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Career Profile

Counter and Rental Clerks

What they do:

Receive orders, generally in person, for repairs, rentals, and services. May describe available options, compute cost, and accept payment.

Also Called:

Counter Clerk, Counter Service Representative, Leasing Consultant, Rental Agent, Rental Assistant, Rental Associate, Rental Clerk, Rental Counter Clerk, Rental Sales Representative, Video Clerk, Counter Clerk, Counter Service Representative, Leasing Consultant, Rental Agent, Rental Assistant, Rental Associate, Rental Clerk, Rental Counter Clerk, Rental Sales Representative, Video Clerk

Job Data & Employment

*National data provided by O*NET & BLS
Compare State data      Compare Metro Area Data   
$29,800
Starting Salary (2025)
$41,300
Median Salary (2025)
3.2%
Projected Job Growth
400,810
Employment (2025)

Typical Tasks

Answer telephones to provide information and receive orders.
Compute charges for merchandise or services and receive payments.
Greet customers and discuss the type, quality, and quantity of merchandise sought for rental.
Recommend and provide advice on a wide variety of products and services.
Receive orders for services, such as rentals, repairs, dry cleaning, and storage.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work
Enterprising
Business based Work
Social
Working with people

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Attention to Detail
Dependability
Self-Control
Cooperation
Integrity
Stress Tolerance

What key skills are needed for this job?

Active Listening
Service Orientation
Speaking
Reading Comprehension
Critical Thinking
Social Perceptiveness

Expected Knowledge

Customer and Personal Service

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Administrative

Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.

Common Activities

Performing for or Working Directly with the Public

Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

Documenting/Recording Information

Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Processing Information

Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Education & Preparation

Some occupations may require additional education, advanced degrees, and years of experience in the field.
Talk to your support team on campus about this career pathway and additional degree information.
Job Zone 2

Some Preparation Needed

Education

These occupations usually require a high school diploma.

Experience

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed.

Training

Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Typical Education Required

Education a new hire may need

  • High school diploma 56%
  • Bachelor's degree 20%
  • Some college 13%
  • Associate's degree 9%
  • Less than high school 1%
  • Other 0%
Source: O*NET Education, Training & Experience data

Related Careers

Retail Salespersons
Cashiers
Door-to-Door Sales Workers, News and Street Vendors, and Related Workers
Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel

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*Data on career profiles are based on information supplied by the O*NET Program, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration.