Service coordinators work in a diverse variety of industries. They act as the go-between for customers and clients, and also for the workers who provide the needed services. Job titles can vary, as do requirements for education and experience. Service industries are the mainstay of the U.S. economy, as many tech and manufacturing jobs have gone overseas. There are plenty of opportunities for service coordinators. Is one of them right for you?

Job Description

The service coordinator job description depends on the nature of the organization and on the type of services offered. First, the service coordinator job responsibilities must start with a thorough knowledge of services that the organization or that third-party vendors provide. It's essential to be up-to-date on services that are introduced or discontinued. Service coordinators evaluate the needs of customers and clients, and they may make recommendations to management for new services or improvements to existing services. They match customers and clients to services, and they follow up to make sure that appropriate services were provided. Service coordinators respond to any issues that occur during delivery of services, and they also work toward resolution of any issues.

Education Requirements

Education requirements depend on the employer and also on the service coordinator role. Some employers may prefer, or even require, that a service coordinator has a college degree related to the services being provided. This is especially true in health care and social services. At a minimum, service coordinators should know how to use standard office equipment, including printers, copiers, fax machines and multi-line telephones. They should be proficient with the Microsoft Office Suite, including the Word and Excel programs, and should demonstrate an ability to learn to use any specialized software required for record keeping and any services her employer needs coordinated. Because working as a service coordinator is specific to an industry, many companies provide training in-house or by sending employees to specialized training programs.

Work Environment

Service coordinators work in social services settings, hospitals, healthcare centers, retirement homes and assisted living facilities, repair centers, government agencies and private industries. Most work in an office setting as part of a team that can include service providers, salespeople, administrative support personnel and other service coordinators. A field coordinator works on-site for routine services such as installation, maintenance and repair. Opportunities exist in some settings for part-time and shift work.

Salary and Job Outlook

The average salary for a service coordinator is $40,108 annually, or $16.47 per hour. Salaries can vary considerably according to industry, geographic location, education, experience and skills. A resident services coordinator working in an assisted living facility, a school or any other residential care facility, earns an average of $40,116 per year, in line with the average for all categories of service coordinator. Customer service coordinators earn an average of $36,051 annually. A field coordinator earns an annual salary in the range of $80,007 to $101,535.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) tracks data and makes projections for all civilian occupations. Because the service coordinator role varies by industry, there is limited data for specific categories. In general, jobs for service coordinators are expected to increase by about 10 percent through 2026, a rate considered faster than average, when compared to all other jobs.