Sales
Counter and Rental Clerks
Also called: Counter Clerk, Counter Service Representative, Leasing Consultant, Rental Agent
US median pay
$41,300
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+3%
about average or slower
Openings a year (US)
46,100
409,400 employed
Typical entry education
No formal educational credential
Preparation 2/5 · Some preparation
What this job is
Receive orders, generally in person, for repairs, rentals, and services. May describe available options, compute cost, and accept payment.
What they do day to day
- Compute charges for merchandise or services and receive payments.
- Receive orders for services, such as rentals, repairs, dry cleaning, and storage.
- Explain rental fees, policies, and procedures.
- Provide information about rental items, such as availability, operation, or description.
- Advise customers on use and care of merchandise.
- Greet customers and discuss the type, quality, and quantity of merchandise sought for rental.
- Answer telephones to provide information and receive orders.
- Inspect and adjust rental items to meet needs of customer.
- Prepare rental forms, obtaining customer signature and other information, such as required licenses.
- Rent items, arrange for provision of services to customers, and accept returns.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Service Orientation3.4/5
- Social Perceptiveness3.1/5
- Time Management3.0/5
- Coordination3.0/5
- Persuasion2.9/5
- Negotiation2.9/5
- Judgment and Decision Making2.9/5
- Complex Problem Solving2.8/5
Knowledge
- Customer and Personal Service4.5/5
- English Language3.7/5
- Administrative3.5/5
- Sales and Marketing3.4/5
- Administration and Management3.0/5
- Mathematics3.0/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 2 of 5 — Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma; some previous work experience or training helps.
Typical entry education (BLS): No formal educational credential.
Highest education of people in this job:
- High school diploma56%
- Bachelor's degree20%
- Some college13%
Who this job suits
Mostly Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Enterprising
Leading, persuading and starting things
Social
Helping, teaching and caring for people
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.