what do consumer services jobs pay : Many people don’t usually consider consumer services as an appealing career path, but it might be time to rethink that. This sector can offer more opportunities for career advancement and higher earning potential than most might expect.
In today’s article, I’ll explore what the consumer services industry entails, highlight some of the available job roles, and provide an overview of typical salaries in the field.
What Are Consumer Services Jobs?
If you search for “consumer services,” you’ll find a variety of definitions. Some might say these jobs are simply customer service roles, while others might define them as positions in companies that sell goods and services directly to consumers, also known as B2C.
In my experience working with consumer service and consumer packaged goods companies, neither of these definitions fully captures the essence of consumer services.
Consumer services refer to services, not products, sold directly to individuals in a business-to-consumer model. While some businesses may also sell products, they typically provide the service of delivering or facilitating access to those products. This is a broad category that spans multiple industries and encompasses a wide range of job titles essential to running these businesses.
What Do Consumer Services Jobs Pay
Examples of Consumer Services Industries
Here are a few examples of businesses within the consumer services sector:
Bars
Retailers
Music Lessons
Legal Services
Hotels
Dry Cleaners
Entertainment
Education Services
Healthcare Services
Banking
Consulting
Social Services
Insurance
Marketing
As you can see, this industry offers a wide variety of career paths, with numerous jobs and sectors falling under the consumer services umbrella.
Consumer Services Outlook
While the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a slight decline in overall consumer services jobs over the next decade, this shouldn’t deter you from considering these roles as viable career options. Here’s why: despite the anticipated decline, nearly 400,000 job openings are still expected each year.
Additionally, because consumer services cover such a broad range of industries, job growth and decline vary widely depending on the specific niche. For instance, advertising and marketing roles within consumer services are expected to see a 7% growth over the next ten years.What Do Consumer Services Jobs Pay
Consumer Service vs. Customer Service
These two terms are often confused. A quick search for “consumer services pay” will show that even major sites like ZipRecruiter and Indeed often conflate them with customer service roles. However, they are not the same.
Customer service refers to the support provided to customers before, during, and after a purchase. This includes answering calls, responding to chats, offering technical assistance, and processing refunds.
Consumer services, on the other hand, represent a much broader category. While it can include customer service roles, it also encompasses all the jobs within companies that sell services directly to consumers (individuals rather than businesses).
Both emphasize delivering excellent customer service, but the methods and focus can differ across these areas.
48 Consumer Services Careers, Jobs, and Pay
When reviewing the jobs within the consumer services field, it’s important to remember that salaries can vary significantly from the averages I share, depending on several factors. Discussing compensation is complex due to the many variables that influence these figures.
For instance, in my area, moving just 20 miles west can result in a $20,000 pay increase for many professional roles. Other factors that affect pay include company size, organizational structure, and industry. Additionally, your specific licenses, certifications, or specialized software skills can greatly influence salary ranges.
The salary figures below are based on averages from hundreds of job postings I’ve tracked since 2019 for recruiting consulting purposes. This data, stored in a CRM, reflects listed salary ranges, not official data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) or final offers made by companies.
Academic Advisor
Academic Advisors assist students in setting and achieving their academic goals, typically working in colleges and universities.
To become an Academic Advisor, you’ll need strong networking and mentoring abilities, along with a solid understanding of various degrees and programs. While some positions require only an Associate Degree, many prefer candidates with a Bachelor’s Degree.
Typical Annual Salary Band: $44,000 to $58,000
Account Coordinator
An Account Coordinator primarily manages customer accounts and facilitates communication with clients. Their responsibilities often include overseeing client budgets and expenses, addressing complaints, processing service requests, and collaborating with internal teams to ensure timely delivery of services and resolutions.
These positions are commonly found in marketing agencies, and the complexity of the roles can vary significantly. Candidates with experience in administrative support, customer service, and sales are often viewed as desirable applicants by many companies.
Typical Annual Salary Range: $40,000 to $45,000
Bank Teller
With the rise of online banking and new technologies, interactions with bank tellers have become less frequent, but these positions still exist. Tellers are responsible for verifying customer identities and financial information to process transactions, which can include cashing checks, making deposits, and collecting loan payments.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), bank teller jobs are projected to decline by another 15% over the next decade, and it’s possible the decline could be steeper. However, there are still around 30,000 job openings expected in the coming year.
Even though these positions are gradually being phased out, they can serve as a valuable gateway into the banking industry, providing opportunities for advancement.
To qualify for this role, candidates should have prior cash handling experience, strong mathematical skills, and effective communication abilities. Most institutions require only a high school diploma, making this an accessible career path for those who may not have pursued higher education. It’s an excellent entry-level position within the banking sector.
Typical Annual Salary Range: $30,000 to $45,000
Call Center Director
Call Center Directors are responsible for overseeing the strategic execution of both onshore and offshore customer service operations. With many call center representatives working remotely, Directors must manage this added complexity. They play a crucial role in setting goals, establishing lead and lag key performance indicators for their centers, and developing strategies to effectively execute operations.
Typical Annual Salary Band: $95,000 to $130,000
Call Center Manager
Call Center Managers typically report to a Director and oversee the daily operations of their facility and team. This role is one of several management positions within a contact or call center environment.
Managers are responsible for ensuring that key performance indicators (KPIs) are met, coaching and developing team members, maintaining quality assurance, planning workflows, delegating tasks, and managing escalations. This position often serves as a stepping stone to becoming a Call Center Director.
Typical Annual Salary Range: $65,000 to $110,000
Chef
Private chefs are becoming increasingly popular in various regions, with opportunities for live-in positions available in some areas. When I refer to chefs, I’m not talking about roles in chain restaurants like Olive Garden; instead, I mean high-end positions within catering companies, fine dining establishments, or private residences.
In this role, you may be responsible for preparing meal plans, creating menus, shopping for ingredients, and cooking meals. Knowledge of food safety, budgeting, and inventory management is essential. While some chefs still pursue apprenticeships, many opt to attend culinary school to gain their qualifications.
Average Annual Salary Band: $70,000 to $120,000
Client Relations Specialist
Client Relations Specialists focus on ensuring long-term customer satisfaction, often working with subscription-based services that typically have dedicated client relations teams. In this role, you may interact with clients via phone or email and may also be responsible for responding to customer reviews and managing aspects of the company’s reputation.
While a degree is not required for this position, having an Associate’s degree can be advantageous in securing these roles.
Average Annual Salary Range: $40,000 to $60,000
Client Services Manager
Client Services Managers are responsible for ensuring customer satisfaction and overseeing projects to guarantee that they meet customer expectations while staying within budget. In this role, you will advocate for customers, gather feedback, and train team members to ensure adherence to company policies.
Most individuals in this position hold a Bachelor’s degree and have several years of experience in related fields. Strong communication, organizational, and negotiation skills are essential for success in this role.
Average Annual Salary Range: $60,000 to $75,000
Concierge
A Concierge is responsible for answering inquiries, handling phone calls, and coordinating travel plans for customers. These positions can be found in airlines, hotels, and various other establishments. If you enjoy working with guests and creating exceptional customer experiences, this could be a career worth considering.
This role is not easily outsourced or transferred to remote locations, making the job outlook quite positive, with a steady 5% growth in job openings year over year.
Average Annual Salary Range: $40,000 to $50,000
CRM Coordinator
Nearly every sales and marketing team today utilizes customer relationship management (CRM) software. CRM Coordinators collaborate closely with these departments to maintain customer data and assist with reaching out to new leads and following up on communications. Many individuals in this role hold a Bachelor’s degree and are proficient in specific CRM platforms, such as Salesforce.
These positions can be found across various sectors, including private industries, education, and social services.
Average Annual Salary Range: $74,000 to $100,000
Customer Experience Strategist
As the title suggests, Customer Experience Strategists develop plans for other teams to implement in order to meet customer expectations. They excel in project management, customer service, and data analysis.
These positions have become less common recently, and candidates typically need a degree along with relevant experience to be competitive. However, the salary for this role is quite attractive.
Average Annual Salary Range: $73,000 to $100,000
Customer Relationship Manager
Customer Relationship Managers focus on developing and maintaining strong client relationships. They are skilled problem solvers who address customer issues over the long term to ensure ongoing business.
These roles often combine elements of sales and account management, as they oversee the entire customer lifecycle and cultivate trust through enduring relationships. Many banks and financial institutions employ Customer Relationship Managers.
Average Annual Salary Range: $55,000 to $75,000 plus commissions
Customer Service Director
While the title may sometimes refer to a front-line manager, a true Customer Service Director focuses on the overarching strategy and execution for customer service operations. This role demands a candidate who can analyze data, including customer service KPIs, satisfaction rankings, Net Promoter Scores (NPS), customer retention rates, first-call resolutions, and other metrics to pinpoint areas for service quality improvement.
The Customer Service Director is responsible for the overall strategic execution and process development across all customer service teams.
Average Annual Salary Range: $85,000 to $130,000
Customer Service Representative
Customer Service Representatives assist customers by answering questions and handling requests, typically through phone or email. Their responsibilities may include providing order assistance, resolving complaints, processing orders, or working in a loyalty department to help reduce customer churn.
Job duties can vary significantly depending on the industry and company. Some representatives may take on more sales-oriented roles, so it’s essential to read the full job listing to understand the specific expectations.
Average Annual Salary Range: $38,000 to $60,000
A digital marketer promotes services through online channels such as social media, Google, websites, and online advertisements to enhance brand awareness, authority, and lead generation. These roles often require a diverse skill set, including the ability to engage audiences on social media, write effective email copy, manage influencer relationships, analyze marketing data, and perform some coding for website maintenance.
While a degree is not strictly necessary for these positions, internships and freelance projects can significantly improve your chances of securing a role in this field.
Average Annual Salary Range: $50,000 to $85,000
Doctor
There are various types of doctors, and your specialty can significantly influence your earning potential compared to the figures listed below. Some doctors hold an M.D. (Doctor of Medicine), while others have a D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine). Additionally, there are many sub-specialties within the medical field. If you choose this career path, be prepared to dedicate considerable time to education and residency programs.
Average Annual Salary Range: $140,000 to $210,000
Event Manager
Event Managers are responsible for planning and organizing events such as conferences, weddings, and concerts, depending on their employer’s focus. Corporate offices and various service-based industries frequently hire event managers for these roles.
This position demands creativity for developing concepts and themes, along with strong organizational and communication skills. A solid understanding of budgeting and budget management is also essential.
Average Annual Salary Range: $60,000 to $80,000
Event Planner
Although the terms Event Planner and Event Manager are often used interchangeably, they represent distinct roles. Event Managers oversee all aspects of an event, including preparation, budgeting, coordination, and implementation. In contrast, Event Planners focus primarily on the planning stage and do not carry the full range of responsibilities that managers do.
Average Annual Salary Range: $59,000 to $72,000
Financial Advisor
Financial Advisors work for investment firms to help individuals achieve their financial goals, which can include college planning, insurance, and retirement strategies. Most states require specific training and licensing to become a Financial Advisor. These roles can be found in various sectors, including life insurance companies, banks, and retirement planning firms.
Many positions in this field feature a significant commission component as they are primarily sales roles. I’ve encountered Financial Advisors who earn over $150,000 during prosperous years, while others may earn less than $100,000. Your sales skills can greatly influence your potential earnings, possibly exceeding the salary range mentioned below.
Average Annual Salary Range: $52,000 to $90,000
Flight Attendant
If you’re looking to explore the world, consider a career as a Flight Attendant. In this role, you’ll ensure passenger safety, enforce aircraft regulations, and create memorable customer experiences. The job requires a mix of conflict management, customer service, and strong communication skills.
The demand for Flight Attendants is projected to grow by over 10%, resulting in numerous job opportunities. You’ll need to obtain FAA Certification, which typically occurs after securing a position and completing the airline’s training program.
Front Desk Clerk
Most Front Desk Clerk positions are found in hotels, though you may also encounter receptionist roles advertised under this title during your job search. Front Desk Clerks serve as the first point of contact for customers, greeting them, answering phones, delivering mail, and assisting with inquiries and concerns. In some cases, they may also help with food preparation and other tasks within the hotel.
Average Annual Salary Range: $33,000 to $48,000
Front Desk Manager
Front Desk Managers oversee the daily operations of the front desk and reception area in hospitality establishments, primarily hotels. While they may occasionally perform some of the duties of a Front Desk Clerk, they also have additional responsibilities, including training staff, reporting, and managing various administrative tasks. Additionally, Front Desk Managers address customer complaints that front desk staff are unable to resolve.
Average Annual Salary Range: $55,000 to $68,000
Graphic Designer
Graphic Designers work in both product-based companies and consumer services, crafting designs and visuals for advertisements, product packaging, magazines, websites, and more.
To qualify for this role, you need a strong understanding of design principles, color theory, and related concepts. The field has experienced slow but steady job growth over the past few years, with a projected 3% increase in job opportunities over the next decade.
Average Annual Salary Range: $48,000 to $85,000
Help Desk Analyst
Help Desk Analysts provide assistance to customers facing technical software issues. They are responsible for recording, tracking, and documenting problems and their resolutions. Their tasks may include installing and upgrading software, implementing file backups, and configuring systems and applications to ensure smooth operation.In addition to a solid understanding of various software systems and programming, you’ll need strong problem-solving skills and the ability to prioritize issues based on their potential impact on customers and the organization.
Average Annual Salary Range: $60,000 to $80,000
Hotel Manager
After several years of climbing the hospitality ladder, you could become a Hotel Manager. In this role, you’ll oversee the daily operations of the entire hotel, which includes managing staffing, procurement, contract negotiations, capital improvements, and financial reporting.
Average Annual Salary Range: $68,000 to $120,000
Human Resources Manager
Human Resources Managers oversee a range of functions, which can vary depending on the size of the organization. Their responsibilities may include recruitment, employee relations, performance management, training, benefits administration, compensation analysis, workers’ compensation, and HRIS maintenance.
One of the advantages of this role is that every organization with employees requires HR professionals. While smaller companies might outsource certain functions, HR jobs are here to stay.
Average Annual Salary Range: $73,000 to $115,000
Insurance Agent
Insurance Agents are responsible for selling products, writing policies, and providing consultations on various insurance offerings, including life, health, and more. These positions often involve significant commission-based compensation, which means there may be a modest base salary complemented by earnings from sales commissions. Some roles might be entirely commission-based or require you to establish your own business. It’s essential to carefully review job listings to understand the specific type of insurance agent role you’re considering.
Average Annual Salary Range: $55,000 to $110,000
IT Consultant
IT Consultants specialize in developing, integrating, and optimizing information technology systems. They possess expertise in hardware, software, networks, applications, and project management. These professionals may interact directly with customers or work alongside customer success teams to understand user needs, collaborating with technical staff to resolve issues and enhance systems.
While many IT Consultants hold a degree in software engineering, others may have completed technical training instead of pursuing a Bachelor’s degree. However, some form of formal training is typically required.
Average Annual Salary Range: $65,000 to $110,000
Market Research Manager
Market Research Managers collect insights about customers, competitors, and market trends, synthesizing that data into research studies that inform company decisions. These positions are typically found in larger organizations and are relatively rare. However, if you have a background in research, analytics, data management, and presenting findings to senior executives, this role could be a rewarding opportunity when it becomes available.
Average Annual Salary Range: $85,000 to $110,000
Marketing Manager
There is often some confusion regarding the role of a Marketing Manager, as job listings can vary significantly. While some companies envision a single individual handling both day-to-day tasks and strategic planning, a true Marketing Manager typically oversees a team of marketers, which may include graphic designers, social media specialists, web developers, and others.
Marketing Managers are responsible for the overall execution of the marketing plan. Most have a formal education, often holding a Bachelor’s degree or an MBA, along with several years of marketing experience.
Although overall employment in marketing has grown by approximately 6% annually, many Marketing Managers have faced challenges in securing positions in recent years. Budget cuts in marketing departments have made the job market competitive, with a higher number of candidates vying for manager and director-level roles.
Average Annual Salary Range: $75,000 to $110,000
Nurse
Nursing offers a variety of specializations, and choosing your work environment carefully is important, as it can lead to being pigeonholed in a particular area. Most people have interacted with nurses in various settings, whether in hospitals, physician’s offices, or other healthcare facilities.
These roles require formal education and licensure. If you possess the right temperament to manage stressful situations and can provide comfort to patients during challenging times, nursing may be a rewarding career for you.
I’ve seen a consistent demand for nursing professionals, leading to numerous job opportunities. For those seeking variety, traveling nursing can be an option, allowing you to experience different locations every few months.
Average Annual Salary Range: $80,000 to $105,000
Online Chat Support
Online Chat Support Representatives assist customers by answering questions, processing orders, and resolving complaints. Determining a salary range for this role can be challenging, as compensation varies widely based on the specific area of consumer service.
For instance, the rise of telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in specialized online chat representatives who handle medical inquiries. These remote positions, often filled by nurses and physician assistants, can earn over $100,000 due to their specialized expertise.
In contrast, most chat support roles that do not require advanced education or specialized knowledge tend to offer significantly lower compensation, generally around $50,000.
Average Annual Salary Band: $40,000 to $110,000
Paralegal
Paralegals assist attorneys by locating and contacting witnesses, coordinating interviews and depositions, and drafting declarations and statements. They also conduct legal research and investigate pertinent facts.
To pursue a career as a paralegal, you typically need an Associate degree, and completing a paralegal certificate program can enhance your qualifications. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a steady growth of 4% in paralegal jobs over the next decade.
Average Annual Salary Band: $65,000 to $90,000
atient Coordinator
Patient Coordinators are responsible for managing healthcare plans for medical patients. Their role involves coordinating care services and following up to ensure that patients receive the necessary medical attention. This position often includes scheduling appointments and collaborating closely with various healthcare professionals to develop and implement care plans.
Average Annual Salary Band: $47,000 to $65,000
Project Manager
When searching for Project Manager positions, you’ll encounter a wide range of job descriptions. In the realm of consumer services, Project Managers focus on how operations are delivered and work to create a positive experience for customers. They often interact directly with clients and collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure the effective execution of services and processes.
Average Annual Salary Band: $75,000 to $138,000
Public Relations Manager
Public Relations Managers, commonly referred to as PR Managers, are responsible for reviewing press releases, sponsoring corporate events, and enhancing a brand’s public image. Most individuals in this role hold a degree in public relations, journalism, communications, or marketing. Key responsibilities include pitching stories to media outlets, creating media kits, and responding to inquiries from the media.
Many PR Managers also have experience in the media sector, including previous roles with major news networks, sales experience, or backgrounds in marketing and communications. If you’re considering a career in public relations, starting in one of these fields can provide valuable experience.
Average Annual Salary Band: $70,000 to $120,000
Receptionist
Receptionists are employed across various industries, from dental offices to salons. Their primary responsibilities include answering phones, greeting customers, managing schedules, and directing clients to the appropriate personnel within the organization.
To enhance your chances of securing a receptionist position, having strong typing skills and proficiency in word processing and spreadsheet software is beneficial. Additionally, many receptionists operate multi-line phone systems, so familiarity with these systems can be an advantage.
Average Annual Salary Band: $35,000 to $52,000
Retail Associate
Retail Associates play a crucial role in maintaining a clean and safe shopping environment while also preventing theft and ensuring customer satisfaction. While many people believe the job primarily involves answering questions and folding clothes, it encompasses much more. Retail Associates may assist in implementing new merchandising strategies, executing loss prevention measures, and handling cashier duties.
These positions are available in various formats, including seasonal, part-time, and full-time roles. A positive attitude and personable demeanor can significantly enhance your chances of securing a position in retail.
Average Annual Salary Band: $33,000 to $42,000
Retail Store Manager
Retail Store Managers carry significant responsibilities, overseeing all aspects of store operations. Their duties include recruiting, scheduling, training staff, managing merchandising, and implementing promotions. They also hold P&L (profit and loss) responsibility, meaning they monitor the store’s profitability and losses closely. Additionally, many Retail Store Managers receive a bonus on top of their base salary, which is often tied to profit margins and other key performance indicators (KPIs).
Compensation can vary widely based on the store’s size, type, and revenue, with some managers earning significantly more than the salary range mentioned below.
Average Annual Salary Band: $65,000 to $129,000
Service Desk Analyst
Service Desk Analysts are responsible for delivering technical support to customers and managing maintenance and software updates. They excel at prioritizing service desk tickets, testing software, and troubleshooting various issues. While most analysts work in a call center environment, some positions offer remote opportunities.
Candidates typically come from a background in computer science or possess an IT degree and/or relevant certifications. Familiarity with specific software programs can provide a competitive advantage when applying to companies that use those applications.
Average Annual Salary Band: $47,000 to $78,000
Social Media Manager
Social Media Managers are responsible for creating strategies that boost brand awareness. They often measure success through follower count and engagement metrics across various social media platforms. Their role involves producing content, analyzing performance data for insights, and collaborating with internal experts to craft engaging material for their audience.
It’s important to note that simply managing a personal social media page doesn’t qualify you for this role. A deeper understanding of how each social media platform operates, the demographics of users on each channel, and the ability to execute effective campaigns that drive awareness, establish authority, and generate leads will significantly enhance your chances of landing a position in this field.
Average Annual Salary Band: $55,000 to $78,000
Software Engineer
Software Engineers utilize programming languages to create the software applications that we rely on daily. Their work encompasses a wide range of products, including computer games, mobile applications, operating systems, and network control systems. They are involved in the entire software lifecycle, including design, development, testing, and maintenance.
Entry-level positions may offer salaries below the range indicated, with some starting around $60,000 depending on location. However, experienced software engineers often earn significantly more. Recruiting firms are actively seeking software engineers, and many employers report a substantial skills gap between what they need and the available talent.
To enhance your marketability in this field, it’s essential to have a solid engineering education, proficiency in relevant programming languages, a strong understanding of data structures, and the ability to manage projects using agile methodologies.
Average Annual Salary Band: $85,000 to $132,000
Teacher
Salaries for teachers can vary significantly based on factors such as the type of institution (private vs. public) and the specific school district. Your decision regarding the level of education to pursue is also important, as many districts determine pay scales based on educational qualifications and years of experience. With the right combination of education and tenure, you could potentially earn a six-figure salary, although this may take several years to achieve.
Teaching is a demanding profession. While some districts offer summers off, the daily responsibilities can be intense, with limited breaks and the need to balance the expectations of parents, students, and administrators. Despite the challenges, teaching typically offers steady pay and a range of benefits.
Average Annual Salary Band: $48,000 to $100,000
Technical Support Representative
Technical Support Representatives assist customers in troubleshooting technology-related issues. They often address problems with computers, phones, modems, internet networks, and other devices. Similar to customer service representatives, they handle phone inquiries, but they also collect detailed information about the issues, attempt to replicate the problems, and develop solutions. Their responsibilities may include running tests on software and hardware.
Most individuals in this role do not possess advanced degrees; however, many have experience in customer support or sales, along with training in specific software applications. Additionally, many hold certifications in the software and applications they specialize in.
Average Annual Salary Band: $52,000 to $65,000
Travel Advisor
Travel Advisors assist clients in selecting hotels, resorts, tours, and other travel-related services. They provide recommendations to enhance travel planning and create personalized experiences for their customers.
Many Travel Advisors have extensive networks within the hospitality and entertainment industries. However, the role goes beyond customer service; it also requires skills in budget management, prioritizing issues, and cultivating relationships with various internal and external stakeholders to ensure success.
