Similar careers
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.
A Customer Service Representative (CSR) is a professional who handles customer inquiries, resolves issues, and provides information about products and services. They are the primary point of contact between a company and its customers, ensuring a satisfactory customer experience.
Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Years in related career: None
On-the-job training: Short-term
Projected Growth: -5.5% (negative growth)
Annual job openings: 341,700
Direct AI exposure: 55% of tasks
Potential AI exposure: 86% of tasks
| According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, average income (in USD) in 2025 was $45K per year. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom 10% | Bottom 25% | Median (average) | Top 25% | Top 10% |
| $32K per year | $37K per year | $45K per year | $52K per year | $64K per year |
| Compared to other careers: Median is $6.21K below the national average. | ||||
CSRs typically work in office settings, call centers, or retail environments. The job often involves using phones, computers, and other office equipment. In retail settings, they may work on the sales floor. The role can include full-time, part-time, and shift work, sometimes requiring evening, weekend, or holiday hours.
Customer Service Representatives are essential to the success of many businesses, playing a key role in customer retention and satisfaction. They need to be knowledgeable about their company's products and services, policies, and procedures. Effective communication skills are vital, as CSRs interact with a diverse range of customers and must adapt their communication style accordingly.
Problem-solving skills and patience are crucial, as CSRs often deal with customer complaints and must resolve issues in a way that upholds the company's reputation while satisfying the customer. They must also be proficient with various communication tools and technologies, as the role increasingly involves digital communication channels like email and live chat.
The occupation offers a broad range of opportunities in various industries, such as retail, finance, telecommunications, and healthcare. It can serve as a gateway to other career paths within a company, including roles in sales, marketing, and management. CSRs often gain valuable experience in customer relationship management, communication, and problem-solving, skills that are transferable to many other roles.
Customer Service Representatives typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Some employers prefer candidates with postsecondary coursework or an associate degree, particularly for more specialized or technical roles. Extensive on-the-job training is common, as customer service procedures and systems vary by employer.
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.
