“Do you have any questions?” might be the motto of customer service, but if you’re thinking about a career (or a switch) in customer service, there’s a bigger question on your mind: How much do these jobs actually pay?
The answer, of course, depends on the industry, the level of experience, and the region in the UK. While customer service roles tend to share some core responsibilities, salaries can vary widely. Below is a breakdown of what you might expect to earn in a range of sectors, with figures based on data from recent salary studies and industry sources.
Salary overview by category Retail & E-commerce
Entry level: £18,000 - £21,000 Experienced: £25,000 - £28,000 Manager: £30,000 - £35,000
Financial Services
Entry level: £20,000 - £25,000 Experienced: £30,000 - £35,000 Manager: £40,000 - £45,000 Telecommunications
Entry level: £18,000 - £22,000 Experienced: £25,000 - £28,000 Manager: £35,000 - £40,000
Hospitality & Travel
Entry level: £18,000 - £22,000 Experienced: £28,000 - £30,000 Manager: £35,000 - £40,000
Utilities & Energy
Entry level: £22,000 - £26,000 Experienced: £30,000 - £35,000 Manager: £40,000 - £45,000
Healthcare
Entry level: £18,000 - £23,000 Experienced: £28,000 - £32,000 Manager: £38,000 - £42,000
These numbers are pulled from UK salary data provided by Reed.co.uk and Glassdoor, which analyse current job postings and industry standards. Let’s take a closer look at how these roles and pay scales differ by industry.
Retail and e-commerce
In retail and e-commerce, customer service is the frontline, where queries about products, orders, and returns are part of the daily routine. Starting salaries here range from £18,000 to £21,000, and with experience, you can expect between £25,000 and £28,000. The digital side of e-commerce may pay a bit higher due to the additional skills often required, such as managing live chats and social media.
Managers in retail and e-commerce generally earn around £30,000 to £35,000, often overseeing teams and refining customer service strategies to meet satisfaction and efficiency goals. Given the competitive nature of online shopping, e-commerce roles are also fast-paced and often come with incentives for meeting performance metrics.
Financial services
Customer service in financial services requires a solid understanding of banking products, regulations, and the ability to handle sensitive financial information. These roles usually start at a higher range, from £20,000 to £25,000. With experience, salaries rise to between £30,000 and £35,000, especially for those who specialise in specific areas, such as credit or investment support.
At the managerial level, salaries can reach £40,000 to £45,000, as team leads in financial services often have to navigate regulatory compliance and ensure adherence to security standards. Employers in this sector also value communication skills that can convey complex terms in a customer-friendly way.
Telecommunications
Customer service in telecommunications is a busy field, with representatives handling high volumes of queries about billing, technical support, and account management. Entry-level positions start around £18,000 to £22,000, while experienced professionals earn between £25,000 and £28,000.
Management roles in telecommunications generally command salaries in the £35,000 to £40,000 range. Often, there are added benefits like free or discounted services, which can increase the total package value. The volume of customer interactions in telecom also means there’s a strong emphasis on speed and accuracy.
Hospitality and travel
Customer service roles in hospitality and travel combine practical knowledge with a people-oriented approach. Employees in these roles assist with bookings, travel arrangements, and handling guest feedback, starting with salaries around £18,000 to £22,000.
With experience, pay in these roles can rise to £28,000 - £30,000, especially if you’re working for well-regarded travel firms or handling specialised bookings. Managers in hospitality and travel typically earn between £35,000 and £40,000, especially in companies focused on high-end travel or VIP clients, where personalisation and problem-solving are valued skills.
Utilities and energy
Working in customer service for utilities and energy companies requires some specialised knowledge—customers often call about complex billing queries, service setups, and issues with utilities like electricity, water, or gas. Because of this, these roles start at a slightly higher salary, generally £22,000 to £26,000 for entry-level positions.
Experienced professionals in this industry earn around £30,000 to £35,000, while managers can expect between £40,000 and £45,000. Utilities customer service roles are often highly structured, with employees trained to follow regulations and resolve issues that are sometimes technical in nature.
Healthcare
Healthcare customer service positions are a bit unique, as they often require sensitivity and confidentiality when dealing with patient-related issues. Entry-level positions start at around £18,000 to £23,000, with experienced roles ranging from £28,000 to £32,000.
Managers in healthcare customer service can expect salaries of £38,000 to £42,000. Because this industry involves both public and private sector employers, there’s some variation in salaries. Those in private healthcare may have higher earning potential, while NHS roles can offer strong job security and benefits.
If you’re eyeing a customer service role, the range of salaries across industries highlights that there’s room for growth and the potential to specialise. Whether you’re looking to start fresh in retail or work up to a managerial role in financial services, understanding industry pay trends helps you plan your career—and know what to expect when those job offers come in.