Customer Service Representative Salary in USA 2025
Remote work, call center, and career advancement
Average CSR Compensation
How Much Do Customer Service Representatives Earn in 2025?
Customer service representatives are customer-facing professionals who interact with customers to handle inquiries, resolve complaints, process orders, and provide product/service information via phone, email, chat, or in-person.
2025 customer service representative salaries show accessible entry-level compensation: average $19.39/hour ($40,331 annually), with entry-level at $10.56/hour ($21,965) and top performers earning $35.60/hour ($74,048).
Remote work offers significant opportunity—remote call center representatives earn $37,257 average annually ($18/hour), providing work-from-home flexibility for this high-demand role. Location variation is significant: San Francisco remote CSRs earn $44,471 versus $32,000 in lower-cost markets. Specialized support roles command premiums. For context, see the average salary in the US and remote job salary guide.
Customer Service Representative Salary: Hourly and Annual
Comprehensive compensation breakdown:
| Percentile/Level | Hourly Rate | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Top 10% (Indeed) | $35.60 | $74,048 |
| Top 10% (Remote) | $22 | $46,000 |
| 75th Percentile (Remote) | $19 | $40,000 |
| Average (Indeed) | $19.39 | $40,331 |
| Average (Remote) | $18 | $37,257 |
| 25th Percentile (Remote) | $15 | $32,000 |
| Low Range (Indeed) | $10.56 | $21,965 |
Indeed National Data (All CSR Positions)
Average hourly rate: $19.39
Annual equivalent: $40,331 (based on 2,080 hours/year)
Range: $10.56/hour (10th percentile) to $35.60/hour (90th percentile)
Data based on 183,700+ salaries from job postings over 36 months.
Remote Call Center Representative Data
Average annual: $37,257
Average hourly: $18
Top earners (90th percentile): $46,000/year ($22/hour)
25th percentile: $32,000/year ($15/hour)
Use our hourly to annual salary calculator to convert rates.
Remote vs. In-Office Customer Service Salary
| Factor | Remote CSR | In-Office CSR |
|---|---|---|
| Average Hourly | $18 | $19.39 |
| Average Annual | $37,257 | $40,331 |
| Benefits | Often limited (contract) | Usually full (healthcare, PTO) |
| Commute Savings | $3K–$5K/year | None |
| Flexibility | Moderate to high | Low |
| Competition | Very high (global) | Moderate (local) |
Remote Customer Service Positions
Average: $37,257 annually ($18/hour)
Advantages: No commute (save $3,000–$5,000/year), flexible scheduling (some positions), work from anywhere, lower overhead costs.
Requirements: Reliable high-speed internet, quiet workspace, own equipment (computer, headset).
In-Office/Traditional Call Center
Average: $19.39/hour ($40,331 annually)—slightly higher than remote
Advantages: Full-time benefits (healthcare, PTO), social interaction, provided equipment, structured environment.
Why slightly higher: Full-time employees with benefits, higher-cost locations typically have physical offices.
Customer Service Salary by Location
Top-paying cities for remote CSRs:
| City | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate | Premium vs National |
|---|---|---|---|
| South San Francisco, CA | $45,961 | $22.10 | +23% |
| Washington, DC | $45,680 | $21.96 | +23% |
| San Leandro, CA | $45,668 | $21.96 | +23% |
| San Francisco, CA | $44,471 | $21.38 | +19% |
| Wilmington, MA | $44,096 | $21.20 | +18% |
| National Average (Remote) | $37,257 | $18 | Baseline |
Why California/DC Pay More
Companies based in high-cost-of-living areas often pay location-based rates. Premium markets pay 18–23% above the national average ($37,257).
Specialized Customer Service Roles and Salaries
Higher-paying specialized CSR positions:
| Specialized Role | Annual Salary | Premium vs Base CSR |
|---|---|---|
| Call Center Operations Manager | $73,687 | +98% |
| Remote Call Center Nurse | $71,091 | +91% |
| Remote Call Center Supervisor | $63,834 | +71% |
| Call Center Training Specialist | $51,453 | +38% |
| Senior CSR | $47,994 | +29% |
| Standard Remote CSR | $37,257 | Baseline |
Call Center Operations Manager
Salary: $73,687 ($35.43/hour)—+98% versus standard CSR
Focus: Team supervision, operations oversight, performance metrics.
Remote Call Center Supervisor
Salary: $63,834 ($30.69/hour)—+71% versus standard CSR
Focus: Team leadership, quality assurance, coaching.
What Customer Service Representatives Do: Role and Responsibilities
Core Responsibilities
Answering customer inquiries via phone/email/chat, resolving complaints and issues, processing orders and returns, providing product/service information, documenting interactions in CRM systems, escalating complex issues, and meeting performance metrics (call time, resolution rate, customer satisfaction).
Required Skills
Communication (verbal and written), problem-solving, patience and empathy, active listening, product knowledge, multitasking, computer proficiency, and conflict resolution.
Essential Tools
CRM software (Salesforce, Zendesk), helpdesk platforms, phone systems, knowledge bases, and ticketing systems.
Career Advancement from Customer Service
| Career Stage | Position | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | CSR | $37,257 |
| Advancement | Senior CSR | $47,994 |
| Supervisory | Supervisor | $63,834 |
| Management | Operations Manager | $73,687 |
Immediate Advancement (1–3 years)
Senior CSR: $47,994 (+29%)
Team Lead: $45,000–$55,000
Supervisory Roles (3–5 years)
Call Center Supervisor: $63,834 (+71%)
Training Specialist: $51,453 (+38%)
Lateral Transitions
Sales Representative: $45,000–$65,000 + commission
Account Manager: $55,000–$75,000
Customer Success Manager: $60,000–$85,000
How to Increase Your Customer Service Salary
Advance to Senior/Specialist
Senior CSRs earn $47,994 versus $37,257 base (+29%).
Move into Supervision
Supervisors earn $63,834 (+71%).
Target High-Paying Locations
SF Bay Area pays $44K–$46K versus $37K national (+18–23%).
Transition to Management
Operations managers earn $73,687 (+98%).
Develop Specialized Skills
Technical support and healthcare support command premiums.
Transition to Sales/Account Management
Higher earning potential with commission structures.
See our salary negotiation guide for strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average customer service representative salary in 2025?
Customer service representatives earn $19.39/hour ($40,331 annually) on average according to Indeed data. Entry-level earns $10.56/hour ($22K), average $19.39/hour ($40K), and top 10% earn $35.60/hour ($74K).
How much do remote customer service reps make?
Remote call center representatives earn $37,257 average annually ($18/hour). Top earners (90th percentile) make $46,000/year ($22/hour), while 25th percentile earns $32,000/year ($15/hour). California and DC markets pay 18–23% above national average.
Do call center supervisors make good money?
Yes. Call center supervisors earn $63,834 annually ($30.69/hour), representing a 71% premium over standard CSR positions. Operations managers earn $73,687 (+98%), and training specialists earn $51,453 (+38%).
Which cities pay customer service reps the most?
South San Francisco ($45,961), Washington, DC ($45,680), San Leandro ($45,668), and San Francisco ($44,471) pay the highest for remote CSR positions—18–23% above the $37,257 national average.
Can you make a career out of customer service?
Yes. Clear progression paths exist from CSR ($37K) to Senior CSR ($48K) to Supervisor ($64K) to Operations Manager ($74K)—nearly doubling income over career. Lateral transitions to sales, account management, and customer success offer additional advancement opportunities.