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Job outlook for service specialists in the United States
Service specialist job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected service specialist job growth rate is -4% from 2018-2028.
About -105,300 new jobs for service specialists are projected over the next decade.
Service specialist salaries have increased 11% for service specialists in the last 5 years.
There are over 330,796 service specialists currently employed in the United States.
There are 207,020 active service specialist job openings in the US.
The average service specialist salary is $44,150.
Are service specialist jobs in demand?
Service specialist job and salary trends over time
Service specialist jobs over time
Service specialist job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 330,796 | 0.10% |
| 2020 | 331,882 | 0.10% |
| 2019 | 346,482 | 0.10% |
| 2018 | 337,227 | 0.10% |
| 2017 | 325,075 | 0.10% |
Average service specialist salary over time
Service specialist salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $44,150 | $21.23 | +3.2% |
| 2024 | $42,770 | $20.56 | +2.8% |
| 2023 | $41,587 | $19.99 | +2.6% |
| 2022 | $40,527 | $19.48 | +1.8% |
| 2021 | $39,800 | $19.13 | +1.8% |
Service specialist jobs by state
Most common states for service specialists
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Delaware | 961,939 | 425 | 44% |
| 2 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 554 | 41% |
| 3 | Vermont | 623,657 | 251 | 40% |
| 4 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 2,676 | 38% |
| 5 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 265 | 38% |
| 6 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 495 | 37% |
| 7 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 1,139 | 36% |
| 8 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 259 | 34% |
| 9 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 2,246 | 33% |
| 10 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 1,783 | 32% |
| 11 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,764 | 32% |
| 12 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 344 | 32% |
| 13 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 1,801 | 31% |
| 14 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 974 | 31% |
| 15 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 251 | 29% |
| 16 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 170 | 29% |
| 17 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 2,883 | 28% |
| 18 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 1,886 | 28% |
| 19 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 1,018 | 28% |
| 20 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 540 | 28% |
Most common cities for service specialists
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lansing | 6 | 5% | $47,416 |
| 2 | Orlando | 12 | 4% | $38,241 |
| 3 | Birmingham | 9 | 4% | $41,941 |
| 4 | Grand Rapids | 6 | 3% | $46,254 |
| 5 | Little Rock | 6 | 3% | $36,354 |
| 6 | Denver | 12 | 2% | $38,693 |
| 7 | Miami | 7 | 2% | $39,299 |
| 8 | Chandler | 6 | 2% | $40,393 |
| 9 | Wichita | 6 | 2% | $37,626 |
| 10 | Phoenix | 17 | 1% | $40,324 |
| 11 | San Diego | 11 | 1% | $49,339 |
| 12 | Indianapolis | 10 | 1% | $41,805 |
| 13 | Jacksonville | 8 | 1% | $37,808 |
| 14 | Atlanta | 7 | 1% | $40,396 |
| 15 | Baltimore | 6 | 1% | $53,252 |
| 16 | Boston | 6 | 1% | $72,017 |
| 17 | Detroit | 6 | 1% | $48,961 |
| 18 | Los Angeles | 15 | 0% | $49,960 |
| 19 | Chicago | 10 | 0% | $52,721 |
Service Specialist job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of service specialist experts
Elon University
Austin Community College
Grace Christian University
Auburn University
University of Minnesota
Metropolitan State University of Denver
What general advice would you give to a Service 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 Service 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.
What will help Service Specialists increase their earning potential?
Mamie Hertel II: Consistently show up on time and take initiative, striving to exceed expectations. Embrace opportunities to expand your skill set with emerging technologies and bring fresh ideas to the table. Foster positive relationships with your team, demonstrating grace and respect to all, regardless of position. Clarify your long-term objectives and understand the purpose behind your endeavors, including your aspirations three years post-MS. Though compensation may be modest during your graduate studies, rewards will come later. Seek practical experience and professional connections through internships or entry-level roles.
What skills will help Service Specialists 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 Specialists?
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.
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 Specialist 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 Specialists?
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 Specialist 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 Specialist 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."
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 Specialists 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.