What is a Customer Service Specialist?
Explore a position as a customer service specialist, also known as a customer support specialist. Read the job description and learn about requirements and salary statistics for this role.
What Is a Customer Service Specialist?
Customer service specialists work in call centers or on site to provide information or sell products and services. Those in this position must be able to take orders and bill customers accurately. They review customer's accounts, take care of returns, and handle any complaints. When issues arise, they must report details and refer customers to supervisors when needed.
Take a look at the chart below for an overview of education and training requirements, key skills, job growth, and median salary.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Degree Required</b></td><td>High school diploma or equivalent for entry level</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Training Required</b></td><td>Short on-the-job training that usually lasts 2 to 3 weeks</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Key Skills</b></td><td>Handle customer inquiries, resolve disputes, inform customers of available products and services</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Growth (2020-2030)</b></td><td> -1%*</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)</b></td><td> $17.23 hourly or $35,830 annually*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---CustomerServiceSpecialistJobDescription">Customer Service Specialist Job Description</h3><p>Customer service specialists communicate important information about the products and services their employers provide. As a customer service specialist, you'll respond to customer inquiries, guide customers through the purchasing process, make product or service recommendations, and resolve complaints or technical concerns. The industry in which you're employed dictates additional or specialized skills that you may need. For example, if you work in the information technology industry, you'll have to provide technical assistance to customers and help them resolve product-related issues. A high school diploma is required for all of these careers.
</p><h3 id="section---WhereDoCustomerServiceSpecialistsWork">Where Do Customer Service Specialists Work?</h3><p>Virtually every industry and business provides customer service support. Depending on the type of industry you're in, you might work in large call centers or provide in-person support. If you work in a call center, you'll have your own work space and equipment. You could also work in retail, medical, or hospitality settings. Many companies offer customer service around the clock, which makes it possible for you to have a flexible work schedule.
</p><h3 id="section---RequiredEducationForCustomerServiceSpecialists">Required Education for Customer Service Specialists</h3><p>In order to qualify for customer service positions, you'll need a minimum of a high school diploma. However, many positions may require an associate's or bachelor's degree, depending on the industry and employer. Specialized positions, such as <a href="http://learn.org/articles/What_Certificate_Programs_are_Available_in_Finance.html">finance</a>, hospitality, or technology, may require you to complete post-secondary education in a related discipline. Community colleges and universities offer certificate and degree programs that provide a foundation in the following areas:
</p><ul><li>Business
</li><li>Interpersonal communication
</li><li>Sales
</li><li>Service management
</li></ul><p>In order to be a successful candidate for customer support positions, you must possess solid communication skills, patience, a friendly disposition, and a clear speaking voice. You'll also need to have strong problem-solving skills and a basic level of proficiency with computers.
</p><h3 id="section---CustomerServiceSpecialistSalary">Customer Service Specialist Salary</h3><p>The median annual wage for customer service specialists in 2020 was $35,830 or $17.23 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). You could expect your annual earnings to vary depending on the industry in which you work, your geographical location, and your employer.
</p><h3 id="section---AlternativeCareers">Alternative Careers</h3><p>Other similar career options include an insurance sales agent, <a href="http://learn.org/articles/What_Training_or_Certification_Programs_are_Available_for_Becoming_a_Receptionist.html">receptionist</a>, and a teller. An insurance sales agent sells and explains various insurance options available to consumers. Receptionists answer phones, welcome visitors, and help with general information about the organization or company they work for. Tellers perform various banking transactions. They must be able to cash checks, deposit money, and collect loan payments.</p>