Will AI replace counter and rental clerks?AI replacement risk 54% and how the work is changing

United States Retail Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay

$41,300

25th–75th pct. $35,630–$50,190

Top pay (est.)

$85,000

Top 10% $65,370

Pay in 5 years

$47,500est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

$54,600est.

$47,000–$63,400

Outlook score

44/100

★★☆☆☆ Below average

AI replacement risk

54%

Moderate

Job growth (10 yr)

+3.0%

46K openings / yr

Will AI replace Counter and Rental Clerks? AI replacement risk

54%

Moderate

Ranked #573 safest from AI among all U.S. occupations

Very lowLowModerateHighVery high

How AI is changing this job

A written analysis for this occupation is being prepared.

AI replacement risk compares the parts of a job that are easy to hand to AI or software (processing information, documentation, repetitive computer work) with the parts that are hard to automate (physical work, working closely with people, judgment in unpredictable settings), using O*NET work activities, work context, skills and knowledge. The result is a relative position among all occupations in the country, scaled to 0–100%. Methodology →

Skills, education and requirements for Counter and Rental Clerks

Key skills

Service Orientation

3.2

Reading Comprehension

3.1

Active Listening

3.1

Coordination

3.0

Speaking

3.0

Writing

3.0

Persuasion

2.9

Social Perceptiveness

2.9

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Customer and Personal Service

4.4

Administrative

3.9

Sales and Marketing

3.5

Administration and Management

3.5

Computers and Electronics

3.0

English Language

3.0

Transportation

2.5

Mathematics

2.4

What the work involves

Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicHandling and Moving ObjectsEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsProcessing InformationOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesGetting Information

Important abilities

Oral ComprehensionOral ExpressionSpeech RecognitionSpeech ClarityNear VisionWritten Comprehension

Education of workers

High school diploma

56%

Bachelor's degree

20%

Some college

13%

Associate's degree

Training before entry

Up to 1 month

34%

None / short demo

32%

3–6 months

12%

6–12 months

Over 10 years

2–4 years

1–3 months

Related work experience

None

38%

6–12 months

18%

1–2 years

14%

2–4 years

11%

Up to 1 month

3–6 months

1–3 months

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	Retail Salespersons Sell merchandise, such as furniture, motor vehicles, appliances, or apparel to consumers.	$35,410	40/100	39%
2	Cashiers Receive and disburse money in establishments other than financial institutions.	$32,880	32/100	49%
3	First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers Directly supervise and coordinate activities of retail sales workers in an establishment or department.	$48,520	38/100	46%
4	Parts Salespersons Sell spare and replacement parts and equipment in repair shop or parts store.	$38,630	47/100	44%
5	First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers Directly supervise and coordinate activities of sales workers other than retail sales workers.	$87,520	51/100	62%
6	Gambling Change Persons and Booth Cashiers Exchange coins, tokens, and chips for patrons' money.	$36,220	36/100	51%

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data

Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.