What is a service agent and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
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Service agents are individuals who provide customer service and support to clients. They are responsible for addressing customer queries, complaints, and other issues related to products or services. Their primary role is ensuring customer satisfaction through effective communication and problem-solving skills. Service agents may assist customers through various channels such as phone, email, chat, or in-person, and play a crucial role in building a positive brand image and maintaining customer loyalty.

ScoreService AgentUS Average
Salary
2.3

Avg. Salary $29,769

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
5.9

Growth Rate -4%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
9.7
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.79%

Asian 6.70%

Black or African American 11.76%

Hispanic or Latino 20.60%

Unknown 5.63%

White 54.52%

Gender

female 38.53%

male 61.47%

Age - 39
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 39
Stress Level
5.9

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
6.6

Complexity Level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
6.5

Work Life balance is good

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a Service Agent?

Pros

  • Chance to develop customer service skills

  • Varied work environment (e.g. hotels, restaurants, retail stores)

  • Exposure to different cultures and languages

  • Sense of accomplishment in resolving customers' issues

  • Opportunity to work in a team-oriented environment

Cons

  • Dealing with difficult or angry customers

  • High levels of stress and pressure during busy periods

  • Having to manage multiple tasks at once

  • Limited control over company policies or procedures

  • Working in a fast-paced and demanding environment

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Service Agent career paths

Key steps to become a service agent

  1. Explore service agent education requirements

    Most common service agent degrees

    Bachelor's

    36.1 %

    High School Diploma

    29.3 %

    Associate

    20.6 %
  2. Start to develop specific service agent skills

    Skills
    ascdesc
    Percentages
    ascdesc
    Regular Maintenance23.45%
    Customer Service15.60%
    Credit Card8.39%
    Quality Standards7.89%
    PET5.76%
  3. Complete relevant service agent training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New service agents learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a service agent based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real service agent resumes.
  4. Research service agent duties and responsibilities

    • Educate veterans and the college community on veteran's benefits and academic requirements need to accomplish academic goals.
    • Work with technical support or various production departments as needed to effectively troubleshoot, analyze and resolve software issues.
    • Answer billing inquiries, collect payments, sell products and troubleshoot customer's cable, high speed internet and phone issues.
    • Inspect passenger identification and travel documents and process passenger baggage while following FAA and SCA guidelines.
  5. Prepare your service agent resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your service agent resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a service agent resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Service Agent Resume templates

    Build a professional Service Agent resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Service Agent resume.
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  6. Apply for service agent jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a service agent job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Service Agent Job

Zippi

Are you a Service Agent?

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Average service agent salary

The average Service Agent salary in the United States is $29,769 per year or $14 per hour. Service agent salaries range between $22,000 and $38,000 per year.

Average Service Agent Salary
$29,769 Yearly
$14.31 hourly

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How do service agents rate their job?

-/5

5 Stars

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1 Star

Service Agent reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Mar 2024
Cons

very low salary, no career growth, very stressful and not rewarding


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Oct 2022
Pros

I got to do a variety of tasks daily. Got treated with respect from management and other coworkers.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Apr 2020
Pros

I enjoy helping to be the glue to hold people together as friends. I enjoy talking on the phone . I enjoy learning new things about people.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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