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Job outlook for customer care specialists in the United States
Customer care specialist job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected customer care specialist job growth rate is -4% from 2018-2028.
About -105,300 new jobs for customer care specialists are projected over the next decade.
Customer care specialist salaries have increased 11% for customer care specialists in the last 5 years.
There are over 461,021 customer care specialists currently employed in the United States.
There are 260,027 active customer care specialist job openings in the US.
The average customer care specialist salary is $32,427.
Are customer care specialist jobs in demand?
Customer care specialist job and salary trends over time
Customer care specialist jobs over time
Customer care specialist job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 461,021 | 0.14% |
| 2020 | 468,660 | 0.14% |
| 2019 | 482,882 | 0.14% |
| 2018 | 474,970 | 0.14% |
| 2017 | 457,832 | 0.14% |
Average customer care specialist salary over time
Customer care specialist salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $32,427 | $15.59 | +3.2% |
| 2024 | $31,413 | $15.10 | +2.8% |
| 2023 | $30,544 | $14.68 | +2.6% |
| 2022 | $29,766 | $14.31 | +1.8% |
| 2021 | $29,232 | $14.05 | +1.8% |
Customer care specialist jobs by state
Most common states for customer care specialists
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 608 | 80% |
| 2 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 1,055 | 79% |
| 3 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 2,213 | 70% |
| 4 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 598 | 69% |
| 5 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 675 | 64% |
| 6 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 409 | 59% |
| 7 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 3,203 | 57% |
| 8 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 1,090 | 57% |
| 9 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 763 | 57% |
| 10 | Delaware | 961,939 | 534 | 56% |
| 11 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 962 | 53% |
| 12 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 308 | 53% |
| 13 | Vermont | 623,657 | 325 | 52% |
| 14 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 2,994 | 49% |
| 15 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 1,399 | 48% |
| 16 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 3,300 | 47% |
| 17 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 986 | 47% |
| 18 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 5,764 | 45% |
| 19 | Kentucky | 4,454,189 | 1,951 | 44% |
| 20 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 455 | 43% |
Most common cities for customer care specialists
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Calabasas | 2 | 8% | $37,785 |
| 2 | Annapolis | 2 | 5% | $34,234 |
| 3 | Coppell | 2 | 5% | $30,807 |
| 4 | Bentonville | 2 | 4% | $29,623 |
| 5 | Cincinnati | 5 | 2% | $30,173 |
| 6 | Irvine | 5 | 2% | $37,608 |
| 7 | Charleston | 3 | 2% | $27,898 |
| 8 | Little Rock | 3 | 2% | $29,217 |
| 9 | Albany | 2 | 2% | $35,836 |
| 10 | Atlanta | 6 | 1% | $29,203 |
| 11 | Tampa | 4 | 1% | $30,490 |
| 12 | Miami | 3 | 1% | $30,206 |
| 13 | Anchorage | 2 | 1% | $39,298 |
| 14 | Cleveland | 2 | 1% | $30,914 |
| 15 | Des Moines | 2 | 1% | $33,127 |
| 16 | Houston | 4 | 0% | $30,873 |
| 17 | Charlotte | 2 | 0% | $31,335 |
Customer Care Specialist job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of customer care specialist experts
Charleston Southern University
What general advice would you give to a Customer Care Specialist?
Mamie Hertel II: Gain diverse experiences to distinguish yourself, such as obtaining a commercial pesticide applicator’s license, pursuing a minor in business or acquiring certificates in relevant fields (e.g., Landscape, V&E;), ideally supplementing with proficiency in Spanish. Foster connections and exude confidence in interviews without overemphasis. Articulate convincingly why you are the ideal candidate. Embrace collaborative work, honing excellent communication skills and a passion for teaching, even in research roles. Anticipate your professional trajectory, recognizing the growing demand for adept managers in controlled environment horticulture. Extend your skill set beyond academia through online courses and workshops, preparing for potential relocations to regions where your expertise is valued. Pursue specialization through certifications or advanced degrees, while actively building a robust professional network.
What will help Customer Care Specialists increase their earning potential?
Mamie Hertel II: Consistently show up on time and take initiative, striving to exceed expectations. Embrace opportunities to expand your skill set with emerging technologies and bring fresh ideas to the table. Foster positive relationships with your team, demonstrating grace and respect to all, regardless of position. Clarify your long-term objectives and understand the purpose behind your endeavors, including your aspirations three years post-MS. Though compensation may be modest during your graduate studies, rewards will come later. Seek practical experience and professional connections through internships or entry-level roles.
Sally Hiott B.S. MBA, DBA
Assistant Professor of MarketingCharleston Southern University
Accounting And Related Services
What general advice would you give to a Customer Care Specialist?
Sally Hiott B.S. MBA, DBA: Show employers how you would not only fill an open position regarding the work at hand, but show them how you would be an asset to their team. We are in very team driven work environments currently, and hiring managers want to know what you can bring to the table. Filling a void is great for the workload, but enhancing a team culture makes them not want to work without you!
What Customer Care Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Sally Hiott B.S. MBA, DBA: To stay flexible! The workplace is constantly changing and to be a good employee you need to recognize this. Being agreeable to change and willing to take on more than your job description lines you up for larger opportunities when they arise.
What will help Customer Care Specialists increase their earning potential?
Sally Hiott B.S. MBA, DBA: The most wanted skill set that is on the rise are what we call "soft skills". Research shows us that with the increase in AI abilities for the workplace that it is becoming more and more important for humans to possess and exercise soft skills. These are things like respectful and caring communication on the front lines. Being intuitive and remaining calm when faced with upset customers. There are a lot more examples, but these soft skills increase your organizations relationships with your customers, which is why they are so highly valued