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For Educators: Military Resources

Customer Service Representatives

Median Salary
39,680
Job Outlook
-5%

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

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 sectors do they work in?

Private for profit

87%

Private not for profit

5%

State and local government

4%

Self-employed

2%

Federal Government

2%

What is the job outlook?

Employment of customer service representatives is projected to decline 5 percent from 2023 to 2033. About 365,300 openings for customer service representatives are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$23,710

10%

$39,680

Median

$50,820

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • High school

    54%

  • Some college

    17%

  • Bachelor's degree

    14%

  • Associate's degree

    13%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Customer Service Support/Call Center/Teleservice Operation

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Verbal Skills

    Mid

  • Leadership

    Mid

  • Math and Science Skills

    Low

  • Technology Design and Control

    Low

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Low

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Mid

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Administrative
  • Sales and Marketing
  • Computers and Electronics
  • English Language

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Time Pressure

    High

  • Repetitiveness

    High

  • Decision Making

    Mid

  • Physical Activity

    Mid

  • Level Of Competition

    Mid

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Low

  • Responsibility

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

Enterprising

You love taking risks in business or personal projects — and have the leadership skills to back it up.

Social

You love connecting with people, helping others and making a difference in your community.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.