Silly question but what is the "service industry"

[SoutherDem]

Growing up I thought of the Service Industry as plumbers, electricians and repair persons people who we assume made a decent income but when I hear the term now it is referring to retail or fast food and are not making a living income.

The technical definition seems to be those who offer an intangible product but in todays economy what is the real definition?

Should we be worried that the US Economy is moving in that direction?

[OldDem2012]

1. Definition of "service industry"....

The service industry starting to rise to prominence with the collapse of the steel industry decades ago.

Here's a good site with good information about the service industry:

Service Industries

QUOTE:

The United States is predominantly a service economy. As of 2008, service jobs accounted for over 80 percent of total U.S. employment, and current trends indicate that this figure will remain steady or increase continuing into the twenty-first century.

[SoutherDem]

3. Thanks for the link

[JVS]

2. You were thinking of what was called "independent tradesmen"