What Counter and Rental Clerks do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Counter and Rental Clerks this way: "Receive orders, generally in person, for repairs, rentals, and services. May describe available options, compute cost, and accept payment."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Compute charges for merchandise or services and receive payments"; "Prepare merchandise for display or for purchase or rental"; "Recommend and provide advice on a wide variety of products and services"; "Answer telephones to provide information and receive orders"; "Greet customers and discuss the type, quality, and quantity of merchandise sought for rental".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is no formal educational credential. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is short-term on-the-job training.
Job outlook for Counter and Rental Clerks
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 409,400 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 421,900 in 2035, an increase of 12,500 jobs (+3%). That is slower than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 46,100 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 11.3% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $41,300, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Counter and Rental Clerks earn the most
Across the 9 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $36,952 in Texas to $47,547 in Washington, a gap of $10,595 (1.29 times). 6 of those 9 states average above the BLS national median of $41,300 and 3 average at or below it.
California employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 66,520, which is 28.8% of the 231,340 counted across them. Texas follows with 35,720.
Highest-paying states
Washington ($47,547), New Jersey ($47,265) and New York ($46,777) lead the ranking, while Texas ($36,952) and Florida ($37,957) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Counter and Rental Clerks: pay against the cost of living
We compare 11 labor markets, each represented by its most populous county. After federal, Social Security, Medicare and state taxes and the four basics (a one-bedroom rental, food, home energy and gasoline), the largest yearly margin is in Maricopa County, AZ (Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ) at $11,851. The weakest market is Kings County, NY, where the basics cost $2,194 more than take-home pay.
The median wage for this occupation covers all four basics in 8 of the 11 markets and falls short in 3. A one-bedroom apartment takes between 46.7% and 84.6% of take-home pay, depending on the market.
Occupations related to Counter and Rental Clerks
Parts Salespersons belong to the same detailed SOC group. Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (41-2000) include Retail Salespersons and Cashiers.
Frequently asked questions about Counter and Rental Clerks
What is the national median wage for Counter and Rental Clerks?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $41,300. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $36,952 to $47,547.
Which state pays Counter and Rental Clerks the most?
Washington, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $47,547. New Jersey is next at $47,265.
What is the job outlook for Counter and Rental Clerks?
BLS projects employment to grow by 3% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 46,100 openings a year.
What education do Counter and Rental Clerks need?
The typical entry-level education is no formal educational credential and short-term on-the-job training, according to BLS.
Where can Counter and Rental Clerks afford to live best?
Among the markets covered, Maricopa County, AZ leaves the largest yearly margin after taxes, rent, food, energy and gasoline: $11,851 on a median wage of $44,760.