Customer Service Representatives
Customer service representatives answer questions and resolve complaints from customers about products and services. They work in call centers, retail locations, or online platforms, following scripts and company procedures to handle routine inquiries. This work excludes technical support, sales, and repair roles.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against customer service representatives and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves answering phone calls, emails, or online chats from customers with questions about orders, billing, or policies. Representatives document each interaction in computer systems and escalate complex issues to supervisors. Tasks follow established scripts and procedures. Time is divided between handling incoming customer contacts, processing information, and updating records. Brief breaks separate high-volume periods of customer interaction.
Who this work suits
Holland code CES. Conventional work is organized, detail-oriented work with clear procedures. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
If you prefer structured work with clear procedures and enjoy helping solve routine problems, this role may suit you. People who do well here value efficiency and following established guidelines while building rapport with customers across repeated daily interactions.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most people in this occupation hold a high school diploma.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Customer Service Representative Drake User · Taxwell · United States · Remote
- Customer Service Representative · EdgeQ Technologies Private Limited · Remote · Remote
- Customer Service Representative · Candorelectric · United States · Remote
- Contact Representative (Customer Service Representative) (ICTAP) (Temporary) · Social Security Administration · Vincennes, Indiana · $55882–$72644
- Customer Service Representative (CSR) · Defense Logistics Agency · Multiple Locations · $70623–$133142
- Supervisory Customer Service Representative (Bilingual-Spanish) · Internal Revenue Service · Fresno, California · $75055–$97577
- Customer Service Representative (Annual Report Services) – R0060057 · Wolters Kluwer · United States · Remote
- Bilingual Customer Service Representative · Beyond Finance · USA · Remote
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $44,780 | $50,330 | $61,330 | 39,760 |
| California | $44,200 | $49,560 | $61,510 | 176,850 |
| Massachusetts | $41,500 | $49,120 | $61,090 | 49,990 |
| Minnesota | $41,330 | $48,800 | $59,810 | 53,340 |
| District of Columbia | $40,400 | $48,250 | $62,560 | 7,550 |
| Delaware | $39,310 | $48,190 | $59,910 | 7,470 |
| Connecticut | $40,460 | $48,090 | $60,010 | 24,490 |
| New York | $40,360 | $48,000 | $60,280 | 141,090 |
| New Jersey | $39,410 | $47,740 | $59,070 | 59,690 |
| Rhode Island | $41,600 | $47,550 | $57,530 | 7,890 |
| Colorado | $40,380 | $47,540 | $57,420 | 38,770 |
| Vermont | $40,630 | $47,500 | $58,340 | 2,870 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- HDI Certified Customer Service Representative (HDI-CSR) — HDI
- Accredited Customer Service Representative (ACSR) — The Institutes
- Customer Service Representative Certification (CSRC) — International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians
- Public Power Customer Service Manager (PPCSM) — American Public Power Association
- Certified Customer Service Specialist (CSS) — ETA International
- Professional Certification in Customer Service and Sales — National Retail Federation Foundation
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
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Four short assessments and your background, scored against customer service representatives and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 43-4051.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.