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Job outlook for customer support specialists in the United States
Customer support specialist job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected customer support specialist job growth rate is -4% from 2018-2028.
About -105,300 new jobs for customer support specialists are projected over the next decade.
Customer support specialist salaries have increased 11% for customer support specialists in the last 5 years.
There are over 421,472 customer support specialists currently employed in the United States.
There are 259,592 active customer support specialist job openings in the US.
The average customer support specialist salary is $39,470.
Are customer support specialist jobs in demand?
Customer support specialist job and salary trends over time
Customer support specialist jobs over time
Customer support specialist job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 421,472 | 0.13% |
| 2020 | 428,415 | 0.13% |
| 2019 | 441,434 | 0.13% |
| 2018 | 434,215 | 0.13% |
| 2017 | 418,581 | 0.13% |
Average customer support specialist salary over time
Customer support specialist salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $39,470 | $18.98 | +3.2% |
| 2024 | $38,236 | $18.38 | +2.8% |
| 2023 | $37,179 | $17.87 | +2.6% |
| 2022 | $36,232 | $17.42 | +1.8% |
| 2021 | $35,582 | $17.11 | +1.8% |
Customer support specialist jobs by state
Most common states for customer support specialists
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 412 | 59% |
| 2 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 745 | 56% |
| 3 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 2,907 | 48% |
| 4 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 2,686 | 48% |
| 5 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 642 | 48% |
| 6 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 967 | 46% |
| 7 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 2,975 | 43% |
| 8 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 1,344 | 43% |
| 9 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 374 | 43% |
| 10 | Vermont | 623,657 | 271 | 43% |
| 11 | Delaware | 961,939 | 408 | 42% |
| 12 | Michigan | 9,962,311 | 4,004 | 40% |
| 13 | South Carolina | 5,024,369 | 2,008 | 40% |
| 14 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 2,742 | 39% |
| 15 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 2,534 | 38% |
| 16 | Mississippi | 2,984,100 | 1,134 | 38% |
| 17 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 4,745 | 37% |
| 18 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 1,804 | 37% |
| 19 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 397 | 37% |
| 20 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 277 | 37% |
Most common cities for customer support specialists
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dover | 4 | 11% | $54,857 |
| 2 | Scottsdale | 8 | 3% | $38,005 |
| 3 | Grand Rapids | 6 | 3% | $42,692 |
| 4 | Denver | 11 | 2% | $38,629 |
| 5 | Atlanta | 8 | 2% | $36,326 |
| 6 | Tampa | 6 | 2% | $38,049 |
| 7 | Lincoln | 5 | 2% | $40,876 |
| 8 | Austin | 11 | 1% | $38,740 |
| 9 | Detroit | 8 | 1% | $45,227 |
| 10 | Boston | 7 | 1% | $54,907 |
| 11 | Charlotte | 6 | 1% | $38,556 |
| 12 | Indianapolis | 5 | 1% | $38,316 |
| 13 | Miami | 5 | 1% | $38,304 |
| 14 | Minneapolis | 5 | 1% | $42,476 |
| 15 | Chicago | 9 | 0% | $40,350 |
| 16 | New York | 7 | 0% | $53,250 |
| 17 | Phoenix | 7 | 0% | $38,101 |
| 18 | Dallas | 6 | 0% | $37,678 |
| 19 | Houston | 5 | 0% | $38,853 |
| 20 | Columbus | 4 | 0% | $41,827 |
Customer Support Specialist job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of customer support specialist experts
Charleston Southern University
Paul Smith's College of Arts & Sciences
Missouri State University
University of Central Florida
Florida International University
Missouri State University
Casino Careers Division of Hospitality Online
Rowan University
University of Nebraska - Lincoln
The Ohio State University at Lima
North Carolina Central University
ICHRIE
American Public University System
Forsyth County, Georgia
University of New Orleans
Temple University
What general advice would you give to a Customer Support 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 Support 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.
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 Support 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 Support 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 Support 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
Joe Conto
Associate ProfessorPaul Smith's College of Arts & Sciences
Department of Business & Hospitality
What skills stand out on Customer Support Specialist resumes?
Joe Conto: The skills that stand out on a resume remain the same as they did prior to the pandemic; critical thinking, problem-solving, active listening, and working independently. However, simply "listing" these under the Skills section of a resume is not enough. A good hiring agent or human resources professional is going to look for supporting information for these claims in the experience, interests, and activities sections of the same resume. Therefore, a claim of skill only stands out if it is supported elsewhere in the resume.
What soft skills should all Customer Support 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 Support 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.
What soft skills should all Customer Support Specialists possess?
Dr. Stephanie Hein: Now, more than ever, graduates need to possess strong communication skills, adaptability, creative thinking, and the ability to work collaboratively with others in both a face-to-face and digital environment.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Customer Support Specialists?
Gisele Canova: Not certificates but skills: Emotional intelligence, team building/leading.
Lourdes Torres
Assistant Director, Employer RelationsFlorida International University
Career Development Department
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Customer Support Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Lourdes Torres: Currently, a number of partners/employers are expressing a need for students with the skillsets and availability to work remotely. The permanent rise in remote work is an increasing trend I see not only for now, but for the foreseeable future. In addition, there will also be an increased wave of requests for students who are open to experimentation and innovation regarding flexible/hybrid work roles.
What Customer Support Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Lourdes Torres: I would say the top skills that students should try to enhance and are being requested from our corporate partners are:
-Creativity and innovation
-Project management skills
-Technological skills
-Communication
-Critical Thinking
FIU students can learn more about these areas by taking courses through a platform called 'LinkedIn Learning.' LinkedIn Learning is an online learning platform that enables FIU faculty, staff, and students to discover and develop skills through an online library of high-quality expert-led videos. It is free for all students and they can login and register through their FIU accounts. I do, however, encourage graduates if they can to pursue taking online courses/certifications. There are many free and paid resources available online.
What general advice would you give to a Customer Support Specialist?
Lourdes Torres: I would tell graduates to be open to change, keep moving forward, and prepare for your future!
Dr. Jerry Masterson Ph.D.
Professor, Program Director, Graduate Interdisciplinary Programs (MPS/MSIS)Missouri State University
Graduate College
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Customer Support Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Jerry Masterson Ph.D.: Moving online and global.
What type of skills will young Customer Support Specialists need?
Beth Deighan: 1. The ability to communicate verbally and in writing in a succinct, coherent manner.
2. Be empathetic with co-workers, supervisors, and subordinates and develop trusting, supportive relationships.
3. Be able to navigate the Internet and possess knowledge of technology and devices to increase mobility and efficiency of operations for both employees and clients.
4. Be a self-starter and not require constant monitoring or specific direction to perform all responsibilities effectively.
5. Be organized to increase efficiency and use technology to make processes easier & faster and meet deadlines.
6. Be proactive - anticipate that business practices and procedures may have to change to adapt to the environment, client needs, and demand.
7. Think outside the box - be creative and a cautious risk-taker. Don't be afraid to take an innovative approach.
8. Be flexible and receptive to new ideas like changing your work schedule to learn business operations on different shifts/days to learn the volume, clientele, and business procedures at different times of the day.
9. Be strategic, but work with others to ensure those with different perspectives assist in the development of operational/marketing strategies to retain existing clientele and attract new clientele.
10. Use technology to analyze and assess information to determine which products, services, and practices generate revenue or are not profitable or beneficial to the operation or staff.
Dr. Kate Seltzer Ph.D.
Assistant ProfessorRowan University
Department of Language, Literacy and Sociocultural education
How would you rate the starting salaries for Customer Support Specialists, as well as the prospects for salary advancement?
Dr. Kate Seltzer Ph.D.: Educators are not paid nearly enough. However, working in a state with strong teachers' unions helps to ensure a starting salary that recent graduates can live off of and growth opportunities, albeit modest, over their careers.
What general advice would you give to a Customer Support Specialist?
Ng'ang'a Muchiri: That storytelling and the power of persuasion are so incredibly vital today. Just think of Netflix, Instagram, advertising, political rhetoric, and the behavioral changes encouraged in public health announcements.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Customer Support Specialists to find work opportunities?
Leah Herner-Patnode: Usually, urban areas of bigger cities and southern states, such as North Carolina, have many openings. Maine, Florida, California, Hawaii, Washington, and Texas are the most open positions.
Elisha Blankson
Program Director NCCU, Assistant ProfessorNorth Carolina Central University
Communication Disorders Department
What type of skills will young Customer Support Specialists need?
Elisha Blankson: Graduates will need a skill set about the field in which they received training and additional skills useful to the job market. For example, with the changing demographics in the United States, extra skills in information technology and foreign languages will be a plus when entering the job market.
What general advice would you give to a Customer Support Specialist?
Steve Hood: Hospitality and tourism graduates of 2020 are faced with a similar challenge as hotels in the current COVID situation. Many are having to think outside the box and reinvent themselves. It may mean looking at different chains, different locations, and different roles, but there are still opportunities.
Dr. Elizabeth Keavney Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorAmerican Public University System
Public Administration Department
What type of skills will young Customer Support Specialists need?
Dr. Elizabeth Keavney Ph.D.: The ability to examine all sides of an issue, to include long-term consequences and short-term consequences and unintended consequences and intended outcomes is vital. A focus on goals and objectives, instead of depending on an emotional response, will help lead to the best solutions. Public servants should be adaptable and able to work with people from various cultures. They need to have an understanding of how to work with and motivate individuals and groups. Those who can stay engaged and exercise good judgment will fare best in fluid and changing times.
How do you envision technology impacting Customer Support Specialists in the next 5 years?
Dr. Elizabeth Keavney Ph.D.: COVID-19 has increased the number of people who are working at home. This means a solid basic knowledge of telecommuting, and the ability to work unsupervised will be necessary. The ability to use remote security protocols, the cloud, and various software platforms will be required.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Customer Support Specialists to find work opportunities?
Donna Kukarola: This one, not so sure of, the southeast continues to see options as well as mid-western states.
Markus Schuckert
Professor and DirectorUniversity of New Orleans
Lester E. Kabacoff School of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Administration
How do you envision technology impacting Customer Support Specialists in the next 5 years?
Markus Schuckert: Technology will help the industry to maintain a business in a different environment. Under Covid19, the old formula of "high tech - high touch" in hospitality does not work anymore without rethinking it. The new paradigm is high tech - low touch approach to maintain high service and delivery standards but minimizing contact where possible. This is, at least for the time being. Trends to come can be seen by the restaurant of tomorrow's approach of Burger King, for example. High tech - high touch will return or remain with a premium, based on low volume and increased safety and hygiene protocols. Technology will support that in terms of communication, tracking, and big data. Especially business optimizing software, and visitor/customer management systems will be needed to run businesses differently. On the revenue management side, new revenue and pricing models need to be developed to stay in business successfully. This closes the loop to question 1: new graduates come with the latest technological knowledge and the power of ideas of the young (next) generation.
Lindsey Lee Ph.D.
Assistant ProfessorTemple University
Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Customer Support Specialists to find work opportunities?
Lindsey Lee Ph.D.: While local, state, and government regulations are still changing and updating on a daily basis, in my opinion, graduates should not limit themselves to one place in the United States. The hospitality and tourism industry has an ebb and flow, and the best part of the industry is the freedom and flexibility to work in a variety of locations. Although certain locations seem to be further along in the re-opening process and this may be an advantage for the job market, there is always a need for great employees to provide quality customer service for our guests regardless of location.
How do you envision technology impacting Customer Support Specialists in the next 5 years?
Lindsey Lee Ph.D.: Although there was a major shift to technology during the pandemic, the hospitality and tourism industry is still a human interaction and human touch industry. The tangible products between competitors are essentially the same-a bed for hotels, a meal for restaurants, a flight for airlines-but the intangible, customer-service product of the industry is what differentiates one organization from its competitor. I believe that while customer service may look different in a post-COVID world, there is still going to be a need for human interactions and the human aspects of the hospitality and tourism industry that technology might not provide.