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Job outlook for customer retention specialists in the United States
Customer retention specialist job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected customer retention specialist job growth rate is -4% from 2018-2028.
About -105,300 new jobs for customer retention specialists are projected over the next decade.
Customer retention specialist salaries have increased 11% for customer retention specialists in the last 5 years.
There are over 309,162 customer retention specialists currently employed in the United States.
There are 204,538 active customer retention specialist job openings in the US.
The average customer retention specialist salary is $33,422.
Are customer retention specialist jobs in demand?
Customer retention specialist job and salary trends over time
Customer retention specialist jobs over time
Customer retention specialist job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 309,162 | 0.09% |
| 2020 | 314,284 | 0.09% |
| 2019 | 323,822 | 0.10% |
| 2018 | 318,516 | 0.10% |
| 2017 | 307,023 | 0.09% |
Average customer retention specialist salary over time
Customer retention specialist salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $33,422 | $16.07 | +3.2% |
| 2025 | $32,378 | $15.57 | +2.8% |
| 2024 | $31,482 | $15.14 | +2.6% |
| 2023 | $30,680 | $14.75 | +1.8% |
| 2022 | $30,130 | $14.49 | +1.8% |
Customer retention specialist jobs by state
Most common states for customer retention specialists
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 1,794 | 57% |
| 2 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 702 | 53% |
| 3 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 874 | 46% |
| 4 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 486 | 46% |
| 5 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 2,428 | 44% |
| 6 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 295 | 43% |
| 7 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 2,762 | 40% |
| 8 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 234 | 40% |
| 9 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 1,128 | 39% |
| 10 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 522 | 39% |
| 11 | Delaware | 961,939 | 379 | 39% |
| 12 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 2,536 | 38% |
| 13 | Kentucky | 4,454,189 | 1,630 | 37% |
| 14 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 2,499 | 36% |
| 15 | Vermont | 623,657 | 225 | 36% |
| 16 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 2,135 | 35% |
| 17 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 4,245 | 33% |
| 18 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,927 | 32% |
| 19 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 673 | 32% |
| 20 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 533 | 31% |
Most common cities for customer retention specialists
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | West Palm Beach | 2 | 2% | $30,088 |
| 2 | Chesterfield | 1 | 2% | $29,416 |
| 3 | McKinney | 2 | 1% | $32,748 |
| 4 | Scottsdale | 2 | 1% | $34,131 |
| 5 | Orem | 1 | 1% | $37,140 |
| 6 | Provo | 1 | 1% | $37,138 |
| 7 | Waco | 1 | 1% | $33,137 |
| 8 | Jacksonville | 2 | 0% | $29,415 |
| 9 | Atlanta | 1 | 0% | $28,105 |
| 10 | Chicago | 1 | 0% | $29,301 |
| 11 | Denver | 1 | 0% | $29,213 |
Customer Retention Specialist job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of customer retention specialist experts
Charleston Southern University
University of the Virgin Islands
Paul Smith's College of Arts & Sciences
What general advice would you give to a Customer Retention 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 Customer Retention Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Mamie Hertel II: Gain proficiency in technology and adeptness in data management, acknowledging the inevitability of change and embracing it. Master technology applications spanning genetic engineering, biotechnology, remote sensing, automation, AI and climate-conscious production methods.
What will help Customer Retention 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 Retention 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 Retention 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 Retention 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
Francisco Depusoir
Associate Professor of AccountingUniversity of the Virgin Islands
School of Business
What soft skills should all Customer Retention Specialists possess?
Francisco Depusoir: -Analytical and problem-solving skills
-Strong written and oral communication
-Critical thinking
-Time Management
-Active learning
-Organization and attention to detail
Joe Conto
Associate ProfessorPaul Smith's College of Arts & Sciences
Department of Business & Hospitality
What soft skills should all Customer Retention Specialists possess?
Joe Conto: Critical thinking, empathy, and problem-solving are the three most important soft skills an employee can possess. In developing these skills, many other soft skills are automatically embedded; active listening, emotional intelligence, and collaboration, for instance, are all aspects of the umbrella of "soft skills." Having employees who possess other soft skills associated with strong customer service (friendliness, positive thinking, and language skills, for instance) are not effective if these larger overall skills are not present.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Customer Retention Specialists?
Joe Conto: As a hiring manager in high-end hotels and country clubs, I paid little attention to most technical skills. If an applicant possesses the soft skills outlined above, I was typically certain that training could provide the necessary technical skills. Therefore, I always advise students to "work on purpose" during internships and other work experiences in order to not only learn hard skills but also develop the soft skills listed above.