How to become counter and rental clerkseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

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

How to become counter and rental clerks

Typical education

No formal educational credential

BLS

Related experience

None

On-the-job training

Short-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

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)

Career path and how to earn more as counter and rental clerks

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

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.