, United States vice presidential candidate, veterinarian

|2017

|14

|Astronaut, ballet teacher, English language teacher, eye doctor, fashion model, martial artist, musician, nurse, rhythmic gymnast, skateboarder, space scientist, spaghetti chef, tennis coach, waiter

|2018

|15

|Artist, bakery chef, baseball player, basketball player, bee keeper, business executive, chemist, elementary school teacher, farmer, fashion model, golfer (clothing pack only), grocery store worker, robotics engineer, saxophonist (clothing pack only), TV news camerawoman

|2019

|25

|Aircraft engineer, association football (soccer) coach, astrophysicist, cake baker, chef, chicken farmer, dentist, doctor, dog daycare owner, entomologist, fashion model, figure skating coach, flight attendant, gymnastics coach, musician, music teacher, judge, news anchor, photojournalist, pilot, pizza chef, polar marine biologist, pop singer, school teacher, swimmer, wildlife conservationist

|2020

|26

|Art teacher, boxer, business executive (clothing pack only), campaign manager, campaign fundraiser, chef, coffee shop worker, construction worker (clothing pack only), doctor, farmer (playset), fashion model, food truck operator, gymnast, hockey player, musician (clothing pack only), noodle bar worker, Olympic climber, Olympic karate, Olympic skateboarder, Olympic softball player, Olympic surfer, park ranger, pediatrician, pet groomer (clothing pack only), tennis player, volleyball player

|2021

|27

|Astronaut, bakery chef, beach snack stand worker, business executive, doctor, figure skater (clothing pack only), firefighter, florist, hair stylist, hockey player, keyboardist, lifeguard, music producer, Olympic swimmer, paramedic, pasta chef, pilot (clothing pack only), restaurant owner, rhythmic gymnast, rock star, school teacher (clothing pack only), science teacher, smoothie bar worker, veterinarian, violinist (clothing pack only), wilderness guide, zoologist

|2022

|23

|Actress, artist, association football (soccer) player, biologist, chef (clothing pack only), Chief Sustainability Officer, conservation scientist, elementary school teacher, farmer, farmer's market stall owner, fashion designer, fashion model, figure skater, interior designer, make-up artist, marine biologist, musician, para alpine skier, pet photographer, pilot, renewable energy engineer, snowboarder, tennis player

|2023

|24

|Association football (soccer) player, astronaut, coach, dentist, fashion boutique owner, figure skater, general manager, gymnast, lifeguard, livestock veterinarian, math teacher, panda rescuer, pastry chef, pop star, referee, singer, sports reporter, stylist, swimmer, tennis player, United States President, violinist, volleyball player, wardrobe stylist

|2024

|22

|Actor, animal rescuer, art therapist, astronaut, ballerina, basketball player, biochemist, boxer, cheerleader, cinematographer, coffee shop worker, dentist, farmer, film director, film studio executive, firefighter, golfer, livestock veterinarian, pediatrician, preschool teacher, pop singer, United States Presidential candidate

|2025

|14

|Astronaut, ballroom dancer, dentist, doctor, figure skater, flight attendant, hockey player, pediatrician, pilot, preschool teacher, rock star, snowboarder, tour manager, veterinarian

|2026

|Association football (soccer) player, donut shop owner, gamer, figure skater, pizza chef, race car driver, robotics engineer, scientist