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Job outlook for service representatives in the United States
Service representative job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected service representative job growth rate is -4% from 2018-2028.
About -105,300 new jobs for service representatives are projected over the next decade.
Service representative salaries have increased 11% for service representatives in the last 5 years.
There are over 547,741 service representatives currently employed in the United States.
There are 210,671 active service representative job openings in the US.
The average service representative salary is $33,692.
Are service representative jobs in demand?
Service Representative job and salary trends over time
Service Representative jobs over time
Service Representative job growth rate over time
| Year | # Of Jobs | % Of Population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 547,741 | 0.16% |
| 2020 | 556,517 | 0.17% |
| 2019 | 573,520 | 0.17% |
| 2018 | 563,989 | 0.17% |
| 2017 | 543,975 | 0.16% |
Average service representative salary over time
Service Representative salary by year
| Year | Avg. Salary | Hourly Rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $33,692 | $16.20 | +3.2% |
| 2024 | $32,639 | $15.69 | +2.8% |
| 2023 | $31,736 | $15.26 | +2.6% |
| 2022 | $30,928 | $14.87 | +1.8% |
| 2021 | $30,373 | $14.60 | +1.8% |
Service Representative jobs by state
Most common states for service representatives
| Rank | State | Population | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 1,025 | 77% |
| 2 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 2,158 | 69% |
| 3 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 516 | 68% |
| 4 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 653 | 62% |
| 5 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 773 | 58% |
| 6 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 505 | 58% |
| 7 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 330 | 57% |
| 8 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 2,787 | 50% |
| 9 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 901 | 50% |
| 10 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 932 | 49% |
| 11 | Kentucky | 4,454,189 | 2,035 | 46% |
| 12 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 2,961 | 42% |
| 13 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 2,818 | 42% |
| 14 | Tennessee | 6,715,984 | 2,817 | 42% |
| 15 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 1,211 | 42% |
| 16 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 2,488 | 41% |
| 17 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 859 | 41% |
| 18 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 436 | 41% |
| 19 | Delaware | 961,939 | 385 | 40% |
| 20 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 675 | 39% |
Most common cities for service representatives
| Rank | City | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jackson | 9 | 27% | $32,718 |
| 2 | Topeka | 9 | 7% | $30,561 |
| 3 | Boston | 32 | 5% | $41,933 |
| 4 | Grand Rapids | 10 | 5% | $32,562 |
| 5 | Atlanta | 17 | 4% | $27,896 |
| 6 | Tampa | 15 | 4% | $28,028 |
| 7 | Orlando | 12 | 4% | $28,006 |
| 8 | Detroit | 23 | 3% | $33,317 |
| 9 | Indianapolis | 18 | 2% | $31,373 |
| 10 | Jacksonville | 16 | 2% | $28,248 |
| 11 | Sacramento | 10 | 2% | $37,065 |
| 12 | Los Angeles | 30 | 1% | $36,954 |
| 13 | Chicago | 23 | 1% | $35,307 |
| 14 | Phoenix | 20 | 1% | $33,303 |
| 15 | Houston | 17 | 1% | $30,588 |
| 16 | San Diego | 17 | 1% | $36,454 |
| 17 | Dallas | 14 | 1% | $30,010 |
| 18 | Denver | 9 | 1% | $32,724 |
| 19 | San Antonio | 9 | 1% | $31,222 |
| 20 | New York | 15 | 0% | $42,751 |
Service Representative job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of service representative experts
University of Maryland - College Park
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
University of Akron
Arizona State University
Florida International University
Montclair State University
Denison University
Oklahoma Baptist University
Aurora University
Thomas More University
University of North Alabama
University of Central Missouri
Arizona State University
Boise State University
What Service Representative skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Kathleen Kelly: Maximizing your salary potential requires research, flexibility, and being your best advocate.
E. Duff Wrobbel Ph.D.
ChairSouthern Illinois University Edwardsville
Communication And Media Studies
What Service Representative skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
E. Duff Wrobbel Ph.D.: All things social media are important, and so writing skills still matter.
What will help Service Representatives increase their earning potential?
E. Duff Wrobbel Ph.D.: With this major, probably the best salaries are from sales jobs, which many people shy away from because they think only of hustling used cars, but sales can be very good work.
Frederik Beuk
Associate Professor of MarketingUniversity of Akron
Specialized Sales, Merchandising And Marketing Operations
What will help Service Representatives increase their earning potential?
Frederik Beuk: Digital Literacy and AI are obviously on everybody's mind. The benefit for early career professionals is that these are skills they can use to differentiate themselves from more established professionals. Embrace these tools. At the same time, being an authentic storyteller that helps buyers envision the potential of your solutions can be an extremely powerful skill.
Maryjo Douglas Zunk
Manager, Career Professional DevelopmentArizona State University
School of Public Affairs (SPA)
What skills stand out on Service Representative resumes?
Maryjo Douglas Zunk: Demonstrated or proven skills (providing examples of use/practice with results) in Research, Analysis - critical thinking, problem-solving, using research (information gathered) to make and implement decisions effectively; also project/performance evaluation -, Communication, Leadership (within and as part of the team, and initiative, taking the lead, Management (of information, people and ideas; also project and program management), and Creativity (generating innovative and sustainable solutions).
What soft skills should all Service Representatives possess?
Maryjo Douglas Zunk: No such thing as 'soft skills. If they are needed in the workplace (listed in a position announcement or organization mission or values statement) - you need to develop and demonstrate to be a successful candidate and valued employee.
The most important of these 'often neglected' skills are written, verbal, and interpersonal skills. Proven skills in providing information, explaining, demonstrating, or conveying a concept or idea clearly and concisely in written and verbal forms. Plus, high-level skills in effectively communicating with others - establishing rapport, active listening, developing trust, building and maintaining relationships - with individuals, groups, organizations, and communities.
Successful candidates demonstrate these effective and also high-level Communication skills.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Service Representatives?
Maryjo Douglas Zunk: Selecting and using appropriate software and technology for gathering and analyzing data and generating reports.
Data analysis and management - using multiple sources, synthesizing information, organizing, and maintaining information for effective retrieval and use.
Understanding and using media, social media, and other communication platforms to deliver accurate information to various audiences and stakeholders.
What skills will help Service Representatives earn the most?
Maryjo Douglas Zunk: Research and Analysis - using the information to identify and solve problems, critical thinking, and generating solutions.
High level and Interpersonal Communication skills - such as persuasion, influence, advocacy, negotiation, conflict resolution.
Leadership - demonstrated skills, initiative, awareness, and presence in any situation/environment (with or without the title).
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Service Representatives?
John Tobon: Yes, the enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on graduates will be how and where they will work. The pandemic forced employers to overlook their reluctance to telework arrangements in order to survive. The biggest change will come in government employment where all but the most sensitive positions will enjoy greater flexibility. This will also mean less travel for in-person meetings, as more people become more comfortable with video conferencing and as the technology becomes more secure and intuitive to the users, business travel will be reserved for only the most necessary activities.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Service Representative job market given the pandemic?
Jeffrey Gonzalez: I have to stress that I'm not an economist but an English professor who does a little work helping English majors think about their career options. That said, the American economy seems to continue down a bifurcated path--white collar labor that provides a modicum of security and blue- or pink-collar labor or gig work that isn't secure or well-paid. I would bet that we'll see a great deal of jobs in both sectors emerge as more people are vaccinated and as the summer months mean more people interacting outside, and I'm also optimistic about the stimulus packages' effect on the economy.
The trends will, if you ask me, mean more hiring. But for the students I work with, it'll likely be more of the same: underemployment for Humanities majors upon first graduating college, followed by slow & steady growth in wages and benefits through a period of switching jobs and careers. They'll start in jobs that involve reading, writing, researching, and analysis, or they'll support individuals engaged in these processes, before they start designing or directing projects of their own. Workers who learn fast, who have great language skills, who are adaptable to different circumstances--these people have the best chance of achieving careers.
Where will we see growth? In areas that cater to the very wealthy; in app development; in health care/public health (of course); in finance; in entertainment production though housed in a handful of places.
Will we see growth in academic hiring? Not for the field I work in--the teaching & research side. We will continue to see growth in the administrative aspects of the university, which has been the trend for decades, while tenure-line hiring has declined considerably. It's not a good job to pursue.
What soft skills should all Service Representatives possess?
Jeffrey Gonzalez: Students need to be able to write well; they need to listen well; they need to learn audiences quickly; they need to acknowledge that they're entering into conversations with grace, rather than running in full speed; they need to understand cultural and identity differences; they need to understand the digital environment has a contrary balance of speed (content production; viral reactions) and permanence (your data trail).
How have salaries changed over time for Service Representatives?
Jeffrey Gonzalez: My field is academia, and salaries have stayed fairly consistent if you get a tenure-line job. I'm part of a collective bargaining unit, which means I have a much better chance at a decent wage and decent benefits. Adjuncts do the bulk of teaching at American universities, and they don't have nearly the benefits or pay that professors get. English primary and secondary school teachers's pay has also remained consistent or declined, and teachers, like most public-college professors, have to rely on negotiations with the state for raises. We train a lot of teachers, and luckily, none of them is in it for the money.
For the students we have who go into the information or knowledge sector, they start underemployed and move up, as I said. The most recent research I've seen (and again, I'm not an economist) said that Humanities majors eventually make as much as business or more career-specific majors (public relations, etc.).
What's a day at work look like for a Service Representative?
Ashley Strausser: As we continue to live and work through a global pandemic, many new graduates will be working remotely or in some sort of hybrid variation. Working remotely necessitates discipline and being a self-starter. Graduates will need to develop strong professional work habits that will serve them well and lay a strong foundation as they begin their career. Many of us are challenged by a lack of social interaction beyond meetings with colleagues or clients via Zoom or Teams. Working from home for the last year, I can personally attest that attending to our physical and mental health is more important than ever. Take time to go for a walk or run on your lunch break. Set your alarm early to spend time meditating before you begin your work day. Don't get into the habit of rolling out of bed at 7:55am to start work at 8:00am. Consider doing yoga after work to help relieve stress. Make it a point to set up regular Zoom lunch dates to connect with or get to know your new colleagues. With our laptop and work space set up at home it's easy to get into the habit of working much more than we normally would if we were commuting to and from the office. It's important to set boundaries related to when and how much we work. Employ a strong work ethic, but don't neglect important aspects of your well-being.
Dr. Daryl Green
Associate Professor of BusinessOklahoma Baptist University
College of Business
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Service Representative job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Daryl Green: Today's students need to embrace emerging market trends. For marketing students, the marketing concept means intimately understanding your customers and satisfying their immediate needs. The lingering pandemic from 2020 will make the job hunt more difficult this year. From my research, here are 2021 employment trends to consider:
Marketing strategy still matters. Today's businesses are using ineffective marketing strategies despite using digital tactics like social media platforms. According to HubSpot, only 61% of marketers believe their marketing strategy is effective. Yet, they are still pouring massive amounts of dollars into digital advertising. Understanding the basic marketing strategies will equip college grads for the challenges ahead.
Artificial intelligence and automation rise in 2021. Marketing professionals will need to be more tech-savvy. AI will make analyzing and implementing decisions more efficient. According to a McKinsey study, Netflix saved $1 billion in lost revenue in 2017 by using machine learning to make personalized recommendations. Other businesses, like Amazon, are doing the same.
Data analytics continue to emerge as a critical ingredient for market decision making. About 82% of marketers plan to increase their usage of first-party data (Source: Signal). Taking a marketing analytics course will be helpful to graduates.
Digital platforms will continue to dominate the economy. Thus, an online presence is essential. According to a Bright Edge study, digital ad spending will reach $389 billion in 2021. Thus, students need good digital literacy to succeed.
Mobile platforms like smartphones are the future. As for May of 2020, Google was responsible for 67% of all smartphone search traffic.
How have salaries changed over time for Service Representatives?
Dr. Daryl Green: Based on my research, I predict that the current salaries for marketing majors will be unchanged from 2020. There are 'riches in niches.' Certain areas, like marketing analytics, may see a surge. For example, market research analysts are projected to grow 18 percent from 2019 to 2029, according to US BLS. However, Covid-19 is the X-factor for the economy.
Jacqueline Babb
Assistant Professor of Digital Marketing, Director of Graduate StudiesAurora University
Marketing Department
What technical skills for a Service Representative stand out to employers?
Jacqueline Babb: Technical skills paired with strong communication, flexibility in thought, diversity, and creative problem solving are a winning combination for job candidates. Candidates with a strong acumen in data analysis and storytelling are marketable right now.
Dr. John D. (Jack) Rudnick
ProfessorThomas More University
Department of Business Administration and Accountancy
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Service Representative job market given the pandemic?
Dr. John D. (Jack) Rudnick: The COVID-19 pandemic heightens an awareness of the tremendous need and talent gap that presents opportunities for those interested in healthcare leadership and staffing. The lack of preparation for this catastrophic event that many contend should have been anticipated illustrates a strong need for increased disaster preparedness and improved supply chain systems and processes throughout the health care system. Professional opportunities that integrate in with all aspects of the continuum continue to abound. Professionals with an entrepreneurial spirit are valuable to generate creative ideas aimed at cultivation of revenue producing concepts. Those with an interest in further improving efficiency and contributing to an increased return-on-investment through process improvement techniques will find opportunities throughout the field. Finance, strategy, information technology, entrepreneurship, compliance, and marketing are among highly sought-after specialties within the field and projected to rise in need. Crisis management planning has the potential to become more necessary to mitigate against loss and business interruption.
A broad array of careers along the continuum will continue to be in need include the following: Quality and Performance Improvement Specialists, Post-acute care administrators (nursing home, rehabilitation facilities, home health agencies, hospice directors,) behavioral health executives, strategy officers, consultants, compliance officers, agency administrators, health informaticists, and university professors to assist in training leaders and staff for these important roles.
John Cicala Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Digital MarketingUniversity of North Alabama
Management & Marketing Department
What soft skills should all Service Representatives possess?
John Cicala Ph.D.: The ability to write for reading and not to write as if they are simply transcribing an internal conversation with the paper or whatever media is being used to communicate. They should also possess the ability to interact and to converse with others in person and to actively listen.
Stephen (Tyler) Hirlinger
Assistant Professor of MarketingUniversity of Central Missouri
Division of Business Strategy, Marketing Program
What's a good job out of college for Service Representatives?
Stephen (Tyler) Hirlinger: This is a rather difficult question to answer because it entirely depends on a student's field of study and goals and aspirations. Any job that helps a student understand their strengths, weaknesses, interests, and disinterests is a good starting point. Changing careers and/or career paths is no longer looked upon negatively, so I believe any career out of college that allows the graduate to learn and grow (personally and professionally) is a good one, as they can always pivot until they find a career that's fulfilling and rewarding.
How do you envision technology impacting Service Representatives in the next 5 years?
Dr. Donald Siegel: Technology will be used as a substitute for labor (computerization and artificial intelligence) and also enhance service quality and efficiency.
What type of skills will young Service Representatives need?
Dr. Donald Siegel: In our field, computer skills and proficiency with technology and data are in great demand (e.g., data analytics and engineering applications)
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Service Representatives?
Luke Fowler Ph.D.: It depends on what you mean by enduring. Will there be a long-term impact, yes. It will likely be similar to the impacts that we've seen on millennials that graduated during the Great Recessions. On the one hand, there is going to be a contraction in the job market, which is likely going to make it harder for new graduates to get jobs in their field and/or to demand high salaries. Of course, the implications of this will affect both their career trajectory and their salary for years to come.
On the other hand, there will also be a psychological effect on graduates as they deal with the really challenging circumstances at a time when they are supposed to be starting new careers. In general, this is likely going to impact both the job market and how new graduates approach their careers for several years, but those effects are likely to fade as things return to some state of normalcy.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Service Representatives to find work opportunities?
Luke Fowler Ph.D.: Growing metropolitan areas are probably the best bet. As populations grow, the demand for public services also grows. Additionally, there are an economy of scale and scope to most public services, so bigger cities just naturally offer more than smaller cities. Therefore, new jobs are likely to pop up where services are scaling up. In comparison, rural places and states/cities that are experiencing population retrenchment are less in need of hiring a new workforce.
How do you envision technology impacting Service Representatives in the next 5 years?
Luke Fowler Ph.D.: Technology is constantly changing, and most of the technological change is designed to replace functions currently done by people. In the next five years, we should generally assume that the low hanging fruit of job functions will be picked off by new technology, but the tasks that are more complex are still going to be there. Most research indicates that soft skills (i.e., collaboration, public speaking, leadership) are more important than hard skills when it comes to doing the job. Of course, soft skills are also the thing that technology cannot easily replace.