How Many Jobs Are Available in Consumer Services Today?

If you’re looking for a job in the consumer services sector, you’re in luck.

While there is certainly fear due to AI, the job market is brimming with opportunities, and that seems to be the case in the future, too.

This article gives a comprehensive view of how many jobs are available in consumer services worldwide, and which countries and industries are hiring the most. 

All information you’ll come across is taken from authoritative sources like the World Bank, and World Economic Forum, among others.

But first, let’s take a closer look at what consumer services actually is (hint: it’s not an alternate term for customer service).

What Is Consumer Services?

Consumer services are businesses or their effort to deliver intangible value to consumers through experiences, support, or solutions that best suit their personal needs.

These are the types of businesses that sell specific intangible services to their customers.

For example, Netflix would be considered a consumer service that exists to serve viewers who rely on the platform for entertainment (an intangible service).

Similarly, a customer support agent calming a frustrated caller whose order arrived damaged or a hotel concierge rearranging travel plans after a flight cancellation are also consumer service examples.

However, it’s a misconception that consumer services are only about damage control.

Yes, being the lifeline of a company when things go wrong is the duty of a consumer services professional.

But so is being the face of a company when things go right.

The best consumer service interactions are proactive, like a streaming service rep suggesting a content bundle based on a user’s viewing history.

Simply put, consumer service agents act as both advocates for the customer’s needs and diplomats of the company’s policy.

Fending off for both sides is how consumer service roles directly impact customer retention and brand loyalty.

According to a survey of 200 enterprise brands and over 1,000 customers, 83% of customers feel more loyal to brands that respond to and resolve their complaints. 

How Many Jobs Are Available in Consumer Services?

Current Job Market Statistics in Consumer Services

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 2.95 million customer service representative jobs in the US in 2023. 

Based on the same data, the annual median pay of these jobs was $39,680 meaning half earned below that wage and half above. 

A World Bank survey finds that 79.09% of the US workforce was employed in the consumer services sector in 2023.

But that’s just US data. How many jobs are available in consumer services worldwide? Well, that’s unknown because no research has been conducted on such a large scale. 

However, if we individually pick up some big economies of the world, there’s some data available. 

China, for example, employs over 1.6 million customer service reps, according to an authoritative Chinese source.

The source estimates the monthly median salary of these jobs to be $898.

India is another blooming world economy. Its service sector has over 50% share of the nation’s GDP.

An Indian source estimates that, in 2023, the service sector jobs made up about half of the 8.12 million jobs. 

It’s also worth noting here that India is a hot hub for call center outsourcing for US businesses due to cheap labor costs and the country’s large English-speaking population. 

At the same time, the country is infamous for call center scams, robbing billions of dollars from US citizens yearly.

Projected Growth of Consumer Services Jobs in 2025

After discussing how many jobs are available in consumer services, let’s take a look at this industry’s projected future. 

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projected a 5% decline in customer service representative jobs between the 2023-2033 period.

According to this outlook, the 2.95 million jobs industry could expect a loss of 148,800 jobs over the ten years starting from 2023.

Next, we have data from Canada Job Bank for how many jobs are available in finance consumer services vs outlook for the next 3 years starting from 2024. 

The data predicts moderate to good growth in financial customer service representative jobs from the 2023 total of 71,500 jobs. The source makes this prediction for most of Canada’s cities.

On a global scale, the Future of Jobs Report 2025 by the World Economic Forum (WEF) forecasts the big picture.

It gives us a list of jobs likely to grow or decline by 2030 across the world. 

From the list, the following jobs fall under consumer services:

Growing Consumer Services Jobs by 2030:

• Shop salespersons (Rank 5):  Retail workers who assist customers with purchases.

• Food and beverage serving workers (Rank 9): Includes waiters, bartenders, and fast food workers.

• Personal care aides (Rank 15): Assist clients with personal needs, often in home care or assisted living.

Declining Consumer Services Jobs by 2030:

• Cashiers and ticket clerks (Rank 1): Retail and service industry roles, being replaced by automation.

• Building caretakers, cleaners, and housekeepers (Rank 3): Found in hospitality and residential services.

• Transportation attendants and conductors (Rank 8): Customer-facing roles in travel and transport (e.g., flight attendants, train conductors).

• Security guards (Rank 9): Some security positions involve customer interaction in retail and event spaces.

• Client information and customer service workers (Rank 12): Customer support roles in various industries.

Factors Affecting Job Availability in This Industry

According to the same WEF report, tasks completed by humans are going to decrease due to increasing tasks done by technologies.

This change will certainly hit the consumer services sector and change how many jobs are available in consumer services in current and upcoming times. 

Technological advancements, demographic changes, and economic trends will be the main drivers of this change in job availability.

Here’s how these drivers could either lead to an increase or decrease in consumer services jobs:

• Technological advancements: Advancements in areas like artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and digital access will be major players here. 

• Jobs decline scenario: As AI and automation become more advanced, companies will adopt them to save time and reduce costs. So, certain tasks that were traditionally done by humans, such as taking orders, processing payments, or managing customer inquiries, could be handled by machines or software. This might lead to a decline in jobs like cashiers, ticket clerks, or customer service representatives.

• Jobs increase scenario: The rise of digital platforms and e-commerce could create new opportunities in roles like digital marketing, online customer support, or IT maintenance, which would require workers with tech-related skills. So, while some jobs may decline, others could grow, depending on how well the workforce adapts to these changes.

• Demographic shifts: Shifts like aging populations and declining working-age groups in certain regions could also impact job availability.

• Jobs decline scenario: If fewer young people are entering the workforce, businesses might struggle to fill certain roles, especially those that are labour-intensive or require physical presence, like retail or hospitality. This could push companies to rely more on automation or to redesign jobs to make them more appealing to older workers or part-time employees.

• Jobs increase scenario: An aging population might increase demand for certain consumer services, such as healthcare, personal care, or leisure activities, which could create job growth in those areas.

• Economic trends: This includes trends such as slower economic growth or changes in consumer spending habits.

• Jobs decline scenario: If the economy slows down, people might cut back on non-essential services, leading to reduced demand for jobs in sectors like retail, dining, or entertainment.

• Jobs increase scenario: If there’s a shift toward more sustainable or experience-based consumption, new roles could emerge in areas like eco-tourism, event planning, or personalized services.

Most In-Demand Consumer Service Jobs

Due to rising customer expectations, businesses are investing more in high-quality service to maintain customer loyalty.

Therefore, businesses are in high demand for skilled service professionals.

Following are the consumer service jobs businesses are seeking the most and the duties they involve.

Call Center Representatives

Annual Salary Range (US): $37K – $51K (Glassdoor), $26K – $55K (Indeed)

If you’ve ever called customer service about a late delivery or a billing error, you’ve likely spoken with a call center representative.

These individuals are the primary point of contact between a company and its customers. 

A day in this job could involve duties including:

• Resolving customer queries via phone, email, or online chat
• Providing information about products, services, or memberships
• Documenting inquiries and maintaining accurate records
• Troubleshooting basic issues and escalating complex cases when necessary
• Acting as a liaison between customers and other departments 

Most call center jobs require a high school diploma, but strong communication skills and problem-solving abilities are must-haves. 

Food & Beverage Servers

Annual Salary Range (US): $58K – $103K (Glassdoor), $26K – $93K (Indeed)

WEF’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 predicts that an aging workforce and a decline in working-age populations are changing how many jobs are available in consumer services of the food & beverage sector in an upward direction.

Food and beverage servers have a huge role in how customers perceive a restaurant or café.

They’re responsible for creating a welcoming atmosphere for visitors so that guests have an enjoyable time.

The primary duties of a food and beverage server include:

• Greeting guests and guiding them through the menu
• Taking food and drink orders accurately
• Communicating special requests or dietary restrictions to the kitchen
• Delivering meals and beverages promptly and with attention to detail
• Handling customer complaints or concerns with tact and efficiency
• Processing payments and ensuring a smooth checkout experience

Major employers in this field include industry giants like 

• McDonald’s (Restaurant Manager, Crew Member, Shift Supervisor) 
• Starbucks (Barista, Store Manager, Customer Experience Specialist) 

The ability to stay positive under pressure, manage customer expectations, and work well with kitchen staff are essential skills in this field.

Retail Salespersons

Annual Salary Range (US): $67K – $108K (Glassdoor), $38K – $79K (Indeed)

While online shopping continues to grow, brick-and-mortar stores still rely heavily on retail salespersons to engage customers inside the store. 

WEF predicts that frontline roles, including retail sales, will experience some of the highest job growth in the coming 5 years.

This role is critical in ensuring that shoppers leave satisfied and likely to return.

The responsibilities of a retail salesperson typically include:

• Assisting customers in locating products 
• Answering questions about features or pricing
• Processing transactions at the checkout counter
• Maintaining store displays and ensuring products are well-organized
• Handling returns, exchanges, and customer complaints
• Upselling or cross-selling products to maximize sales
• Monitoring inventory levels and restocking shelves as needed

Some positions require a background in business or marketing, but many professionals climb the ladder through hands-on experience.  

Technical Support Experts

Annual Salary Range (US): $43K – $63K (Glassdoor), $41K – $98K (Indeed)

Tech issues are inevitable, and that’s why technical support jobs are here to stay.

Don’t confuse them with general customer service representatives. These professionals often require specific training or certifications.

They need to have a deep understanding of how systems and devices function.

The duties of a technical support expert include:

• Diagnosing and troubleshooting technical problems reported by customers
• Guiding customers through step-by-step solutions via phone, email, or chat
• Documenting issues and maintaining detailed records of resolutions
• Escalating complex problems to engineering or development teams when necessary
• Testing software or hardware to replicate and identify issues
• Providing training or guidance to customers on how to use products effectively

Those with a strong foundation in technology as well as a patient demeanor can find decent opportunities in this field.

Concierge

Annual Salary Range (US): $43K – $63K (Glassdoor), $34K – $69K (Indeed)

Concierge professionals are the go-to resource for guests in hotels, luxury apartment complexes, and corporate buildings.

Concierge positions remain in demand, especially in high-end accommodations and major tourist destinations.

This job isn’t one that can be easily automated or outsourced, which keeps the outlook steady.

A concierge’s daily tasks depend on the setting but often include:

• Greeting guests warmly and making them feel welcome
• Managing reservations for dining, transportation, or local attractions
• Providing recommendations for activities, restaurants, or events
• Coordinating travel plans, including flights and ground transportation
• Handling special requests (e.g. securing tickets to sold-out shows, arranging private tours, etc.)

While a high school diploma is typically the minimum requirement, some employers prefer candidates with hospitality or tourism degrees. 

Flight Attendants

Annual Salary Range (US): $93K – $163K (Glassdoor), $25K – $68K (Indeed)

For those who dream of travelling the world while working, a flight attendant career might be the perfect fit. 

But having the dream only isn’t enough to land you a flight attendant’s job.

This role is a combination of safety enforcement, customer service, and emergency response. 

The responsibilities of a flight attendant are demanding and typically include:

• Conducting pre-flight safety checks and demonstrating safety procedures to passengers
• Assisting passengers with boarding, seating, and stowing luggage
• Serving meals, beverages, and snacks during the flight
• Addressing passenger inquiries and resolving issues with professionalism
• Managing in-flight emergencies, such as medical situations or turbulence

To become a flight attendant, candidates must typically have a high school diploma. Airlines can also prefer applicants with prior customer service experience.

Additionally, flight attendants must complete FAA certification. Fluency in multiple languages, in addition to English, can be a valuable asset too. 

Best Locations for Consumer Service Jobs in the U.S. & Globally

Let me now show you how many jobs are available in consumer services in the top locations worldwide.

Locations With the Most Consumer Services Job Openings

As of recent data by BLS, the U.S. has consistently maintained a high number of job openings in the consumer services sector. A survey Industry Hiring the Most People In Every Country found that most job ads in the US were in the restaurants sector. 

Certain U.S. cities have distinguished themselves with substantial employment in the service industry.

For instance, in 2017, the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria metropolitan area had approximately 20.6% of its nonfarm employees working in professional, scientific, or technical services. 

NYC is also a global hub for retail, hospitality, and financial services. The city’s diverse economy and high tourist traffic create a constant demand for customer service roles.

According to BLS, the city had over 450,000 employees in leisure and hospitality by 2024 year-end.

Several European countries have reported notable job vacancy rates in various sectors, including consumer services.

For example, Austria reported a job vacancy rate of 3.8%, while Belgium’s rate stood at 4.2%.

In Australia, the retail sector accounted for 6.85% of job advertisements. Sydney’s strong tourism and retail industries provide ample opportunities for consumer services.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the accommodation and food services sector employs over 900,000 people at the time of writing.

Canada’s consumer services sector is growing, too, particularly in retail, food services, and tourism.

According to the Canadian government, the accommodation and food services sector employed over 1 million people between 2021-2023. Cities like Quebec and Ontario are major centers for these roles.

Moreover, India has also seen a huge surge in consumer services jobs, particularly in IT-enabled services, retail, and hospitality.

The country’s growing middle class and expanding e-commerce sector have fueled demand. 

According to Statista, India’s IT and business process management (BPM) sector employed over 4.9 million people in 2022, many of whom work in customer support roles.

Remote Work in Consumer Services

Remote work opportunities in the consumer services sector have experienced notable shifts in recent years. 

In the European Union, data from 2020 indicated that 12.3% of employed individuals aged 15–64 usually worked from home.

This trend was particularly prominent in countries like Finland (25.1%), Luxembourg (23.1%), and Ireland (21.5%).

In the United States, a Gallup poll from September 2021 revealed that 45% of full-time employees worked remotely to some extent.

Among these, 25% worked entirely from home, while 20% did so part-time. Notably, 91% of remote workers expressed a desire to continue such arrangements post-pandemic.

However, the landscape is evolving. As of February 2023, Gallup found that among remote-capable employees in the U.S., 20% worked on-site, 28% were exclusively remote, and 52% followed a hybrid model.

How to Land a Job in Consumer Services

Having learned how many jobs are available in consumer services, you should start preparing to secure one.

While jobs are plenty, standing out requires the right skills, a strong resume, and a smart job search strategy.

Essential Skills & Qualifications Needed for Consumer Service Jobs

Success in consumer services starts with strong communication and problem-solving due to the front-facing nature of the roles. 

Employers look for candidates who can handle customers with patience and professionalism, even in high-pressure situations. There’s a big emphasis on soft skills. 

On the technical side, roles may require proficiency in CRM software, data entry, or industry-specific tools alongside many other hard skills. 

How to Build a Strong Resume for Consumer Services Roles

A consumer services resume should showcase both soft skills and relevant experience. 

You should use action-oriented language and relevant resume buzzwords that highlight customer service expertise. 

Be sure to quantify achievements because employers love to see metrics like customer satisfaction scores or sales conversions. And if you’re switching industries, emphasize transferable skills that prove you’re a strong fit.

The pro tip is to leave all this to our AI Resume Builder. You just need to choose a template, customize it with AI, and download the resume when it’s ready.

Best Job Search Strategies & Networking for Consumer Services

Online job boards like Indeed or Glassdoor, company career pages, and staffing agencies are great places to start your search. 

However, networking can give you a serious edge. For that, you can connect with professionals on LinkedIn, attend industry events, and join relevant online forums. 

Many companies prioritize internal referrals, so tapping into your network could help you land an opportunity faster. 

If you’re eyeing a specific company, reach out directly to hiring managers or recruiters to express your interest.

Or, if you don’t want to go through all this hassle, let our Auto Job Applier apply for opportunities on your behalf with your resume.

It’s a Wrap!

While I’ve answered how many jobs are available in consumer services in great detail, the next question you should be asking now is: how do you make sure you’re the one who gets hired?

With so many opportunities in consumer services, you might assume that getting hired is easy.

But the truth is that competition is fierce, and many candidates struggle to stand out.

A strong, well-optimized resume and applying at the right places are your only chances to get picked. 

And Undetectable AI can help with both. 

Our AI Resume Builder lets you create a resume in a few clicks which the Auto Job Applier then submits at the right places.

So why leave it to chance?

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