What Are the Best Paying Jobs in Consumer Services? (Top 5)
If you like explaining how things work, here are some roles for you.
The rise in technology has brought a surge in consumer support jobs. And many people are considering a career change to meet this demand increase.
Individuals with great people skills who enjoy breaking down complex ideas thrive in consumer service jobs. It involves a lot of phone calls and interactions with those struggling to utilize a product.
While changing careers can be intimidating, it does not have to be. As someone who spent time in the field before writing online, I'm here to walk you through five of the best-paying jobs in consumer services.
Is Consumer Service Different Than Customer Service?
On the surface level, customer support and consumer support might sound like the same thing to you. The differences between these two things boil down to the differences between customers and consumers.
Customers are an organization or individual that wants to purchase a product or service for a variety of purposes. Customers will always make a monetary transaction with the seller.
Consumers, on the other hand, are the individuals who actually use a product or service. While consumers are often the same customers who bought a product, many have been given things to consume and utilize.
Regarding support, the differences between these two come down to the questions being asked. Customer support focuses on issues with transactions. Suppose your customers are having problems buying or returning a product. In that case, they will seek customer support to remedy the issue.
Consumer support focuses on helping people better use your product.
A great example of consumer support is with software companies. Software companies will have separate teams dedicated to solving problems with sales and helping their consumers use their software correctly.
Customer and consumer support teams overlap in their skill sets, but they focus on two different types of issues.
Job #1: Sales Representative
The first job we have on today's list is a sales representative. Sales representatives can assist with employment services, electronics, or even telecommunications.
What It Is
These individuals are dedicated to selling goods to potential customers.
Sales representatives want to move products onto prospecting customers and get as many things sold as possible. On top of hourly pay, these workers are typically incentivized through commission programs, receiving a certain percentage of the revenue made by a sale.
Required Education
While most sales positions will not require extensive schooling, many sales representatives have to take a company-provided course on sales. Selling products is an art form, and you need to know the rules to succeed.
Many companies will also require somewhat regular updates on this training.
Expected Salary
While the ratio between commissions and an hourly wage will vary based on the position, sales representatives can expect a decent living as long as they make somewhat regular sales.
The mean annual wage for a sales representative is anywhere from $71,000 to $95,000.
However, it is essential to know that the consistency of payment for sales representatives will fluctuate over time.
Job Growth
On par with the average of all industries, sales representatives are expected to see a 4% growth in jobs between 2021 and 2031.
Job #2: Delivery Driver
Everybody needs things delivered, so this job isn't going anywhere.
What It Is
Delivery drivers take items to places they need to be. Some delivery drivers take packages to residential areas, while others take large shipments to businesses and warehouses.
Required Education
While the exact education will vary between employers, most delivery drivers must only have a driver's license and high school diploma or equivalent GED. This means that delivery drivers have a low barrier to entry.
Expected Salary
The median annual wage for a delivery driver is between $36,000 and $65,000. This number is a respectable income but can increase dramatically as you deliver more high-value items.
Job Growth
Delivery drivers look to grow a massive 11% within the next decade. As many sales switch from in-person retail to online stores, we will see a shift toward more deliveries between 2021 and 2031.
Job #3: Retail Supervisor
Next up, we have a retail supervisor.
What It Is
A retail supervisor, also known as a store manager, is the individual in charge of day-to-day retail operations.
Retail supervisors fall into consumer service because they often explain the practicality of various items found in their stores.
Required Education
Many businesses will allow exceptional employees to work their way up from sales assistant to becoming retail supervisor without any official schooling.
However, a bachelor's degree in business administration or financial management will help to set you apart and get you to management quicker.
Expected Salary
The wage range for a retail supervisor is $46,000 to $73,000.
This solid income makes retail supervisors an excellent career choice and easily one of the best-paying jobs in consumer services.
Job Growth
Between 2021 and 2031, the market for retail supervisors is expected to grow by 5%. The national average growth for this period is 4%, so the career is relatively on the curve.
Job #4: Translator
Whether for personal services or localization, translators will be involved in consumer services.
What It Is
As the name would imply, a translator is someone who translates language.
Translating can come in many forms. Some work for foreigners who need to do business in an unfamiliar country, while others work for schools or government institutions. You can also find roles like this in very large companies that are building out a global strategy.
Required Education
The main requirement for a translator is a bachelor's degree. While speaking two or more languages is undoubtedly the primary requirement, translators will need a proper understanding of those two languages and the nuances of their tongues.
Expected Salary
Translators are one of the best-paid roles in consumer services. The mean annual wage for a translator is around $58,000 to $98,000. Of course, this depends on your experience level and the language you choose to learn.
Job Growth
The translation industry is expected to grow an astounding 20% over the next decade. Globalization and the increase in multinational business have caused a massive rise in job openings in this category.
Job #5: Tax Preparer
Taxes can be pretty tricky in the United States, so having someone dedicated to keeping track of taxes can be a lifesaver.
What It Is
Tax preparers typically work for small and medium-sized businesses and help them stay compliant throughout the year. Their primary duty is to track anything tax-related, such as deductibles and expenses, to ensure that the filed numbers are correct and all the necessary rules are being followed. Larger businesses will have entire departments dedicated to this role.
Required Education
Tax preparers are not technically accountants, so there are no official requirements to enter the field. However, many individuals in tax preparation have a bachelor's degree in accounting.
Expected Salary
The mean annual wage for a tax preparer starts at $46,000 to $85,000. This pay tends to be pretty consistent, but it can get higher based on the reputation and size of the business.
Job Growth
Although it may be the slowest growing industry on today's list (tax preparers are only expected to go up by about 2% between 2021 and 2031), it still presents a fantastic opportunity — and one that can be done purely remotely.
Recap
I hope you found this list helpful! Here's a quick recap of five of the best-paying jobs in consumer services:
- Sales representative
- Delivery driver
- Retail supervisor
- Translator
- Tax preparer
If you're curious about other high-paying fields you can break into, go ahead and check out our related articles.