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Job outlook for service providers in the United States
Service provider job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected service provider job growth rate is 12% from 2018-2028.
About 52,400 new jobs for service providers are projected over the next decade.
Service provider salaries have increased 13% for service providers in the last 5 years.
There are over 5,772 service providers currently employed in the United States.
There are 25,552 active service provider job openings in the US.
The average service provider salary is $35,089.
Are service provider jobs in demand?
Service provider job and salary trends over time
Service provider jobs over time
Service provider job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 5,772 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 5,794 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 5,860 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 5,684 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 5,565 | 0.00% |
Average service provider salary over time
Service provider salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $35,089 | $16.87 | +2.6% |
| 2024 | $34,211 | $16.45 | +3.9% |
| 2023 | $32,933 | $15.83 | +1.9% |
| 2022 | $32,318 | $15.54 | +4.1% |
| 2021 | $31,040 | $14.92 | +3.2% |
Service provider jobs by state
Most common states for service providers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alaska | 739,795 | 83 | 11% |
| 2 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 717 | 10% |
| 3 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 237 | 8% |
| 4 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 57 | 8% |
| 5 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 583 | 6% |
| 6 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 505 | 6% |
| 7 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 100 | 6% |
| 8 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 60 | 6% |
| 9 | Delaware | 961,939 | 53 | 6% |
| 10 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 602 | 5% |
| 11 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 442 | 5% |
| 12 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 266 | 5% |
| 13 | South Carolina | 5,024,369 | 238 | 5% |
| 14 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 209 | 5% |
| 15 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 104 | 5% |
| 16 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 96 | 5% |
| 17 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 67 | 5% |
| 18 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 54 | 5% |
| 19 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 30 | 5% |
| 20 | Nevada | 2,998,039 | 121 | 4% |
Most common cities for service providers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sarasota | 5 | 9% | $40,581 |
| 2 | Annapolis | 3 | 8% | $27,577 |
| 3 | Schenectady | 3 | 5% | $29,622 |
| 4 | Lansing | 3 | 3% | $24,596 |
| 5 | Alameda | 2 | 3% | $44,138 |
| 6 | Kansas City | 3 | 2% | $31,988 |
| 7 | Detroit | 5 | 1% | $24,467 |
| 8 | Atlanta | 4 | 1% | $28,191 |
| 9 | Washington | 4 | 1% | $34,628 |
| 10 | Des Moines | 3 | 1% | $24,483 |
| 11 | Orlando | 3 | 1% | $40,310 |
| 12 | New York | 14 | 0% | $29,734 |
| 13 | Philadelphia | 5 | 0% | $28,340 |
| 14 | Columbus | 4 | 0% | $25,577 |
| 15 | Austin | 3 | 0% | $43,023 |
| 16 | Charlotte | 3 | 0% | $32,985 |
| 17 | Denver | 3 | 0% | $38,511 |
| 18 | Las Vegas | 3 | 0% | $41,769 |
| 19 | San Francisco | 3 | 0% | $44,234 |
Service Provider job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of service provider experts
Elon University
Austin Community College
Missouri State University
Grace Christian University
Auburn University
Miami Dade College
Notre Dame de Namur University
Neumann University
California University of Pennsylvania
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Vanguard University
Angelo State University
What will help Service Providers increase their earning potential?
Emily Yowell Ph.D.: Psychologists should be aware of what others in their field are making for similar positions. It is important to ask for what your work is worth in an initial position to assure raises are based on a solid starting salary. Newer psychologists may also consider asking for an early review that prompts an early conversation around potential raises, bonus, or other job benefits.
What skills will help Service Providers 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 hard/technical skills are most important for Service Providers?
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.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Service Providers?
Dr. Abby Templer Rodrigues Ph.D.: It is quite likely that the pandemic will have lasting effects on the nature and the availability of work. The nature of work will change, with businesses anticipating a permanent shift to telework for a portion of their positions (Handwerker et al. 2020). Telework is heavily utilized in the types of professionalized positions sought by most college graduates. It is also possible that employers will take more active steps to address racism in the workplace given the prominence of the Black Lives Matter Movement. The availability of work will also likely be depressed for a number of years. It took over five years for the labor market to recover after the Great Recession (Handwerker et al. 2020). The occupations hardest hit by the pandemic-related recession include hospitality, tourism, and recreation, health services, professional and business services, trade, arts and entertainment, and education (Handwerker et al. 2020), including higher education (Langin 2020).
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 Provider 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 certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Service Providers?
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 are the biggest trends we'll see in the Service Provider job market given the pandemic?
Adam Greer: I think the biggest trend we will see are more people working from home/distance. Our HDFS students have quickly learned how to work from home and be as efficient, if not more efficient, than before the pandemic started.
What skills stand out on Service Provider 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.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Service Providers to find work opportunities?
Adam Greer: Our graduates are finding jobs largely in the government/non-profit/social service industries.
Dr. Thomas Uhle
Teacher Education ProgramMiami Dade College
School of Education
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Service Provider job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Thomas Uhle: From an educational perspective, many schools are in desperate need of teachers, especially those trained to work with students with exceptionalities and with English-language learners. In Spring 2020, the stress of a seemingly instant system-wide school shutdown was more than many teachers could bear. Some who were on the brink of retirement decided to end their careers earlier than planned rather than to endure the new, somewhat chaotic, entirely remote workplace they were in.
Moving forward, the job market will favor teachers who show that they are flexible, adaptable, and competent to work from several platforms, face-to-face and remote. One thing we have learned during this pandemic is that many services can be provided using technology, so the job market could reflect this as well. For children with disabilities, some supplemental services such as counseling and behavioral therapy could still be offered, uninterrupted, when classroom instruction has gone remote. The job description for teachers and service providers will change to reflect the necessity to be flexible.
Dr. Therese Madden
Professor/DirectorNotre Dame de Namur University
Professional Studies Programs
How do you envision technology impacting Service Providers 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 Providers 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 Providers 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 Providers 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.
How do you envision technology impacting Service Providers 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.
What type of skills will young Service Providers need?
Dr. Joseph Constantine Ph.D.: While adaptability has always been heralded as the key predictor of employment success in the future, rapid changes in the social and economic landscape also bring with them an increased need for more traditional skills such as building relationships, understanding specific community needs, networking with other professionals, and advocating for more intensive treatment protocols.
Dr. Lynann “Annie” Butler
Chair and ProfessorMetropolitan State University of Denver
Department of Human Services & Counseling
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Service Providers in the next 3-5 years?
Dr. Lynann “Annie” Butler: Finally, it seems that skills in all things telehealth will be invaluable for students moving forward.
Dr. Tommy Casarez Ph.D.
Dr., Assistant Professor of Historical and Systematic TheologyVanguard University
Religion, Undergraduate Religion
What general advice would you give to a Service Provider?
Dr. Tommy Casarez Ph.D.: Opportunities come in many different shapes and sizes, but they are still out there. Whether you are seeking to land a job in education or the non-profit sector, you will need to familiarize yourself and get used to all things digital, for the sake of communicating effectively. The younger your student or service partner's mindset, the more digitally savvy you will need to be, especially in the classroom and in the non-profit world.
Lesley Casarez Ph.D.
Director, Quality Enhancement Plan Program Coordinator, M.S. Professional School Counseling Associate Professor, Curriculum and InstructionAngelo State University
Department of Curriculum and Instruction
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Service Providers in the next 3-5 years?
Lesley Casarez Ph.D.: Graduates will need to learn to use technology in which virtual platforms are taking place and web conferencing platforms. Numerous platforms are being used, so the particular platform itself is not as crucial as being well-versed in how virtual education differs from face-to-face environments. Typically, the instructional role in online learning is more of a facilitator, as the educator guides the students to think critically, integrate, and apply new knowledge. This may be difficult for educators who would rather stand in front of a classroom and pass on their knowledge through lecture-based formats. Additionally, being well-versed in various web conferencing platforms will benefit graduates, as they move into a career that is currently requiring communication in virtual environments.