The consumer services sector, burgeoning with a vast array of opportunities, is a focal point of the modern economy. If you’re intrigued by the question, “How many jobs are available in consumer services?” you’re not alone.
Earlier we looked at the available jobs in real estate investment trust and investment management. This time, we’ll continue our research and share our findings with you.
Let’s dive deep into the different types of jobs in consumer services and the expansive range of opportunities they hold.
How Many Jobs Are Available in Consumer Services?
The consumer services sector is vast. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics mentioned that there were millions employed in various roles that could be classified under the consumer services umbrella.
If you’re looking for a general, estimated number: in a large economy like the U.S., there could easily be several million job positions across the various roles in consumer services. This figure, of course, fluctuates based on economic conditions, technological advancements, and shifts in consumer behavior.
For precise and up-to-date figures, one would need to consult specific job market databases, national labor statistics, or industry reports.
To give a rough estimate, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics there are approximately 2,879,840 customer service representatives as of May 2022. By the time you’re reading this, the number may have shifted.
However, the entirety of consumer service jobs encompass many different positions. The Bureau of Labour Statistics tells us that there are still 389,400 job openings. Therefore we can easily say that if we were to round the numbers up, the United States can hold more than 3.3 million consumer service jobs.
How much do consumer services professionals make on average?
Taking into account the varied positions within consumer services and their respective average salaries up to the year 2021, the estimated average salary for consumer services professionals is approximately $50,000 annually.
However, it’s essential to remember that this is a broad average across diverse roles and factors. We will delve deeper into eight different consumer service jobs and how much each pays to give you a clearer number.
What jobs are available in consumer services?
As businesses continuously evolve to cater to the intricate demands of the contemporary consumer, a mosaic of specialized roles emerges to ensure every facet of customer interaction is handled with finesse and expertise.
From the very first touchpoint of inquiry to the ongoing journey of customer relationship management, each role in this sector plays a pivotal part in shaping the consumer experience.
We will look at the role each plays and their earnings in the US. Prices might differ by company, state, and hours worked. However, we have a general overview of the numbers.
1. Customer Service Representatives
Customer service representatives are the frontline of a company’s relationship with its customers. They are tasked with various responsibilities, from handling inquiries and complaints to processing orders and providing information about products and services.
Their interpersonal skills, combined with product knowledge, play a crucial role in influencing customer satisfaction and loyalty. With the rise of social media, many also handle online queries and manage reputations through platforms like Twitter and Facebook.
Afni Careers offers opportunities representative support roles for those who value making a meaningful impact through customer service. The importance of interpersonal and communication skills with robust knowledge of the product or service is an invaluable asset to thrive in this field.
Earnings
-
- Entry-Level: $25,000 – $35,000
- Mid-Career: $35,000 – $50,000
- Experienced: $50,000 – $65,000+
2. Technical Support Specialists
Technical support specialists, often dubbed tech heroes, offer assistance with products that require technical expertise. This extends beyond mere troubleshooting. They assist in product installation and software updates, and sometimes even provide training sessions for customers to familiarize themselves with the product.
Their depth of knowledge of the product and its underlying technology is often paired with impeccable patience and communication skills.
Earnings
-
- Entry-Level: $35,000 – $50,000
- Mid-Career: $50,000 – $70,000
- Experienced: $70,000 – $90,000+
3. Retail Salespersons
Retail salespersons wear many hats. Besides the apparent role of selling products, they are also responsible for inventory management, arranging merchandise displays, and even handling returns and complaints.
Their intimate knowledge about the products they sell, combined with an understanding of customer behavior, allows them to provide personalized shopping experiences.
Earnings:
-
- Entry-Level (often hourly wages): $8 – $12 per hour
- Experienced: $12 – $20 per hour or more, excluding potential commissions.
4. Account Managers
Account managers are the nurturers of customer relationships post-sales. Their primary role is ensuring the customer remains satisfied with the product or service they’ve purchased. They monitor customer accounts, handle any issues or complaints, and even pitch new products or services that might align with the customer’s evolving needs.
Building trust and fostering long-term relationships are key components of their job.
Earnings
-
- Entry-Level: $40,000 – $60,000
- Mid-Career: $60,000 – $80,000
- Experienced: $80,000 – $100,000+
5. Market Research Analysts
Peering into the complex realm of market trends and consumer behavior, market research analysts are the detectives of the consumer services world. They conduct surveys, analyze sales data, and study market conditions to identify potential sales opportunities. Their insights help companies modify their products, marketing strategies, and services to better fit the market’s needs.
Earnings
-
- Entry-Level: $45,000 – $60,000
- Mid-Career: $60,000 – $80,000
- Experienced: $80,000 – $110,000+
6. Product Demonstrators
Product demonstrators, often seen in stores, expos, or events, play a pivotal role in introducing new products to the market. They perform live demonstrations, answer queries, and often gather immediate feedback from potential customers. Their interactive sessions can significantly influence purchase decisions by highlighting the product’s value proposition.
Earnings
-
- Often paid hourly, ranging from $10 – $20 per hour, but this can vary based on the complexity of the product and venue.
7. Field Service Technicians
When products malfunction or need upgrades, field service technicians come to the rescue. Specializing in areas such as electronics, appliances, or even machinery, they visit customer locations to repair, maintain, or replace products. Their hands-on expertise ensures that consumers can continue to enjoy their purchases with minimal disruption.
Earnings
-
- Entry-Level: $30,000 – $45,000
- Mid-Career: $45,000 – $65,000
- Experienced: $65,000 – $85,000+
8. Consumer Education Specialists
Empowerment through knowledge is the mantra of consumer education specialists. They design and conduct workshops, webinars, and training sessions on various topics. Whether it’s guiding consumers on making informed financial decisions, understanding technology, or making healthy choices, they play a pivotal role in enriching the customer’s life beyond immediate product or service offerings.
With such diverse roles, the consumer services sector stands as a testament to the multifaceted approach businesses take to ensure customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Earnings
-
- Entry-Level: $35,000 – $50,000
- Mid-Career: $50,000 – $70,000
- Experienced: $70,000 – $90,000+
Conclusion
In conclusion, the consumer services sector continues to be a dynamic and evolving field, driven by changing consumer demands and technological advancements. While it’s challenging to pinpoint an exact number of jobs available, we did manage to find that in mid-2022, nearly 2.9 million jobs are available in consumer services with another nearly 390.000 open positions.
Whether one is looking at entry-level positions or senior leadership roles, this sector promises growth, diversity, and the potential to make a significant impact on the consumer experience. As with any industry, staying updated on trends and continually upskilling will be crucial for those aiming to thrive in consumer services.
