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Job outlook for service coordinators in the United States
Service coordinator job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected service coordinator job growth rate is 12% from 2018-2028.
About 52,400 new jobs for service coordinators are projected over the next decade.
Service coordinator salaries have increased 13% for service coordinators in the last 5 years.
There are over 21,360 service coordinators currently employed in the United States.
There are 55,922 active service coordinator job openings in the US.
The average service coordinator salary is $40,792.
Are service coordinator jobs in demand?
Service Coordinator job and salary trends over time
Service Coordinator jobs over time
Service Coordinator job growth rate over time
| Year | # Of Jobs | % Of Population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 21,360 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 21,330 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 21,583 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 20,975 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 20,473 | 0.01% |
Average service coordinator salary over time
Service Coordinator salary by year
| Year | Avg. Salary | Hourly Rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $40,792 | $19.61 | +2.6% |
| 2024 | $39,771 | $19.12 | +3.9% |
| 2023 | $38,285 | $18.41 | +1.9% |
| 2022 | $37,571 | $18.06 | +4.1% |
| 2021 | $36,085 | $17.35 | +3.2% |
Service Coordinator jobs by state
Most common states for service coordinators
| Rank | State | Population | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 177 | 26% |
| 2 | Delaware | 961,939 | 198 | 21% |
| 3 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 158 | 21% |
| 4 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,272 | 19% |
| 5 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 340 | 16% |
| 6 | Alaska | 739,795 | 117 | 16% |
| 7 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 129 | 15% |
| 8 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 247 | 14% |
| 9 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 608 | 12% |
| 10 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 656 | 11% |
| 11 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 593 | 11% |
| 12 | Oklahoma | 3,930,864 | 447 | 11% |
| 13 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 111 | 11% |
| 14 | Vermont | 623,657 | 67 | 11% |
| 15 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 133 | 10% |
| 16 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 769 | 9% |
| 17 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 307 | 9% |
| 18 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 51 | 9% |
| 19 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 841 | 8% |
| 20 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 88 | 8% |
Most common cities for service coordinators
| Rank | City | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Plymouth | 11 | 19% | $47,546 |
| 2 | Beverly | 3 | 7% | $47,409 |
| 3 | Worcester | 7 | 4% | $47,298 |
| 4 | Cambridge | 3 | 3% | $47,423 |
| 5 | Boston | 12 | 2% | $47,444 |
| 6 | Atlanta | 10 | 2% | $37,905 |
| 7 | Des Moines | 4 | 2% | $42,129 |
| 8 | Baltimore | 7 | 1% | $44,018 |
| 9 | Denver | 5 | 1% | $39,947 |
| 10 | Indianapolis | 5 | 1% | $37,248 |
| 11 | San Francisco | 5 | 1% | $46,082 |
| 12 | Tampa | 5 | 1% | $41,181 |
| 13 | Detroit | 4 | 1% | $39,634 |
| 14 | Orlando | 4 | 1% | $41,105 |
| 15 | San Diego | 7 | 0% | $45,357 |
| 16 | Chicago | 6 | 0% | $44,533 |
| 17 | Los Angeles | 5 | 0% | $45,584 |
| 18 | New York | 4 | 0% | $48,508 |
| 19 | Phoenix | 4 | 0% | $38,089 |
Service Coordinator job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of service coordinator experts
Seattle University
Elon University
Austin Community College
Brigham Young University
Missouri State University
Grace Christian University
Auburn University
University of Minnesota
Seattle University
East Tennessee State University
Pacific Lutheran University
University of Missouri
Notre Dame de Namur University
Neumann University
National Organization for Human Services
California University of Pennsylvania
Metropolitan State University of Denver
American University
Dr. Rashmi Chordiya Ph.D.
Assistant ProfessorSeattle University
Institute of Public Service
What skills stand out on Service Coordinator resumes?
Dr. Rashmi Chordiya Ph.D.: The skills that stand out on Social Service Coordinator resumes are the soft/essential skills for managing relationships with clients and communities they serve. These include awareness of own and other's feeling and emotional needs, empathy- which is capacity and skill to see, hear, and understand the client's and communities needs and point of view, compassion which is ability and capacity to see other's pain and suffering and desire to alleviate it, and clear communication skills which includes the ability to speak and listen mindfully with loving-kindness. Social Service Coordinator skills are often high-level care and emotional work skills.
In addition, other skills that stand out include- technical skills to work with current technologies, to search effectively in search engines and distill social services information relevant to the clients, ability to discern and appropriately support clients in navigating social services, and ability to function with calm in time-sensitive situations.
What soft skills should all Service Coordinators possess?
Dr. Rashmi Chordiya Ph.D.: Empathy, cultural intelligence, emotional intelligence, self-awareness, ability to practice calm and loving-kindness with clients.
What skills will help Service Coordinators earn the most?
Dr. Rashmi Chordiya Ph.D.: Skills to work with client groups of diverse backgrounds, having a deep understanding and practice of trauma-informed social work, and adaptive leadership skills to adapt to the needs of diverse clients and evolving social and organizational contexts.
What skills will help Service Coordinators earn the most?
Monica Burney: Professionals who have additional certifications, including any technology, language, or clinical training certifications, can sometimes negotiate higher salaries depending on if the agency they are applying to have a unique need for those services. Also, professionals with proven fundraising and/or grant writing experience may have opportunities in non-traditional roles or settings that offer higher salaries.
Michelle Kelley Shuler Ph.D.
Department Chair: Human ServicesAustin Community College
Human Services Department
What skills stand out on Service Coordinator resumes?
Michelle Kelley Shuler Ph.D.: a. Service to the community such as volunteer work at a food bank or camp counselor for those with physical or mental exceptionalities.
b. Consumer or customer service experience is essential, and experience dealing with the retail industry, food industry, and case management definitely stand out.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Service Coordinators?
Michelle Kelley Shuler Ph.D.: a. Must have strong basic computer skills and knowledge of software such as excel spreadsheets, google docs, etc. Most, if not all, agencies use electronic health records and treatment planning, so it is necessary to be competent in this area.
b. A degree and additional certifications will assist you in seeking employment. It will also increase your level of competency and diversify the communities you serve. For example, at Austin Community College, we offer our students a chance to complete a certification in Mental Health First Aid Training. This increases their marketability and skill level.
How have salaries changed over time for Service Coordinators?
Dr. Stephen Duncan Ph.D.: The human sciences continue to be at the lower salary ranges of professional positions. Never will they rival our friends in engineering and other technical fields. Starting salaries at the bachelor's level are similar to elementary and secondary school teachers, and have followed their pattern over a number of years.
What soft skills should all Service Coordinators possess?
Dr. Stephen Duncan Ph.D.: Graduates should know how to get along collaboratively, having strong interpersonal skills, empathy for others' circumstances. In the School of Family Life, we not only stress thinking, writing, and numeracy skills and data organization, but interpersonal skills of clear speaking and listening, engaging with others, and working collaboratively on a team.
What technical skills for a Service Coordinator stand out to employers?
Dr. Abby Templer Rodrigues Ph.D.: Employers look for oral and written communication skills, the ability to work effectively in diverse teams, analytical and quantitative reasoning, and the ability to adapt to new technologies (Ciabattari et al. 2018). Employers specifically prefer college graduates who have experience applying these skills through internships, service learning, senior projects or collaborative research, field projects, or study abroad (Ciabattari et al. 2018).
References
Ciabattari Teresa, Lowney Kathleen S., Monson Renee A., Senter Mary Scheuer, and Chin
Jeffrey. 2018. "Linking Sociology Majors to Labor Market Success." Teaching Sociology 46 (3): 191-207.
Handwerker, Elizabeth Weber, Peter B. Meyer, and Joseph Piacentini. 2020. "Employment
Recovery in the Wake of the COVID-19 Pandemic." Monthly Labor Review, December, 1-24.
Langin, Katie. 2020. "U.S. faculty job market tanks." Science 370(6514): 272-273.
Scott Shaw Ph.D.
Dean / Professor of Human Services, School of Social Sciences and Human ServicesGrace Christian University
School of Social Sciences and Human Services
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Service Coordinator job market given the pandemic?
Scott Shaw Ph.D.: The biggest trends in the current job market include both technical skills and people skills that can be adapted to multiple settings and with a high degree of cultural intelligence (CQ). Many services are adapting to an online, virtual, or personal-delivery format. This has impacted everything from higher education with virtual classes, and telehealth and virtual service delivery models in medical and mental health services, to products ordered online and being delivered to one's doorstep in lieu of large malls and physical stores. Current job applicants must be able to respectfully engage with people from diverse racial, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, as well as help meet the needs of their communities as a direct reflection of the companies and careers they represent.
I encourage my students to embrace 'comfort being uncomfortable' and always be learning. What appears to be a "hot market" or "best" career option today may not be the same answer next year. Being able to engage with all people respectfully, listen well, and provide innovative solutions in a sensitive way will go a long way in whatever developments come along in the current and future job market. I also encourage those looking for work to review their social media accounts - employers check social media accounts and one's digital footprint can make or break an interview based on what one posts, as well as reveal a great deal about one's character and values. Skills and technical abilities should be as diversified and multidisciplinary as possible; however, one's character and values should consistently tell a single story about the applicant as a person.
What's a good job out of college for Service Coordinators?
Scott Shaw Ph.D.: The best job out of college is the one that provides an opportunity for learning, development and advancement. There is no one "best job" and anyone can learn something from every experience - employers often ask about experiences and lessons learned in job interviews. With a growth mindset and willingness to work hard, applicants who can demonstrate integrity, critical thinking, cultural intelligence, and drive can take whatever job they obtain and use this opportunity for advancement. Job applicants may find opportunities that do not look quite like they initially envisioned and enjoy the process of finding something new and innovative, as well as discern more clearly what one truly enjoys. Most employers understand that employees will potentially leave or outgrow the job, yet capitalizing on opportunities to learn and serve others in the present can illustrate a great deal about an applicant's character and work ethic.
I had a recent graduate who majored in psychology who had initially planned on a career as a therapist. While in college, she began working for a major retailer and through applying her knowledge of psychology and people skills, advanced in the company. Upon graduating with her psychology degree, she was offered a higher-level executive promotion and actually loved her job, but felt conflicted because she was now in a position to take on more responsibility with a significant pay increase, yet she had studied psychology and felt like she might be 'wasting her education' by not practicing psychology. I encouraged her to consider her values, immediate and long-term goals, yet not be dismissive of the applications of her psychology training. Her engaging with customers from different backgrounds, leading fellow employees and applying critical thinking and leadership that she learned in college were what helped her earn this opportunity. She was using her knowledge and psychology degree every day, even though it did not look like what she had initially envisioned. She later told me she had taken the promotion and was very happily growing into her new role, and now felt confident she was using her degree and what she trained to do. She also acknowledged she could change course if and when she decides.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Service Coordinators?
Scott Shaw Ph.D.: There is a growing sentiment that generalist knowledge and interdisciplinary education is the way of the future. We are coming out of a "specialist" mindset that previously encouraged students to find their "one thing" or passion. Once the job market shifts (and it will), those with outdated skills find themselves struggling to find their next "one thing." In his New York Times Bestselling book, Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World (2019), David Epstein makes a case for generalist knowledge and the importance of developing several interests in lieu of only having one major focus. I agree with Epstein's thesis and encourage students to consider studying social sciences and interdisciplinary studies, especially if they are unsure what path or major they are interested in. Having time and dedicated focus to explore interests, personal strengths, and areas of development can help university students experience multiple fields of inquiry that will help them in the current ever-changing job market. Having an ability to apply critical thinking and problem solving to finding creative solutions from different perspectives will advance one's career in almost any market.
I also encourage students to take every opportunity to understand other cultures and perspectives. If able to travel (post-pandemic) on a study abroad, live abroad, or take a short-term trip, then by all means do it. It will expand one's worldview and perspective, as well as one's ability to see the humanity in others from different backgrounds. Employers appreciate applicants who can relay experiences engaging people from different backgrounds and display evidence of emotional and cultural intelligence. If unable to travel internationally, then engage with diverse populations locally and learn from books, articles, documentaries and movies that add to one's cultural awareness and sensitivity. Additionally, having foundational knowledge in technology and statistical literacy can go a long way in almost any field. Current job applicants who display familiarity with MS Office, Google Suite or other common applications can apply this knowledge to most career paths. Many skills and certifications are generalizable to other fields and career paths, so it is important to take every opportunity to always be learning and developing one's understanding.
Adam Greer
Career Services SpecialistAuburn University
Department of Human Development and Family Science
What skills stand out on Service Coordinator resumes?
Adam Greer: Clearly, the distance/online working skills will stand out with our HDFS majors. Our students have a strong foundation in learning to work with people, and now they have a new way to work with people and remove barriers that might have previously prevented an in-person meeting.
What Service Coordinator skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Joyce Serido Ph.D.: If this pandemic has taught us anything, it is the need to be resilient in the face of uncertainty - so seek out opportunities for creative problem solving, be willing to contribute as part of a team. Use this as an apprenticeship period, learn from experienced leaders in areas that interest you, and ask for advice and insight. And stay open to opportunities that emerge. In other words, explore options as you prepare for the next step, be that particular industry or further education. Perhaps the goal for this year is not to have "the answer" - but rather "the next step."
Theresa Earenfight Ph.D.
Professor of History, Director, Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies ProgramSeattle University
History Department
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Service Coordinators?
Theresa Earenfight Ph.D.: As a historian of the European Middle Ages, I'm struck by how students this past year have acquired something scarce: historical empathy. The past can seem so remote, so very different from our lived experiences today, and this can make history seem irrelevant. But this fall, I was teaching a section on the bubonic plague, which historians of medicine now know was a global pandemic, not just an epidemic in Europe. Usually, students are fascinated by the gruesome medical details, but not this group.
They did not need or want to look death in the eyes. They wanted to know how did people react? How did they get back to normal? When we ticked off the list of reactions--fear, distrust of science (such as it was in 1348), xenophobia, scapegoating, economic collapse, hoarding supplies, turn to religion, gallows humor about worms crawling about corpses--they got it. When we talked about the aftermath--eat, drink, be merry, and protest the inequality--they got it. That is historical empathy, and I'm sad that this was how it had to be learned, but it will give them broader compassion that can encompass people alive today.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Service Coordinators?
Dr. Frederick Gordon Ph.D.: Graduate students will need to refocus on the changing institutional role, being both remote and in-person, and impacting agency goals and performance.
Jordan Levy Ph.D.
Associate Professor of AnthropologyPacific Lutheran University
Anthropology Department
What Service Coordinator skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jordan Levy Ph.D.: Some students enter college having taken a "gap year" between high school and university. Any kind of volunteer or work experience that further develops their interpersonal communication skills is beneficial for the range of discussion and small group work that university-level classes require. Some students do service projects in other countries, which is great because they also gain international experiences that contribute to their overall formation as informed global citizens. These experiences can then tell what kinds of classes they take in university and can remain a source of inspiration for what careers they pursue.
Jacquelyn Benson Ph.D.
Associate Professor, State Specialist for HES ExtensionUniversity of Missouri
Department of Human Development and Family Science
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Service Coordinators in the next 3-5 years?
Jacquelyn Benson Ph.D.: Monitoring systems and televising was already becoming popular. Still, I suspect consumers will be more comfortable using them, now that many families had to start using them during the pandemic, to keep in contact with older family members or to consult with various healthcare practitioners.
Dr. Therese Madden
Professor/DirectorNotre Dame de Namur University
Professional Studies Programs
How do you envision technology impacting Service Coordinators in the next 5 years?
Dr. Therese Madden: Technology will have a serious impact on human services, allowing both providers and clients to have more control, better ways of communicating, better ways of individualized services to help each other grow and serve. I think we have seen it already during the pandemic, with tech providing the support to reach out when being physically in proximity to one another is inadvisable. Once the pandemic is over, combining what we've learned through tech solutions with more traditional hands-on approaches will allow us to serve clients in better and more personal ways.
Stephanie Budhai Ph.D.
Associate Professor, EducationNeumann University
Division of Education and Human Services
How do you envision technology impacting Service Coordinators in the next 5 years?
Stephanie Budhai Ph.D.: Technology will impact the field of special education tremendously within the next five years. Assistive technology, which has always been a core resource within the area, will continue to advance all learners' opportunities to access the general education curriculum and be included in education settings. Artificial intelligence and augmented reality will have an impact on how students learn and experience content. Technology will also afford more opportunities for one-on-one and small group training using video conferencing and deeper connections with families. It will help bridge the gap between learning at school and home.
What type of skills will young Service Coordinators need?
Stephanie Budhai Ph.D.: In addition to having a firm grasp of content knowledge, young graduates will need to have mastered several soft skills, including working collaboratively with related services personnel (OTs, PTs, Social Workers, Counselors, ABA Therapist, etc.), while also being autonomous and able to complete work associated tasks independently. With the push to remote teaching and learning and the increase in online education, there will not be an administrator's traditional presence watching the classrooms.
However, it is still an expectation to connect with colleagues within professional learning communities to ensure that each students' IEP goals are being met. Young graduates need to effectively communicate their thoughts and ideas and actively listen to others for understanding. Finally, young graduates need to be flexible and willing to adapt to the environment and uncontrollable factors continually.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Service Coordinators to find work opportunities?
Stephanie Budhai Ph.D.: There are so many opportunities, all across the country, for a career in special education. In addition to being a special education teacher in a school setting, hospitals, social service agencies, and public service agencies all need trained professionals to support and help develop those with disabilities and learning challenges. Business and government agencies may hire trained special educators as they may have employees who may identify as neurodiverse. There are also employment options working with adjudicated youth and the prison system as an outstanding educator and intervention specialist.
What type of skills will young Service Coordinators need?
Donald Spears: Human service professionals will be in demand in nearly all settings. Large cities, of course, will need services, but so will individuals in more rural communities. Future human service professionals will need to be adaptable, and able to work with an increasingly diverse population. Being bi-lingual (English and Spanish) will be a tremendous advantage. Even if students plan to work as generalists, coursework and mentorship in working with substance use disorders will be very helpful. Although one may not plan on specializing in addictions, it will be a contributing factor in multiple client scenarios. Helping a client to find housing and employment will not provide a long-lasting solution if there are underlying addiction issues. Earning a certificate in addictions, along with your degree(s), will make you more in demand and more effective in working with clients.
How do you envision technology impacting Service Coordinators in the next 5 years?
Dr. Joseph Constantine Ph.D.: More than ever, graduates will need to be able to balance the technological components of work with a high-level of emotional intelligence in order to swiftly make smart decisions that support better outcomes for clients/patients, families, and other stakeholders. Moreover, the most successful therapists will find ways of using high-level, new technologies with good, old-fashioned introspection, self-awareness, and down-to-earth perspectives about what is most important in the job.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Service Coordinators to find work opportunities?
Dr. Joseph Constantine Ph.D.: Florida, California, and New Mexico will continue to be hot markets for speech-language pathologists. The Midwest U.S. is also expected to see an increased demand for licensed and certified professionals.
Dr. Lynann “Annie” Butler
Chair and ProfessorMetropolitan State University of Denver
Department of Human Services & Counseling
What experience really stands out on Service Coordinator resumes?
Dr. Lynann “Annie” Butler: In my experience, employers like to see real-world experience on a resume (not just book-learning). I've had some students who earned jobs at highly competitive sites over people with more experience because they worked at the site as an intern, and when the time came to interview for a job opening, the hiring personnel at the agency was already familiar with the student's work ethic.
How do you envision technology impacting Service Coordinators in the next 5 years?
Dr. Adelaide Kelly-Massoud: Well, every teacher and teacher candidate was thrust into distance learning. Misguided attempts to foster understanding often leaned our adult distant learning pedagogy. Teachers, and those who prepare teachers, found their job to research, define, design, and implement meaningful teaching and learning using a virtual platform. Words such as synchronous and asynchronous are now a part of our everyday vernacular. But there is a much more optimistic change on the horizon that we can thank coronavirus for.
Communication and collaboration have been forced to change. Parents and Teachers are more connected and have been put in a position to leverage technology to build networks of support and consistent dialog. I urge teachers to leverage this in their future as we work to reopening schools; we should learn from this experience to leverage technology to keep us connected.