Customer service representative and marketing assistant salaries range across different industries.
Though seemingly unrelated, customer service representative and marketing assistant roles occasionally share similar tasks. While customer service reps handle customer questions and resolve complaints, marketing assistants also track and respond to client inquiries. Marketing assistants, particularly in service-oriented companies, are sometimes responsible for routing customer requests to the appropriate personnel in customer care, training or technical support departments. However, average salaries for customer service agents tend to be lower than marketing assistants due to the higher education and skill level required for entry-level marketing jobs.
Customer Service Representative
As of 2008, customer service representatives held more than 2 million jobs and constituted one of the largest occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Because nearly every industry requires some level of interaction with customers and businesses, customer service reps serve as the first line of contact for customers. They help route and escalate customer complaints, set up and close accounts and research solutions to different problems. Customer service representatives also help customers choose and purchase products and services, as well as process transactions. The average salary for customer service representatives in the United States is $32,780 as of May 2009 BLS figures. A May 2011 Salary.com report states that the average salary for customer service representatives with zero to three years of experience is $30,288 per year.
Marketing Assistant
Similar to customer service representatives, marketing assistants occasionally help customers with questions regarding products and services. They also help update databases that house and manage client information. However, marketing assistants' main function is to assist with different marketing campaigns and initiatives that educate consumers on their company's products and services. Marketing assistants also help plan and coordinate events and create electronic and print materials that increase consumer awareness. The average salary for marketing assistants in the United States is $37,717 as of a May 2011 Salary.com report.
Geography
Average salaries for customer service reps and marketing assistants in the United States vary based on experience level and geography. For example, a May 2011 SalaryExpert report states that the average salaries for marketing associates are $65,709 in Chicago, $54,110 in Miami and $49,823 in Orlando. Marketing associates have similar tasks as marketing assistants. However, these professionals tend to possess between two to five years of work experience and work on larger and more complex projects. According to 2009 BLS figures, customer service workers average $30,300 in Texas, $38,140 in California and $29,800 in Florida.
Potential
Customer service representatives can increase their salary potential by moving into areas such as product development and assuming managerial or supervisory roles. Working in call centers is another way for professionals to transfer into more senior-level and higher-paying roles. Marketing assistants typically ascend the ranks by taking on leadership roles within different projects. By gaining significant work experience and acquiring extensive creative and technology skills, assistants can be promoted to a marketing associate or assistant marketing manager position.
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