Customer service manager vs customer relations manager

The differences between customer service managers and customer relations managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a customer service manager, becoming a customer relations manager takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a customer relations manager has an average salary of $66,782, which is higher than the $61,487 average annual salary of a customer service manager.

The top three skills for a customer service manager include strong customer service, payroll and customer satisfaction. The most important skills for a customer relations manager are customer issues, customer relations, and customer satisfaction.

Customer service manager vs customer relations manager overview

	Customer Service Manager	Customer Relations Manager
Yearly salary	$61,487	$66,782
Hourly rate	$29.56	$32.11
Growth rate	6%	8%
Number of jobs	313,110	61,089
Job satisfaction	5	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 46%	Bachelor's Degree, 57%
Average age	44	42
Years of experience	6	4

What does a customer service manager do?

Customer service managers are in charge of overseeing a group of customer service associates. They ensure that key metrics are met by the employees. These metrics usually include average handling time and customer satisfaction ratings. They also give coaching to employees who might need additional guidance in reaching team goals. Customer service managers are expected to have had experience on the operations floor to balance their role as a strategic leader and a people manager. They should have customer service skills, decision-making skills, and communication skills.

What does a customer relations manager do?

Customer relations managers focus on maintaining close connections with customers. It is done through marketing strategies that will continue to engage customers daily. Constant communication creates a closeness with customers and, in the end, solidifies trust and confidence in the company's products and services. The role of the customer relations manager is crucial for maintaining a solid customer base for the company. A customer relations manager must have good communication and interpersonal skills.

Customer service manager vs customer relations manager salary

Customer service managers and customer relations managers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Customer Service Manager	Customer Relations Manager
Average salary	$61,487	$66,782
Salary range	Between $35,000 And $105,000	Between $42,000 And $104,000
Highest paying City	Washington, DC	Pleasanton, CA
Highest paying state	New Jersey	Nevada
Best paying company	KLA	Amazon
Best paying industry	Manufacturing	Automotive

Differences between customer service manager and customer relations manager education

There are a few differences between a customer service manager and a customer relations manager in terms of educational background:

	Customer Service Manager	Customer Relations Manager
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 46%	Bachelor's Degree, 57%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	University of Pennsylvania	California State University - Bakersfield

Customer service manager vs customer relations manager demographics

Here are the differences between customer service managers' and customer relations managers' demographics:

	Customer Service Manager	Customer Relations Manager
Average age	44	42
Gender ratio	Male, 37.0% Female, 63.0%	Male, 38.2% Female, 61.8%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 6.3% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.5% Asian, 6.4% White, 67.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%	Black or African American, 6.0% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 9.1% Asian, 5.1% White, 74.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage	10%	16%

Differences between customer service manager and customer relations manager duties and responsibilities

Customer service manager example responsibilities.

Manage the accounts payable and accounts receivable dealing with the Michigan WIC program.
Ensure SLA compliance are achieved for all incident metrics as well as call resolution.
Manage installation and customization of ACD system and PBX for business office call center operations.
Develop and manage communications strategies, including Facebook, catalog production, email marketing, direct mail.
Lead efforts in developing and executing CRM with the team to identify areas of improvement within the departments.
Prioritize, delegate and accomplish multiple projects, as well as the ability to troubleshoot and resolve common problems.

Customer relations manager example responsibilities.

Create, manage, and optimize websites, blogs, social media pages, twitter accounts.
Work within standing orders to help patients effectively manage their diabetes though medications and other specialty consultations.
Provide oversight and direction to the employees in the operating unit in accordance with the organization's policies and procedures.
Collect and distribute payroll bi-weekly.
Complete payroll information require to include punch details and other payroll information as needed.
Develop and cultivate vendor relationships constructing a prefer supplier base internally to be leverage across client base.

Customer service manager vs customer relations manager skills

Common customer service manager skills

Strong Customer Service, 15%
Payroll, 6%
Customer Satisfaction, 6%
Customer Complaints, 6%
Customer Service, 6%
ISO, 5%

Common customer relations manager skills

Customer Issues, 15%
Customer Relations, 13%
Customer Satisfaction, 12%
Dealership, 9%
Customer Complaints, 6%
Warranty Claims, 4%

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Customer Service Manager vs Customer Relations Manager

Updated January 8, 2025

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