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Job outlook for public service representatives in the United States
Are public service representative jobs in demand?
Public service representative job and salary trends over time
Public service representative jobs over time
Public service representative job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 962 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 978 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 1,007 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 991 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 955 | 0.00% |
Average public service representative salary over time
Public service representative salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $31,799 | $15.29 | +3.2% |
| 2024 | $30,805 | $14.81 | +2.8% |
| 2023 | $29,953 | $14.40 | +2.6% |
| 2022 | $29,190 | $14.03 | +1.8% |
| 2021 | $28,666 | $13.78 | +1.8% |
Public service representative jobs by state
Most common states for public service representatives
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 790 | 59% |
| 2 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 422 | 56% |
| 3 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 1,413 | 45% |
| 4 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 477 | 45% |
| 5 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 388 | 45% |
| 6 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 229 | 40% |
| 7 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 727 | 38% |
| 8 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 681 | 38% |
| 9 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 483 | 36% |
| 10 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,851 | 33% |
| 11 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 944 | 32% |
| 12 | Kentucky | 4,454,189 | 1,361 | 31% |
| 13 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 1,976 | 30% |
| 14 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 633 | 30% |
| 15 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 316 | 30% |
| 16 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 1,749 | 29% |
| 17 | South Carolina | 5,024,369 | 1,388 | 28% |
| 18 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 195 | 28% |
| 19 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 2,285 | 27% |
| 20 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 467 | 27% |
Most common cities for public service representatives
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oakland | 1 | 0% | $41,510 |
Public Service Representative job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of public service representative experts
Arizona State University
Arizona State University
Boise State University
Maryjo Douglas Zunk
Manager, Career Professional DevelopmentArizona State University
School of Public Affairs (SPA)
What skills stand out on Public Service Representative resumes?
Maryjo Douglas Zunk: Demonstrated or proven skills (providing examples of use/practice with results) in Research, Analysis - critical thinking, problem-solving, using research (information gathered) to make and implement decisions effectively; also project/performance evaluation -, Communication, Leadership (within and as part of the team, and initiative, taking the lead, Management (of information, people and ideas; also project and program management), and Creativity (generating innovative and sustainable solutions).
What soft skills should all Public Service Representatives possess?
Maryjo Douglas Zunk: No such thing as 'soft skills. If they are needed in the workplace (listed in a position announcement or organization mission or values statement) - you need to develop and demonstrate to be a successful candidate and valued employee.
The most important of these 'often neglected' skills are written, verbal, and interpersonal skills. Proven skills in providing information, explaining, demonstrating, or conveying a concept or idea clearly and concisely in written and verbal forms. Plus, high-level skills in effectively communicating with others - establishing rapport, active listening, developing trust, building and maintaining relationships - with individuals, groups, organizations, and communities.
Successful candidates demonstrate these effective and also high-level Communication skills.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Public Service Representatives?
Maryjo Douglas Zunk: Selecting and using appropriate software and technology for gathering and analyzing data and generating reports.
Data analysis and management – using multiple sources, synthesizing information, organizing, and maintaining information for effective retrieval and use.
Understanding and using media, social media, and other communication platforms to deliver accurate information to various audiences and stakeholders.
What skills will help Public Service Representatives earn the most?
Maryjo Douglas Zunk: Research and Analysis - using the information to identify and solve problems, critical thinking, and generating solutions.
High level and Interpersonal Communication skills - such as persuasion, influence, advocacy, negotiation, conflict resolution.
Leadership - demonstrated skills, initiative, awareness, and presence in any situation/environment (with or without the title).
What type of skills will young Public Service Representatives need?
Dr. Donald Siegel: In our field, computer skills and proficiency with technology and data are in great demand (e.g., data analytics and engineering applications)
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Public Service Representatives to find work opportunities?
Dr. Donald Siegel: States and cities that are growing (e.g., Arizona, Texas, Colorado, and cities, such as Phoenix, San Antonio, Denver, Austin, and Atlanta).
How do you envision technology impacting Public Service Representatives in the next 5 years?
Dr. Donald Siegel: Technology will be used as a substitute for labor (computerization and artificial intelligence) and also enhance service quality and efficiency.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Public Service Representatives?
Luke Fowler Ph.D.: It depends on what you mean by enduring. Will there be a long-term impact, yes. It will likely be similar to the impacts that we’ve seen on millennials that graduated during the Great Recessions. On the one hand, there is going to be a contraction in the job market, which is likely going to make it harder for new graduates to get jobs in their field and/or to demand high salaries. Of course, the implications of this will affect both their career trajectory and their salary for years to come.
On the other hand, there will also be a psychological effect on graduates as they deal with the really challenging circumstances at a time when they are supposed to be starting new careers. In general, this is likely going to impact both the job market and how new graduates approach their careers for several years, but those effects are likely to fade as things return to some state of normalcy.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Public Service Representatives to find work opportunities?
Luke Fowler Ph.D.: Growing metropolitan areas are probably the best bet. As populations grow, the demand for public services also grows. Additionally, there are an economy of scale and scope to most public services, so bigger cities just naturally offer more than smaller cities. Therefore, new jobs are likely to pop up where services are scaling up. In comparison, rural places and states/cities that are experiencing population retrenchment are less in need of hiring a new workforce.
How do you envision technology impacting Public Service Representatives in the next 5 years?
Luke Fowler Ph.D.: Technology is constantly changing, and most of the technological change is designed to replace functions currently done by people. In the next five years, we should generally assume that the low hanging fruit of job functions will be picked off by new technology, but the tasks that are more complex are still going to be there. Most research indicates that soft skills (i.e., collaboration, public speaking, leadership) are more important than hard skills when it comes to doing the job. Of course, soft skills are also the thing that technology cannot easily replace.