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Call center representative vs call center agent

The differences between call center representatives and call center agents can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both a call center representative and a call center agent. Additionally, a call center representative has an average salary of $31,549, which is higher than the $31,180 average annual salary of a call center agent.

The top three skills for a call center representative include strong customer service, customer service and patients. The most important skills for a call center agent are customer service, strong customer service, and data entry.

Call center representative vs call center agent overview

Call Center RepresentativeCall Center Agent
Yearly salary$31,549$31,180
Hourly rate$15.17$14.99
Growth rate-4%-4%
Number of jobs133,579131,722
Job satisfaction3-
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 37%High School Diploma, 35%
Average age4040
Years of experience1212

What does a call center representative do?

Call center representatives are employees who take customer calls in the company's contact center. They answer incoming calls related to their account. Call center representatives are trained on the company's products, policies, and guidelines. They are expected to know the ins and outs of every company product under their account before they are assigned to the operations floor. Once they are deemed efficient enough to handle calls, they begin to take customer inquiries and try to resolve them during the call. Call center representatives are expected to follow company policies and procedures and to meet the goals set by the company.

What does a call center agent do?

A call center agent is responsible for answering calls and assisting clients by responding to inquiries. They also handle complaints and resolve issues, troubleshoot errors, and process applications. The tasks of a call center agent will vary on the directives of supervisors. There are instances when they must make calls to gather or give information, sell products, and discuss a particular subject. Furthermore, most of the duties take place in a team setting, which is why it is essential to coordinate with colleagues and adhere to the company's policies and regulations at all times.

Call center representative vs call center agent salary

Call center representatives and call center agents have different pay scales, as shown below.

Call Center RepresentativeCall Center Agent
Average salary$31,549$31,180
Salary rangeBetween $25,000 And $39,000Between $23,000 And $41,000
Highest paying CitySeattle, WANew York, NY
Highest paying stateWashingtonMinnesota
Best paying companyUniversity of California, BerkeleyUniversity of California, Berkeley
Best paying industryFinanceFinance

Differences between call center representative and call center agent education

There are a few differences between a call center representative and a call center agent in terms of educational background:

Call Center RepresentativeCall Center Agent
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 37%High School Diploma, 35%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Call center representative vs call center agent demographics

Here are the differences between call center representatives' and call center agents' demographics:

Call Center RepresentativeCall Center Agent
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 27.4% Female, 72.6%Male, 30.8% Female, 69.2%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.7% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 20.6% Asian, 6.1% White, 55.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%Black or African American, 12.1% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 21.0% Asian, 5.9% White, 55.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage7%7%

Differences between call center representative and call center agent duties and responsibilities

Call center representative example responsibilities.

  • Manage Facebook and patient communication programs.
  • Provide member eligibility and referral status information to patients adhering to HIPAA guidelines.
  • Follow all current Medicare, Medicaid and commercial insurance regulations and requirements to ensure continual compliance.
  • Document all relevant information regarding patients and providers while abiding by all HIPAA and associate patient confidentially requirements.
  • Navigate several screens and windows.
  • Install windows, doors, cabinets, flooring.
  • Show more

Call center agent example responsibilities.

  • Submit bills for reimbursement to private insurers Medicaid and Medicare.
  • Provide excellent customer service by helping customer troubleshoot technical needs for Internet services.
  • Assist customers with any technical issues experience with website and escalate any issues to management appropriately.
  • Maintain personal computer and troubleshoot computer software problems.
  • Familiarize and provide information on general Medicare eligibility and information.
  • Verify information and input information concerning the conversation and escalate if need.
  • Show more

Call center representative vs call center agent skills

Common call center representative skills
  • Strong Customer Service, 80%
  • Customer Service, 4%
  • Patients, 2%
  • Data Entry, 2%
  • Troubleshoot, 1%
  • Inbound Phone Calls, 1%
Common call center agent skills
  • Customer Service, 20%
  • Strong Customer Service, 15%
  • Data Entry, 9%
  • Telephone Calls, 7%
  • Inbound Phone Calls, 5%
  • Customer Care, 5%

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