No company or business can survive, let alone thrive, without customer service. For this reason, companies and businesses invest time, energy, and money into finding the best people for the job.
Customer service professionals manage various tasks to meet each customer’s needs. Some of these tasks include handling questions and concerns, addressing complaints, resolving billing issues, providing product information, and troubleshooting problems.
The consumer services industry is quite diverse, with a wide range of job roles and job titles. However, some pay significantly higher wages and offer more opportunities for advancement.
If you’re in the market for a job in consumer services, here are some of the most highly-rated and best-paying positions to consider.
Best Paying Jobs in Consumer Services ($100k+)
1. Call Centre Operations Director
This job is one of the best-paying jobs in consumer service, with a massive average salary of $167,000 annually.
As a call center operations director, you are responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of a large call center. You will work with people from different departments to ensure that the call center runs smoothly and efficiently.
Your responsibilities may include:
- Reviewing procedures.
- Improving customer satisfaction.
- Supervising staff performance.
- Training new hires.
- Developing new strategies to boost productivity.
You will also need to maintain an open line of communication with the company’s managers, customers, and other departments.
Exceptional employee training and advanced customer service skills are essential to working as a call center operations director. You will also need strong leadership and communication skills and a superior understanding of your company’s technology and operations to succeed.
Average salary per year: $167,000
2. Customer Success Manager
A team of customer service representatives needs supervision, and that’s where the customer success manager comes in. This person manages the daily operations of the customer service team and ensures that customers are satisfied with the company’s products or services.
This role demands exceptional communication and leadership skills to motivate staff to meet and exceed customer expectations. As a customer success manager, you will also need excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills to manage the company’s resources and efficiently lead a team.
The customer success manager also regularly reviews performance metrics, analyzes data, and develops strategies to improve customer retention. It’s a hands-on, fast-paced role and is one of the best-paying jobs in consumer service, with an average salary of $114,000 per year.
To work in this role, you should have a degree in communications, marketing, or a related field, as well as previous management experience.
Average salary per year: $114,000
3. Social Media Manager
Social media is an integral part of any business’s marketing strategy today, allowing brands to connect directly with customers and build their online presence. Social media also helps develop brand identity, and social media managers facilitate this process.
The job description mainly entails managing and monitoring social media accounts, posting content relevant to the brand, engaging with customers on the platform, collaborating with influencers, analyzing engagement reports, and more.
Social media management is a good career choice for prolific social media users interested in marketing and business. A degree may be optional, but proven knowledge of social media marketing, excellent copywriting, and a knack for developing creative content will be crucial to success.
Average salary per year: $111,000
Best Paying Jobs in Consumer Services ($70k – $95k)
4. Patient Care Coordinator
A patient care coordinator manages a healthcare facility’s internal and external communication. The person coordinates team meetings, handles complaints from patients or staff members, teaches patients about their health, and provides operational support to clinical staff.
The patient care coordinator also communicates with the patient’s family, updating them on their status and ensuring satisfaction with the quality of care. They also keep detailed records of treatment, care plans, billing information, and other relevant details.
The ideal candidate for this position will have a degree in healthcare administration, nursing, or a related field. They also need an empathetic demeanor to manage their interactions with patients effectively. Although this is one of the best-paying jobs in consumer service, with an average salary of $93,000 per year, the work can be stressful and fast-paced.
Average salary per year: $93,000
5. Flight Attendant
Flight attendants ensure passengers have a safe and enjoyable flight experience. Their job includes:
- Helping passengers find their seats.
- Preparing the cabin for takeoff.
- Serving food and drink.
- Assisting during emergencies.
Flight attendants are typically required to have a high school certificate or equivalent. Many airlines also require flight attendants to complete on-the-job training to understand their responsibilities and how to handle emergencies.
Due to the nature of their work, flight attendants often have a busy schedule that includes long hours and overnight flights. They may also be required to travel to different cities and countries throughout the year.
Average salary per year: $81,000
6. Quality Control Inspector
A quality control inspector ensures that consumer goods meet the highest standards. This role is essential for businesses in any industry, as customers expect the best quality when they choose a product or service.
Working closely with production teams, quality assurance inspectors examine products, processes, and procedures to detect errors. They report any issues to rectify to the team in charge of operations. Sometimes, they can reject defective or subpar raw materials and products.
Quality control inspectors also often monitor customers’ feedback to ensure that products and services remain consistent. And they can recommend improvements or changes to production managers if necessary.
To work in this field, you typically need a high school diploma and relevant manufacturing or quality experience. You also need strong communication skills, keen attention to detail, and excellent problem-solving skills.
Average salary per year: $80,000
7. Personal Finance Advisor
Personal finance advisors advise individuals, helping them budget their money, reduce debt, and make smart investments. They work closely with clients to develop financial plans customized to each person’s unique situation.
It is such a high-demand field that top PFAs often earn up to six-figure salaries. And with the current inflation rocking the US, more people are seeking financial advice, so the job outlook for personal finance advisors is projected to remain strong well into the future.
To become a personal finance advisor, you need a bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or a related field. Courses in taxes, real estate, investments, and financial planning are also helpful.
Each state has specific licensure conditions, so check the local requirements before pursuing this career. Texas, for example, requires that you write an exam to become licensed to work (among other things).
Average salary per year: $70,000
8. Loan Officer
A loan officer is a financial professional who manages loan applications for clients.
They help ascertain a client’s financial situation, eligibility, and ability to pay back loans and recommend the best loan products. Loan officers also help set up a repayment plan.
Education in finance, accounting, or business-related fields is highly recommended for this role. Professional certifications also come in handy and can boost your earning potential.
As one of the best-paying jobs in consumer service, loan officers earn an average salary of $70,000.
Average salary per year: $70,000
Best Paying Jobs in Consumer Services ($50k – $68k)
9. Retail Store Manager
Retail store managers are responsible for daily operations in a retail store, including managing employee schedules, setting up sales goals and strategies, ensuring the highest level of customer service, and keeping the shop organized and visually appealing.
To qualify for this role, you need excellent communication skills, close attention to detail, in-depth knowledge of basic business management processes, and customer management abilities. Experience working in a retail setting or a leadership role and knowledge of basic accounting and inventory management will also be beneficial.
There are no specific educational requirements for becoming a retail store manager, but the bearest minimum is a high school diploma or GED. Retail experience is highly recommended.
Average salary per year: $68,000
10. Public Relations Specialist
PR officers are responsible for maintaining positive public relations between businesses and their clients and among businesses themselves. This role involves writing press releases and other PR copy, handling media inquiries, planning and supervising events, and crisis management.
Public image is crucial for businesses because it can make or break a company. Some companies have full-time public relations specialists on staff, while others hire PR firms to handle this aspect of their business.
To become a public relations specialist, you typically need a bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, public relations, or a related field. Most companies prefer candidates who have professional experience managing media relations.
Average salary per year: $68,000
11. Technical Support Engineer
Technical support engineers work with customers to identify and resolve issues.
This role requires excellent communication skills, as you will often have to walk customers through the process of solving a problem on the phone or online. You will also need strong problem-solving skills and an in-depth understanding of the software or hardware the customer uses.
This job is one of the best-paying jobs in consumer service, with an average salary of $68,000 per year. To work as an engineer, you may require a bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, information technology, or a related field. The company may also require experience with a specific software application.
Average salary per year: $68,000
12. Bank Teller
A bank teller’s responsibility is to handle customer transactions and provide exceptional service. This role may include answering questions, assisting with ATM issues or deposits, balancing cash drawers, and making transfers.
Since tellers constantly interact with customers and handle sensitive information, they must be friendly, patient, and detailed. The company may also run a thorough background check on potential employees due to the sensitive nature of the position.
To get this job, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, but a bachelor’s degree can give you an edge in the job market. Cash handling experience and on-the-job training will also be necessary.
Average salary per year: $63,000
13. Compliance Analyst
Every business in every industry must adhere to laws and regulations that govern how they conduct business. Governments and regulatory bodies are responsible for creating and enforcing these rules, ensuring that customers and businesses are treated fairly.
Compliance analysts ensure that companies comply with these rules. Often working closely with IT teams, compliance analysts monitor activities in real time and collect information on any potential infractions. They also coordinate compliance training programs and apply for compliance certifications for their companies.
The compliance analyst job requires a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as business administration or law. You will also need strong analytical and research skills to keep up with the ever-changing legal and regulatory environment. Equally important is having accredited compliance management certification.
Average salary per year: $50,000
Best Paying Jobs in Consumer Services ($30k – $45k)
14. Customer Relations Specialist
Thriving businesses rely on exceptional service to engage and retain their customers. The idea is to build a loyal customer base willing to return and even recommend your company.
Customer relations specialists are the front line of any company, tasked with resolving customer issues, ensuring customer satisfaction, and building rapport. They often respond to inquiries, complaints, or other requests for help from customers.
As a customer relations specialist, your job is to make clients feel valued by helping resolve their issues promptly and respectfully. Your responsibilities will vary depending on the specific needs of each company. Generally, you may be responsible for maintaining a customer information database, handling escalated issues and gathering feedback.
You need a bachelor’s degree in business, communications, or a related field to become a customer relations specialist. Additionally, excellent communication and interpersonal skills are also crucial.
Average salary per year: $45,000
15. Receptionist
This is one of the best-paying jobs that does not require a college degree (in most settings); anyone with applicable soft skills can learn on the job. However, having a high school diploma or GED can help you to qualify for higher-paying receptionist jobs.
As a receptionist, your job is to welcome customers who come to the front desk and help with their inquiries. You may also answer telephone calls, take messages, schedule appointments, monitor check-ins, and check-outs, and provide customers with general information about the company.
Receptionists are organized and resourceful, customer-focused, active listeners, and able to maintain composure in stressful situations.
Average salary per year: $36,000
16. Call Center Agent
Call center agents receive and respond to customer calls, helping them resolve issues and provide the necessary information. It is a fast-paced and demanding job, as agents must quickly attend to calls to reduce wait times.
This role requires excellent interpersonal skills, active listening, basic computer skills, and the ability to follow standard scripts. Call center agents must also know how to handle difficult customers with patience, tact, and a positive attitude.
The entry requirements don’t include a degree, but most employers look for customer support experience. Familiarity with CRM software and the ability to adapt to different personality types are also preferred.
Average salary per year: $36,000
17. Concierge
A concierge is a type of front-line customer service worker who helps guests with special requests to ensure a pleasant and memorable stay at hotels, resorts, and other places where their services are required.
Depending on where they work, concierges might assist with luggage handling, event bookings, restaurant reservations, tours and sightseeing tickets, transportation arrangements, and more.
A concierge is expected to be courteous and friendly, have basic knowledge of the establishment, know how to book appointments, facilitate reservations and deliveries, and be resourceful.
No specific training or education is required to become a concierge; however, you must have previous customer service experience, a service-oriented personality, and the capacity to make people feel welcome and comfortable.
Average salary per year: $34,000
18. Tour Guide
If you’ve visited a popular tourist destination, you’ve seen a tour guide. They lead guided tours, give directions to visitors, assist with ticket booking and navigation at famous landmarks, and provide information about historical sites and attractions.
Tour guides help people get the most out of their trip, providing suggestions and recommendations on things to do. Thanks to their in-depth knowledge, they can also answer questions about the local culture and history of the area.
This role requires excellent communication, storytelling, and customer service skills. They also need a good knowledge of local history, landmarks, and attractions and the ability to provide accurate directions.
The job can be physically demanding, as tour guides often have to walk long distances or stand for extended periods. But it is also an exciting and rewarding job because you get to meet new people and share your knowledge.
Average salary per year: $33,000
Consumer Service Jobs Are the Best
Consumer service jobs are some of the best jobs. Not only do they offer excellent pay and benefits, but they are also rewarding in terms of personal and professional development. People who thrive in this industry enjoy interacting with others, solving problems creatively, and helping those in need. If that’s what you love doing, then pursuing a career in consumer service might be the right choice.
