20 Best Paying Jobs in Consumer Services for 2024
Looking to break into consumer services? Whether you’re drawn to the flexibility of a freelance role or the stability of a salaried position, this sector offers a wide range of well-paying jobs. From helping clients find their dream home as a Real Estate Agent to ensuring seamless customer experiences as a Customer Success Manager, these roles are essential in providing valuable services. Let’s explore 20 of the best-paying jobs in consumer services, detailing what they entail and where you can find opportunities.
Table of Contents
20 Best Paying Jobs in Consumer Services
1. Real Estate Agent ($43.08 per hour)
Expected Earnings: $100,391 per year
Experience Level Needed: Must meet minimum requirements determined by your state, complete 90 hours of approved real estate courses, pass the broker’s exam, a background check, and apply for a license.
Real estate agents assist clients in buying, selling, and renting properties, offering expert advice on market trends and property values. They conduct property showings, negotiate deals, and manage transactions from start to finish. Agents often work for real estate firms, though many choose to work independently. Opportunities are found through real estate agencies, online job boards, and networking within the industry.
2. Customer Success Manager ($33.70 per hour)
Expected Earnings: $78,620 per year
Experience Level Needed: Between 4-6 years of relevant work experience.
Customer Success Managers (CSMs) work closely with customers to understand their needs, provide guidance, and help them maximize the value of their purchases. CSMs often work in tech companies or service-based industries, where they focus on improving customer satisfaction and retention. They may also analyze customer data to identify opportunities for improvement. Positions can be found in a variety of industries, including software, healthcare, and finance.
3. Fitness Trainer ($28.98 per hour)
Expected Earnings: $46,900 per year
Experience Level Needed: High school diploma or equivalent, CPR/AED certification, and passing a certified personal trainer course.
Fitness trainers develop and lead personalized exercise programs tailored to their client’s health and fitness goals. They work in gyms, health clubs, or as private trainers, offering one-on-one sessions or group classes. Trainers educate clients on proper exercise techniques, nutrition, and lifestyle changes. Fitness trainers can find opportunities through gyms, fitness studios, community centers, or by starting their businesses.
4. Flight Attendant ($27.39 per hour)
Expected Earnings: $39,472 per year
Experience Level Needed: 1-2 years of work experience in a service occupation.
Flight attendants ensure passenger safety and comfort during flights, providing services such as food and beverage delivery, safety demonstrations, and assistance with special needs. They must handle a range of situations, from medical emergencies to customer service issues, with professionalism and calmness. Flight attendants work for commercial airlines and often travel extensively. Positions are typically found through airline recruitment processes, which include specialized training programs.
5. Automotive Service Advisor ($25.21 per hour)
Expected Earnings: $67,836 per year, plus $14,700 per year commission
Experience Level Needed: A Bachelor’s Degree or multiple years of experience working in the automotive industry.
Automotive service advisors act as the bridge between customers and the service technicians in car dealerships or repair shops. They communicate with customers to understand their vehicle issues, provide cost estimates, and recommend necessary repairs or maintenance. Advisors need to have strong knowledge of automotive systems and excellent customer service skills. Job openings can be found at car dealerships, independent repair shops, and specialty automotive service centers.
6. Retail Store Manager ($24.33 per hour)
Expected Earnings: $56,745 per year
Experience Level Needed: At least 5 years of retail experience.
Retail store managers oversee all aspects of store operations, including staff management, inventory control, and customer service. They are responsible for achieving sales targets, maintaining store standards, and ensuring a positive shopping experience for customers. Managers must also handle administrative tasks such as scheduling, budgeting, and reporting. The role requires strong leadership and organizational skills. Opportunities can be found in a wide range of retail environments, from small boutiques to large chain stores, and often require direct interaction with customers and staff.
7. Event Planner ($24.12 per hour)
Expected Earnings: $57,402 per year
Experience Level Needed: One to two years of relevant professional experience.
Event planners are responsible for organizing and coordinating events, including weddings, corporate functions, and parties. They handle everything from selecting venues and vendors to managing budgets and timelines. Planners must be detail-oriented and capable of handling multiple tasks simultaneously. They work closely with clients to understand their vision and ensure that the event runs smoothly. Event planners can work for event planning companies, hospitality businesses, or as freelancers.
8. Tour Guide ($22.80 per hour)
Expected Earnings: $35,920 per year plus $85 in tips each day
Experience Level Needed: High school diploma and customer service experience.
Tour guides offer informative and engaging tours, sharing their knowledge about historical sites, cultural landmarks, or natural attractions. They tailor their presentations to the interests of their audience, making each tour unique and educational. Tour guides may work for tour companies, museums, or government agencies, or they may operate as independent contractors. The job involves a significant amount of walking and standing, as well as excellent communication and public speaking skills. Positions can be found through travel agencies, tourist attractions, and online job boards.
9. Technical Support Specialist ($22.28 per hour)
Expected Earnings: $63,132 per year
Experience Level Needed: Bachelor’s degree in computer science or related field.
Technical support specialists assist customers with technical issues, providing troubleshooting and problem-solving services. They work with a range of technologies, from software applications to hardware systems, and must have a solid understanding of their field. Specialists may provide support via phone, email, or online chat, often in a call center or help desk environment. They also create documentation and guides to help users navigate common issues. Opportunities exist in tech companies, IT service firms, and specialized support centers, with roles varying from general support to specialized technical expertise.
10. Customer Service Representative ($18.87 per hour)
Expected Earnings: $65,913 per year
Experience Level Needed: High school diploma or equivalent, relevant work experience.
Customer service representatives are the frontline support for customers, handling inquiries, and complaints, and providing information about products and services. They work in a variety of industries, including retail, telecommunications, finance, and more. Representatives communicate with customers by phone, email, or in person, striving to resolve issues promptly and effectively. The role requires strong communication skills, patience, and the ability to work well under pressure. Jobs are available in call centers, customer service departments, and retail environments, with opportunities for advancement into supervisory roles.
11. Travel Agent ($18.70 per hour)
Expected Earnings: $56,918 per year
Experience Level Needed: High school diploma or equivalent.
Travel agents assist clients in planning and booking their travel itineraries, including flights, accommodations, and activities. They provide expert advice on destinations, travel routes, and visa requirements. Agents work with a variety of travel suppliers to secure the best deals for their clients. They also handle cancellations and changes, ensuring a smooth travel experience. Travel agents can work for travel agencies, tour operators, or as independent consultants. The job involves staying updated on travel trends and regulations, with positions available both in traditional office settings and online platforms.
12. Call Center Agent ($17.80 per hour)
Expected Earnings: $38,204 per year
Experience Level Needed: High school diploma or equivalent, relevant work experience.
Call center agents are responsible for handling customer calls, providing support, and resolving issues. They may work in inbound or outbound call centers, dealing with inquiries ranging from billing questions to technical support. Agents must be able to quickly assess the nature of a call and provide accurate and efficient solutions. The job requires strong communication skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Call center positions are available in various industries, including telecommunications, finance, healthcare, and retail.
13. Concierge ($17.64 per hour)
Expected Earnings: $47,725 per year and $80 in tips per day
Experience Level Needed: Relevant industry experience and previous hotel or hospitality experience are preferred.
Concierges provide personalized service to guests, offering assistance with reservations, directions, and recommendations for local attractions. They work in hotels, luxury residences, and sometimes high-end office buildings. The role involves being knowledgeable about the local area and having a network of contacts to arrange special requests. Concierges must have excellent customer service skills and the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. The job can include a variety of services, from arranging transportation to booking event tickets, making it diverse and engaging.
14. Bank Teller ($17.36 per hour)
Expected Earnings: $34,727 per year
Experience Level Needed: Customer service experience. 1+ month of on-the-job training is generally given to new employees.
Bank tellers are responsible for processing financial transactions for customers, such as deposits, withdrawals, and money transfers. They also provide information about bank products and services and assist with account inquiries. Tellers must handle cash accurately and securely, maintaining a high level of customer service. The role requires attention to detail and excellent communication skills. Bank tellers typically work in banks and credit unions, with opportunities for advancement into other financial services roles.
15. Restaurant Server ($17.15 per hour)
Expected Earnings: $49,110 per year plus $100/day tips
Experience Level Needed: Customer service experience.
Restaurant servers take orders, serve food and beverages, and ensure that customers have an enjoyable dining experience. They work in a variety of dining establishments, from casual cafes to fine dining restaurants. Servers must be attentive to customer needs, knowledgeable about menu items, and capable of handling special requests. The job often involves working in a fast-paced environment and requires strong interpersonal skills. Servers also handle billing and payments, making accurate order-taking and cash-handling important aspects of the role.
16. Beauty Consultant ($16.47 per hour)
Expected Earnings: $38,237 per year plus $3,750/year commission
Experience Level Needed: High school diploma or GED, completion of cosmetology or aesthetician program, consulting experience.
Beauty consultants provide expert advice on skincare, makeup, and beauty products, often working in retail stores or salons. They assist customers in selecting products that suit their needs and demonstrate how to use them. Consultants stay updated on the latest beauty trends and products, offering personalized recommendations. The role requires excellent customer service and communication skills, as well as a passion for beauty and wellness. Opportunities can be found in department stores, specialty beauty shops, and cosmetic counters.
17. Hotel Front Desk Agent ($16.34 per hour)
Expected Earnings: $33,139 per year
Experience Level Needed: At least one year in the hospitality industry, high school diploma or equivalent.
Front desk agents are the first point of contact for hotel guests, handling check-ins, check-outs, and guest inquiries. They manage reservations, assign rooms, and provide information about hotel amenities and local attractions. The role requires strong organizational skills and the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. Front desk agents must also handle customer complaints and requests with professionalism and efficiency. Opportunities are available in hotels, resorts, and other lodging establishments, with potential for advancement into management roles.
18. Personal Shopper ($15.60 per hour)
Expected Earnings: $65,078 per year
Experience Level Needed: No formal training is needed, but networking and sales experience are preferred.
Personal shoppers assist clients in making purchasing decisions, offering tailored shopping advice and services. They may work for department stores, boutiques, or as independent consultants. Personal shoppers need a keen eye for fashion and trends, as well as strong interpersonal skills to understand clients’ preferences and needs. The role involves selecting items, providing style recommendations, and sometimes delivering products to clients. Personal shoppers often build long-term relationships with clients, providing ongoing style advice and shopping assistance.
19. Sales Associate ($15.22 per hour)
Expected Earnings: $60,513 per year + $6,000 commission per year
Experience Level Needed: Experience in sales or customer service.
Sales associates work in retail settings, helping customers find and purchase products. They provide product information, answer questions, and assist with fitting or demonstration. Sales associates also handle transactions, manage inventory, and maintain the store’s appearance. The role requires excellent customer service skills and a friendly, approachable demeanor. Sales associates may specialize in specific product categories, such as electronics, fashion, or home goods. Opportunities are available in a wide range of retail environments, from small specialty shops to large department stores.
20. Barista ($15.21 per hour)
Expected Earnings: $35,588 per year plus $20/day in tips
Experience Level Needed: Some employers offer on-the-job training, while others require up to a year of prior barista experience.
Baristas prepare and serve coffee, tea, and other beverages in cafes and coffee shops. They must be knowledgeable about different coffee blends and brewing methods, often creating custom drinks for customers. Baristas also handle cash transactions, maintain cleanliness, and restock supplies. The role requires strong customer service skills and the ability to work efficiently in a busy environment
Wrapping Up
Consumer services offer diverse career paths with substantial earning potential. Whether you’re interested in customer-facing roles like Real Estate Agent or behind-the-scenes positions such as Technical Support Specialist, there’s a job to suit every skill set. These careers not only provide financial stability but also the satisfaction of helping others. As you explore these options, consider what aligns best with your interests and experience. With the right skills and dedication, you can thrive in this dynamic field.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I determine if a career in consumer services is right for me?
Consider your strengths and interests, such as communication, problem-solving, and a desire to help others. Research different roles, the required skills, and typical work environments to find a good fit.
What are the benefits of working in consumer services?
Jobs in consumer services often offer flexibility, opportunities for advancement, and the satisfaction of helping people. Many roles also provide valuable customer interaction and the chance to develop strong interpersonal skills.
Do consumer services jobs typically require specific qualifications or certifications?
Requirements vary by role. Some positions may require specific certifications or licenses, while others value relevant experience or on-the-job training. It’s essential to research the qualifications needed for your desired career path.