The consumer services industry is continually changing, and the number of jobs available in this sector is virtually limitless. The good thing is there are consumer services jobs available no matter where you are based, even in the most underdeveloped countries. For instance, every country requires healthcare services. With that said, how many jobs are available in consumer services?
What’s the Consumer Services Industry?
Consumer services are those professions and pursuits that help people interact with their environment. For example, this could involve conducting customer service or marketing. In addition, the consumer services sector comprises any firm that sells products or services to the general public.
Furthermore, consumer service jobs are available in a variety of industries. The most popular job openings include customer service representatives, store clerks, cashiers, and salespeople.
Types of Consumer Services
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1. Education
Teaching and tutoring are services for students of various ages and academic backgrounds. A teacher can instruct a class using several methods, such as lectures, storytelling, and experiments. On the other hand, education may help students by cultivating their talent and improving their communication skills.
2. Media
Media firms provide a service that keeps the public up to date on current events. This category might include providing local news updates, T.V. shows to watch, or other types of entertainment. When it comes to mass communication, the media delivers information to large groups of people at once.
3. Legal Services
They usually include helping those in court who require help. This might include representing someone in court against a judge or acting as a legal advocate while communicating with police about a legal offense.
4. Insurance
Insurance services offer consumers a variety of precautions against unplanned incidents that might result in financial loss. Examples of insurance types include life insurance, health insurance, auto insurance, pet insurance, and liability insurance.
5. Finance
A financial service facilitates transactions, savings growth, and investment decisions for people and organizations. Besides, financial services can range from loan applications and simple banking to more complex tasks such as acquiring real estate or securing assets.
6. Restaurant
Besides food, consumers receive services from the restaurant since they pay for extras such as exceptional service and a classy ambiance. Conversely, customers who make restaurant reservations are less concerned with the quality of the cuisine and more focused on having an unforgettable dining experience.
7. Traveling
Travel services help the tourist industry by providing consumers with scheduling and reservation options. Most service roles in the travel industry help others plan trips and relieve the client of scheduling commitments. This category includes booking traveler accommodations and lodging, as well as planning entertainment events for holidaymakers, organizing car rentals, and providing in-flight support.
How Many Jobs Are Available In Consumer Services?
Consumer Service positions are quite in high demand all around the world. The industry is the world’s largest employer, employing more than 200 million people worldwide. In the United States, there are about 2.9 million consumer services jobs as of 2020, based on the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This figure will continue to rise as additional jobs are created at a 2% annual rate.
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The consumer services sector makes up about 70% of the US GDP. The consumer services sector has a relatively substantial number of open job positions. Therefore, how many jobs are available in consumer services? Let’s find out!
9 Best Paying Consumer Services Jobs
1. Customer Service Representative
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Customer service representatives are in charge of helping customers with inquiries or issues about a company’s products or services. They may also be in charge of handling customer complaints and offering solutions when necessary. Additionally, many customer service representatives often work in call centers or office environments and may be required to work nights, weekends, or holidays.
2. Call Center Representative
A call center representative is among the most popular consumer services jobs. A call center representative handles consumer queries, complaints, and concerns over the phone. Also, they are responsible for receiving orders, maintaining customer accounts, processing payments, offering information about a company’s products or services, and resolving technical issues.
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Call center representatives are often required to multitask in a busy workplace. Besides, they must be skilled at effectively resolving conflicts and have excellent communication and customer service skills. In addition, they usually work in call centers and may be required to work late nights or weekends.
3. Receptionist
A receptionist is another occupation when considering how many jobs are available in consumer services. These individuals usually serve as the company’s representation, face, or interface. They interact and engage with customers, prospects, and clients when necessary. Moreover, they connect consumers with the relevant staff to help them.
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This role requires exceptional administrative, planning, and organizing skills. Besides, when making important calls on behalf of the company, they must complete the tasks assigned to them. Also, receptionists must be able to multitask and have stress management.
Furthermore, receptionists must be familiar with computers and common office software. Plus, they must have excellent written and verbal communication skills because they’re customers’ first point of contact.
4. Account Manager
An account manager oversees a portfolio of accounts and establishes relationships with key clients. In addition, they work closely with various business units to meet the demands of clients.
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An account manager can increase revenue and help the company grow by retaining and strengthening current client connections. On the other hand, an account manager should have prior experience in customer service, sales, or a related sector. Also, excellent interpersonal and communication skills are crucial for success in this profession.
Note that an account manager’s responsibilities change depending on the scope and type of the organization.
5. Technical Support Engineer
A technical support engineer’s customer service is often provided through the phone, email, or chat. They are responsible for providing training and support on the company’s products and resolving client concerns.
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Most organizations continuously need intelligent and qualified individuals to help their clients. So, if you have the proper qualifications and credentials, you can get an excellent position in this customer service field.
A technical support engineer requires strong problem-solving skills and the ability to respond quickly on the spot. Also, they must be proficient in both verbal and written communication.
6. Flight Attendant
A flight attendant is another occupation when considering how many jobs are available in the consumer service industry.
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The responsibilities of a flight attendant are ensuring the passengers’ safety, security, and comfort. Therefore, the person in this consumer services field must be excellent. Due to this, most airlines want their flight attendants to have a certain degree of customer service experience. This is because they need to take care of people on flights constantly.
Apart from having a valid passport, you must pass a background check and a drug test. Also, it’d be a plus if you were fluent in English. It is not, however, required to speak any other language.
7. Salesperson
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A salesman is usually in charge of selling and promoting the products or services of a company. On the other hand, they might work in retail or travel to meet with potential consumers. A salesperson must be able to connect successfully with clients and close deals. Also, they may be expected to maintain existing customer relationships.
8. Bank Teller
The responsibilities of a bank teller include welcoming customers, executing transactions, and providing basic customer service. Though some positions may need specialized training or post-secondary education, most bank tellers usually have a high school diploma or equivalent.
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Most banks need tellers to have experience in customer service or money handling. Also, the tellers must be proficient in maths and manage money correctly. Additionally, they must be detail-oriented and able to work well under pressure.
Bank tellers often work on weekends and after regular business hours, even though they’re not required to do so.
9. Hotel Concierge
A hotel concierge provides various services to hotel guests. They communicate with hotel guests effectively and efficiently to provide them with the required information and help.
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Moreover, a hotel concierge varies from helping guests with luggage to resolving their requests and complaints to providing information about nearby activities and events. Also, they may make restaurant reservations and arrange transportation.
To be a hotel concierge, you must have exceptional customer service skills. You should also be able to multitask and work well under time restrictions.
How Much Do a Consumer Services Professional Earn?
The average salary for a consumer services professional in the U.S. is $36,920 per year. Besides, the salary ranges between $26,880 and $79,610 annually, based on experience, education, and state. On the other hand, consumer services professionals in the highest-paid positions earn about $19 per hour, while those in the lowest-paid positions earn about $14 per hour.
Education and work experience are the main factors influencing consumer services professionals’ earnings potential. Those with a bachelor’s degree or higher earn more than individuals with a high school diploma. Conversely, those with several years of work experience are likely to earn more than those in entry-level positions.
Location is also a crucial factor. For example, consumer services professionals in major cities often earn more than those in smaller towns or rural locations. Additionally, people who work for companies that offer a national or international clientele earn more than those who work for local businesses.
Is Consumer Services a Good Career Option?
Consumer services are one of the most stable career options. This is because plumbers, physicians, nurses, teachers, d hotel and restaurant staff, and so on will always be in demand. It is a market that has been around since civilization and will continue to thrive and one on which economies worldwide rely. You can also consider jobs in capital goods, public utilities, and real estate investment trusts.
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Jacky Chou is an electrical engineer turned marketer. He is the founder of Indexsy, Far & Away, Laurel & Wolf, a couple FBA businesses , and about 40 affiliate sites. He is a proud native of Vancouver, BC, who has been featured on Entrepreneur.com, Forbes, Oberlo and GoDaddy.
