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Job outlook for customer service associates in the United States
Customer service associate job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected customer service associate job growth rate is -4% from 2018-2028.
About -105,300 new jobs for customer service associates are projected over the next decade.
Customer service associate salaries have increased 11% for customer service associates in the last 5 years.
There are over 774,996 customer service associates currently employed in the United States.
There are 380,943 active customer service associate job openings in the US.
The average customer service associate salary is $31,709.
Are customer service associate jobs in demand?
Customer Service Associate job and salary trends over time
Customer Service Associate jobs over time
Customer Service Associate job growth rate over time
| Year | # Of Jobs | % Of Population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 774,996 | 0.23% |
| 2020 | 787,591 | 0.23% |
| 2019 | 812,910 | 0.24% |
| 2018 | 800,111 | 0.24% |
| 2017 | 771,641 | 0.23% |
Average customer service associate salary over time
Customer Service Associate salary by year
| Year | Avg. Salary | Hourly Rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $31,709 | $15.24 | +3.2% |
| 2024 | $30,718 | $14.77 | +2.8% |
| 2023 | $29,868 | $14.36 | +2.6% |
| 2022 | $29,107 | $13.99 | +1.8% |
| 2021 | $28,585 | $13.74 | +1.8% |
Customer Service Associate jobs by state
Most common states for customer service associates
| Rank | State | Population | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 1,279 | 95% |
| 2 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 1,234 | 92% |
| 3 | Delaware | 961,939 | 778 | 81% |
| 4 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 4,191 | 75% |
| 5 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 4,672 | 70% |
| 6 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 7,132 | 69% |
| 7 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 4,675 | 68% |
| 8 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 716 | 68% |
| 9 | Vermont | 623,657 | 422 | 68% |
| 10 | Ohio | 11,658,609 | 7,729 | 66% |
| 11 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 5,543 | 65% |
| 12 | Tennessee | 6,715,984 | 4,334 | 65% |
| 13 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 3,971 | 65% |
| 14 | South Carolina | 5,024,369 | 3,234 | 64% |
| 15 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 2,016 | 64% |
| 16 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 1,984 | 64% |
| 17 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 1,338 | 64% |
| 18 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 7,962 | 62% |
| 19 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 7,894 | 62% |
| 20 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 3,572 | 62% |
Most common cities for customer service associates
| Rank | City | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sarasota | 13 | 23% | $27,810 |
| 2 | Grand Rapids | 22 | 11% | $29,358 |
| 3 | Clearwater | 12 | 10% | $27,721 |
| 4 | Fort Lauderdale | 12 | 7% | $27,812 |
| 5 | Tampa | 23 | 6% | $27,704 |
| 6 | Colorado Springs | 21 | 5% | $29,963 |
| 7 | Orlando | 14 | 5% | $27,576 |
| 8 | Denver | 20 | 3% | $29,853 |
| 9 | Miami | 13 | 3% | $27,843 |
| 10 | Atlanta | 12 | 3% | $26,548 |
| 11 | Jacksonville | 15 | 2% | $27,398 |
| 12 | Boston | 14 | 2% | $33,270 |
| 13 | Chicago | 19 | 1% | $30,036 |
| 14 | San Antonio | 17 | 1% | $28,885 |
| 15 | Phoenix | 16 | 1% | $32,854 |
| 16 | San Jose | 15 | 1% | $39,414 |
| 17 | San Diego | 13 | 1% | $39,016 |
| 18 | Los Angeles | 19 | 0% | $39,249 |
Customer Service Associate job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of customer service associate experts
University of Mount Union
Franklin and Marshall College
California State University Channel Islands
San Diego Mesa College
Fashion Institute of Technology
York College of Pennsylvania
Michael Grossman Ph.D.
Professor, Political Studies and International StudiesUniversity of Mount Union
Department of Political Science and International Studies
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Customer Service Associates?
Michael Grossman Ph.D.: It is less about licenses or courses and more about experiences. In this regard, internships are crucial.
What will help Customer Service Associates increase their earning potential?
Michael Grossman Ph.D.: It's all about practical knowledge. Employers are less interested in your major or the classes you take. They want to see that you can do the work they need you to do. So internships are important. Also employers want to see you can be trained and can think critically, write well, and speak well. So in this regard more liberal arts focused curriculum is important.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Customer Service Associates?
Cynthia Krom: Professional certifications matter. If your profession has a certification, you need to have that certification to be competitive in this new world. So, a public accountant needs to have a CPA, and a corporate accountant needs to have their CMA. A fraud examiner needs their CFE. Find out what is available in your profession and take whatever courses or exams are needed to be at the top of your game, because everyone else will.
We don't really know what will be happening with professional licenses with remote work. A psychotherapist may be licensed in New York, but remotely treating a client in New Mexico. Technically, they probably need a license in New Mexico. But who will control that? Will it just be the professional responsibility of the therapist to only practice where licensed? Will their malpractice insurance only cover them if the client is where they are licensed? What about a physician operating on someone a thousand miles away using robotics?
In terms of courses not related to professional certification or licensure, technology is where it is at. First and foremost, polish your Zoom skills. Zoom is now your face-to-face workplace and you need to be a pro. YouTube has great videos about lighting for Zoom, even with reflective eyeglasses. Perhaps your IT department is able to help with connectivity issues and learning remote technologies. And, as we have all recently seen, you need to learn how to turn off filters that make you look like a kitten! For nearly every field, you have to know Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, and Excel) or similar programs. You need to know how to work collaboratively on projects through things like Google Drive. If you are not fluent in the basics, you are showing up for a horse race with a little pony.
Ekin Pehlivan Ph.D.
Associate Professor of MarketingCalifornia State University Channel Islands
Martin V. Smith School of Business and Economics
What's a good job out of college for Customer Service Associates?
Ekin Pehlivan Ph.D.: I think a description of a "good" job opportunity is dependent on so many factors, almost all subjective. What I recommend my students usually, is that they try different things before graduation and find something that makes them feel a purpose other than (and in addition to) making ends meet. For this reason we started a program on our campus where students are hired to help non-profits and small businesses in our area of service. In this program, students get to gain and practice skills that can help them succeed in a corporate or freelance capacity. The students get to experiment without fear of losing a job and find what they would like their entry level positions to look like. While doing this they also help organizations and individuals who have the need but not the resources to get the services from professionals.
Meegan Feori Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorSan Diego Mesa College
Department is Business Department
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Customer Service Associate job market given the pandemic?
Meegan Feori Ph.D.: According to Business of Fashion and McKinsey & Company (2020), the pandemic is accelerating the pre-existing trends of digital shopping and consumer support of social justice. This will impact the skills necessary to complete existing jobs; it may also introduce new job functions within the fashion industry. People will need to "learn, unlearn, and relearn" skills (Toffler; 1970, p. 414). At a foundational skill level, problem-solving, statistics, emotional intelligence, and collaboration are paramount. The fashion industry has a track record of adopting emerging technologies and anticipating cultural shifts. Therefore, I recommend making an effort to involve yourself with artificial intelligence, virtual reality, 3D prototyping, or other emerging technology. Also, being knowledgeable of sustainability, inclusivity, and ethical business practices will serve you well.
What Customer Service Associate skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Meegan Feori Ph.D.: My recommendation is to combine your interests and career goals. For example, if you are an avid rock climber, you could apply for an internship with the North Face or start a retail position at an REI near Red Rock, Nevada, a place known for excellent rock climbing. If relocating for your gap year is not possible, then seek out a local option such as working at the nearby climbing gym. Customers are crucial to the fashion industry, enhancing your customer service skills during your gap year will benefit you. You could apply to be a Stitch Fix stylist, a boutique, or a non-profit resale salesperson. Even customer service jobs outside of the fashion industry will build experiences that will enhance your abilities to design, produce, or sell amazing products. Another option is to pursue an entrepreneurial venture. Dedicating yourself to creating an influential Instagram account, podcast, or YouTube channel could showcase your skills and build your network. Opening a Poshmark, Depop, Teespring, Etsy, or another digital retail store could let you apply your skills. Finally, keep investing in yourself through learning. There are many massive open online courses and community college offerings that could further your career.
What general advice would you give to a Customer Service Associate?
Meegan Feori Ph.D.: Consider your career in terms of what you are willing to do right now to support yourself and be self-sufficient. During the last recession, I was underemployed, working as a part-time pool lifeguard and making funnel cakes at a local amusement park. Not ideal, but with my funds running low, it was necessary. A third part-time position I had, updating apparel tech packs, did pave my way to a full-time job in the fashion industry. So hustle and be flexible. Also, take time to consider what you can do to create opportunities for yourself. This could include an internship, volunteering, taking a warehouse position at a fashion brand, or completing a class that interests you. The best advice I was ever given was to keep pursuing your goals and accept that what you will be doing in ten years will be better than you ever imagined. The advice came true for me, and I think it will be true for you as well.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Customer Service Associates?
Alexander Nagel Ph.D.: This was a challenging year for everyone, for students, teachers, parents, many of which were caretakers at the same time. I think the enduring impact will be in the ways we learned to appreciate the value of face-to-face experiences; there is even more appetite for gallery and museum visits, everything that brings joy, connects us, and helps us to see the world through an artist's eyes and learning how to be optimistic and maintain a lively look into the future.
What experience really stands out on Customer Service Associate resumes?
Alexander Nagel Ph.D.: I would state that students have an improved presence experiencing and working with virtual platforms. Particularly in the final year 2020/2021, we tried to stress the importance of online exhibits, social media and engagements online, digital art histories, looked at assignments in the virtual sphere, improved communication skills while presenting online. Due to the Art and Museum world changes, we also see a trend to be more sensitive towards the impact artists, and curators have on social justice.
What soft skills should all Customer Service Associates possess?
Alexander Nagel Ph.D.: Soft skills needed are flexibilities to adapt quickly to new opportunities, to be open to non-traditional career paths. Being organized and responsive to email correspondence, being friendly and kind, having empathy are values that will never be out of fashion. FIT is known for being home to "unconventional minds," and our students are super creative, engaged, and ready to take on challenges.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Customer Service Associates in the next 3-5 years?
Travis Kurowski Ph.D.: It's probably because I'm answering these questions in 2020, and so during a health pandemic and economic recession, but it seems the fact that video conferencing and other tools that allow people to work as teams from a distance (such as project management apps) will become much more critical over the coming years for all workplaces. These tools have long been available, and students on campuses already use many writing programs. But these tools will become integrated and essential for almost all businesses moving forward as we adapt to current economic realities and plan for a successful future for companies and communities.