Customer service specialist salary around the world

Customer service specialist salary in 5 countries worldwide

1. Philippines
2. India
3. USA
4. Canada
5. Australia

Business process outsourcing (BPO) is growing fast. Customer service specialists are among the main outsourced role that helps businesses provide exceptional customer support.

If you are a business owner, you know how important it is to have excellent customer service. It can make or break the way your business operates. It’s more than just answering customers’ inquiries. 

A customer service specialist (CSS) is the first point of contact for customers and clients when they need assistance or answers to their queries.

CSS is also a great career opportunity for those seeking a career that offers various ways to assist others.

Let’s take a look at the customer service specialist salaries in the Philippines, India, USA, Canada, and Australia. Businesses looking to outsource and job seekers may take note of these five countries for reference.

Top global outsourcing lists

Outsource Accelerator is the world’s leading outsourcing marketplace and advisory. We list over 3,000 BPO firms located across the globe in our global directory, and we provide detailed information, price guides, and reviews.

Whether you’re a solopreneur, SME owner, or a corporate executive, we can help you find the most suitable outsourcing provider for your business.

Explore our outsourcing directory now. You may also check out our Top BPO Outsourcing lists per country here:

• Top 30 BPO Companies in India
• Top 40 South African BPO companies
• Top 30 BPO Companies in Canada
• Top 30 BPO companies in the USA
• Top 20 BPO Companies in Puerto Rico
• Top 40 BPO Companies in London
• Top 25 BPO Companies in El Salvador
• Top 30 BPO Companies in Jamaica
• Top 30 BPO Companies in Brazil
• Top 30 BPO Companies in Poland
• Top 40 BPO Companies in Europe
• Top 30 BPO companies in Costa Rica 
• Top 25 BPO companies in Malaysia
• Top 20 BPO companies in Uruguay
• Top 25 BPO Companies in Spain
• Top 30 BPO companies in France
• Top 15 BPO Companies in Albania
• Top 20 BPO Companies in Ghana
• Top 20 BPO Companies in Indonesia
• Top 40 nearshore BPO companies
• Top 20 BPO companies in Chicago
• Top 20 BPO companies in Mexico
• Top 20 BPO Companies in East Asia
• Top 20 BPO companies worldwide
• Top 20 BPO Companies in the UK
• Top 25 BPO Companies in Romania
• Top 20 BPO Companies in Colombia
• Top 30 BPO Companies in Honduras
• Top 20 BPO companies in Fiji
• Top 30 BPO companies in Germany
• Top 20 BPO companies in Washington
• Top 20 BPO Companies in Australia
• Top 20 BPO companies in Los Angeles
• Top 20 BPO Companies in New York
• Top 20 BPO companies in Guatemala
• Top 25 BPO companies in Pakistan
• Top 20 BPO companies in Vietnam
• Top 20 BPO companies in Sri Lanka

The roles of a customer service specialist 

The role of a customer service specialist (CSS) varies depending on the size of the organization they work for and on which BPO function they operate.

Some BPO companies will let the CSS handle all incoming calls and inquiries from customers and clients. Others may split responsibilities among employees working in a customer service department.

CSS responsibilities include offering consumers product and service information, assisting with invoicing concerns, and resolving customer complaints or problems as they emerge.

Customer service specialists might also be asked to assist in developing innovative solutions to reoccurring problems to prevent them from happening again in the future. They are also in charge of cultivating customer connections to improve customer loyalty.

Typical customer service specialist duties and responsibilities include:

• Addressing client feedback, recommendations, grievances, and concerns
• Ensuring client satisfaction
• Giving clients information about the mission and vision of the business
• Updating client records and data as necessary
• Taking into account or elevating more complicated issues
• Contacting clients who have made purchases or visited the company’s website
• Keeping an eye on and responding to social media platforms

Customer service representative vs. Customer service specialist

The distinction between customer service representatives and customer service specialists is that the former represents the business and deals with general inquiries and issues.

Meanwhile, a customer service specialist addresses more serious client concerns, grievances, and complaints, including difficult clients.

Where to look for customer service specialist jobs

Customer service specialists work for a range of businesses and sectors, including:

• Financial firms
• Telecommunications companies
• Insurance firms
• Retailers
• Travel companies
• Hospitality sector
• Educational institutions

Searching on job hiring platforms like Indeed or LinkedIn is the easiest approach to hiring a customer service specialist or applying as a job seeker.

You may also go through staffing or outsourcing firms like Outsource Accelerator, focusing on placing customer service workers, or directly visit corporate websites.

Moreover, the position’s name might also vary depending on the organization. CSS may be referred to as: 

• Customer success specialist
• Customer care professional
• Customer experience specialist

Comparing customer service specialist salaries in 5 countries worldwide

For businesses, it’s important to know about the customer service specialist salary structure. This allows them to plan and budget for the costs of hiring and retaining staff in their firm.

It will also help them determine the best way to allocate resources and ensure they are getting value for their investment.

Knowing about the customer service specialist salary structure for job seekers can help them determine if the role is a good fit for them.

The salary structure can help them gauge the value of their skills and knowledge and negotiate for a fair, reasonable salary.

Now, here is the list of customer service specialist salaries in the following countries:

1. Philippines

According to Nexford University’s report, every year, the BPO sector in the Philippines adds close to $30 billion to the national economy. It estimates that 1.3 million Filipinos worked for more than 1000 BPO firms in 2019, and that number is increasing by 8–10% annually. 

Additionally, the report estimates that the country accounts for 10% to 15% of the worldwide BPO business.

2. India

India is a popular outsourcing location because of its:

• Extensive young population
• Strong command of the English language
• Historical ties to the UK
• Low cost of living

One of the popular services offered by the Indian BPO industry is customer service.

In addition, many Indian BPO firms are also renowned for providing top-notch IT services. India remains as the preferred destination for outsourcing IT infrastructure and software development.

3. USA

The United States has a thriving domestic outsourcing business. According to Statista’s most recent data, revenue in the US business process outsourcing market is expected to reach US$129.70 billion in 2023.

This proves that US corporations don’t need to look very far because they can outsource customer service and other BPO roles to their own nation.

4. Canada

Canada is popular for its beautiful landscapes, friendly locals, and other unique cultural practices. 

In terms of outsourcing, TDS Global Solutions claims that Canada is a desirable site for business process outsourcing because of its:

• Strong infrastructure
• Innovative technology
• Stable economy
• High-quality education system

5. Australia

Australian professionals appear to be able to combine a relaxed work environment with a strong emphasis on diligent efforts that yields results. As a major trading partner, the country is also the fourth-best performing economy in the Pacific Rim.

Moreover, BPO companies in Australia offer business solutions, specifically customer service roles, to organizations worldwide.