Counter and Rental Clerks
O*NET 41-2021.00 · SOC 41-2021
Counter and Rental Clerk is a solid career choice. Median pay is $41k a year with +3% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 46,100 openings a year. AI exposure: Elevated.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Process rental agreements and collect deposits from customers
- →Explain rental terms, rates, and return policies to customers
- →Inspect returned rental items for damage or missing parts
- →Upsell additional products or services at point of rental
- →Answer customer questions about product availability and pricing
Education & How to Get In
Counter and Rental Clerk roles typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, with most training happening on the job. This makes it one of the more accessible career paths, you can often start working while earning certifications or completing short-term training programs.
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Work Environment
Structured, offices, data centers, or remote
Independent, focused deep work with periodic team check-ins
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Counter and Rental Clerk involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Counter and Rental Clerk?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Counter and Rental Clerk Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Counter and Rental Clerks is projected to grow 3% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·53% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
- ·32% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Counter and Rental Clerk make?
The median Counter and Rental Clerk earns $41k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Counter and Rental Clerk jobs?
Our model puts Counter and Rental Clerk at 55 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is elevated disruption risk. The main drivers: 53% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target; 32% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace.
Is Counter and Rental Clerk a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 3% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 46,100 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Counter and Rental Clerk?
Most Counter and Rental Clerk roles need a high school diploma or equivalent, with training happening on the job. A degree is not the usual route in.
How long does it take to become a Counter and Rental Clerk?
Typically under a year, usually a high school diploma plus short training. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 2 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Counter and Rental Clerk career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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