Interact with customers to provide basic or scripted information in response to routine inquiries about products and services. May handle and resolve general complaints. Excludes individuals whose duties are primarily installation, sales, repair, and technical support.
Customer Service Representatives
SOC: 43-4051 O*NET: 43-4051.00
Median Salary
$42,830
per year
Job Growth
📉 -5.5%
Slower (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
341.7
projected jobs/year
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Job Zone 2
Interact with customers to provide basic or scripted information in response to routine inquiries about products and services. May handle and resolve general complaints. Excludes individuals whose duties are primarily installation, sales, repair, and technical support.
What does a Customer Service Representatives do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$30,690
10th percentile
Early Career
$35,970
25th percentile
Median
$42,830
50th percentile
Experienced
$50,140
75th percentile
Top Earners
$62,730
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$30,690
25th
$35,970
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$42,830
Mean: $45,380
75th
$50,140
90th
$62,730
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $32,040 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $35,970 and $50,140
- •Salary spread is 33.1% around the median, showing moderate variation
- •Total national employment: 2,725,930 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Low Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:2,814,000
Top Industries
Finance and Insurance17.9%
Retail Trade17.3%
Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services14.9%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:-5.5%
Annual Openings:341,700
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)2,814,000
Current
2034 (Projected)2,660,300
-5.5%
-153,700
Employment Change
-5.5%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: Decline
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Customer Service Representatives professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
Texas
330,540 jobs$39,1001.35x
Florida
238,300 jobs$38,8901.37x
California
183,350 jobs$47,7900.57x
New York
145,100 jobs$47,8400.86x
Georgia
112,790 jobs$39,0301.31x
Illinois
109,940 jobs$44,9101.03x
Pennsylvania
102,100 jobs$43,0800.96x
North Carolina
91,980 jobs$39,5301.06x
Ohio
90,710 jobs$43,5100.93x
Arizona
89,030 jobs$43,4401.58x
Michigan
69,830 jobs$42,5600.90x
New Jersey
64,950 jobs$46,7400.86x
Tennessee
64,880 jobs$40,1301.12x
Virginia
62,280 jobs$39,2100.87x
Minnesota
59,170 jobs$47,4701.15x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Employment decline projected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Active Listening
100%
#2
Service Orientation
94%
#3
Speaking
86%
#4
Reading Comprehension
80%
#5
Critical Thinking
74%
#6
Complex Problem Solving
66%
#7
Time Management
60%
#8
Social Perceptiveness
54%
#9
Persuasion
46%
#10
Negotiation
40%
Skills Overview
Active Listening
advanced5.0
100%
Service Orientation
advanced4.7
94%
Speaking
intermediate4.3
86%
Reading Comprehension
basic4.0
80%
Critical Thinking
intermediate3.7
74%
Complex Problem Solving
advanced3.3
66%
Time Management
intermediate3.0
60%
Social Perceptiveness
basic2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Active Listening
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
Service Orientation
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Reading Comprehension
basicImportance80%
abilities
4.0/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance66%
abilities
3.3/5.0
Time Management
intermediateImportance60%
skills
3.0/5.0
Social Perceptiveness
basicImportance54%
skills
2.7/5.0
Persuasion
basicImportance46%
skills
2.3/5.0
Negotiation
basicImportance40%
skills
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Bill and Account Collectors82%
5 shared skills
Patient Representatives82%
5 shared skills
Insurance Sales Agents82%
5 shared skills
Driver/Sales Workers80%
5 shared skills
Telemarketers80%
5 shared skills
Advertising Sales Agents67%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Service Orientation
- ✓Speaking
Learn on the Job:
- →Time Management
- →Social Perceptiveness
- →Complex Problem Solving
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Service Orientation
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Reading Comprehension
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Active Listening
- ★Service Orientation
- ★Speaking
- ★Reading Comprehension
- ★Critical Thinking
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Customer Service Representatives
Technology Intensity
Very High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires expert digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Advanced software proficiencySystem architecture understandingAutomation and scriptingEmerging technology adaptationTechnical problem-solving
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Intuit QuickBooks
🔥 Hot TechSlack
🔥 Hot TechSalesforce software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Access
🔥 Hot TechOracle Database
🔥 Hot TechYardi software
🔥 Hot TechAdobe Acrobat
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft SharePoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Dynamics
🔥 Hot TechOracle PeopleSoft
🔥 Hot TechSAP software
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Intuit QuickBooks
Slack
Salesforce software
Microsoft Access
Oracle Database
Yardi software
Adobe Acrobat
Microsoft SharePoint
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft Dynamics
Oracle PeopleSoft
SAP software
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
MOSTLY TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
CONSTANT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy mostly team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
13
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
Documentation & Record-Keeping (3)Operations & Execution (1)General Responsibilities (6)Planning & Development (2)Analysis & Evaluation (1)
1
Keep records of customer interactions or transactions, recording details of inquiries, complaints, or comments, as well as actions taken.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping100% perform100%
2
Resolve customers' service or billing complaints by performing activities such as exchanging merchandise, refunding money, or adjusting bills.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Operations & Execution97% perform98%
3
Check to ensure that appropriate changes were made to resolve customers' problems.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities94% perform96%
4
Contact customers to respond to inquiries or to notify them of claim investigation results or any planned adjustments.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development91% perform94%
5
Refer unresolved customer grievances to designated departments for further investigation.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development88% perform92%
6
Determine charges for services requested, collect deposits or payments, or arrange for billing.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Complete contract forms, prepare change of address records, or issue service discontinuance orders, using computers.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping82% perform88%
8
Obtain and examine all relevant information to assess validity of complaints and to determine possible causes, such as extreme weather conditions that could increase utility bills.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Analysis & Evaluation79% perform86%
9
Solicit sales of new or additional services or products.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Review insurance policy terms to determine whether a particular loss is covered by insurance.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on documentation & record-keeping activities
- •54% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Customer Service Representatives
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Customer Service Representatives professionals typically have a CES Holland code and highly value relationships
CConventional
EEnterprising
SSocial
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Customer Service Representatives
Dependability
CriticalDependability
Importance Level4.76
Self-Control
CriticalSelf-Control
Importance Level4.67
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.66
Stress Tolerance
CriticalStress Tolerance
Importance Level4.57
Integrity
CriticalIntegrity
Importance Level4.50
Initiative
Very ImportantInitiative
Importance Level4.41
Complete Work Styles Profile
Dependability
4.8
Self-Control
4.7
Attention to Detail
4.7
Stress Tolerance
4.6
Integrity
4.5
Initiative
4.4
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.4
Cooperation
4.4
Independence
4.3
Persistence
4.3
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical duration: High school diploma or GED
Preparation Level
Job Zone 2
Some Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:High school diploma or equivalent
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Training:
Training of a few months to a year
💼 Experience Requirement
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience
- • Vocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)
- • Industry certifications helpful
2
Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experienceVocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)Industry certifications helpful
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