Occupation AtlasCounter and Rental Clerks
O*NET · 41-2021.00
Counter and Rental Clerks
Receive orders, generally in person, for repairs, rentals, and services. May describe available options, compute cost, and accept payment.
82 more
Bicycle Rental Clerk · Boat Rental Clerk · Boats Renter · Car Rental Agent · Check Out Clerk · Clerk Cashier · Clock Repair Clerk · Counter Attendant · Counter Checker · Counter Clerk · Counter Helper · Counter Person · Counter Sales Associate · Counter Sales Rep · Counter Sales Representative (Counter Sales Rep) · Counter Salesperson · Counter Service Representative · Coupon Redemption Clerk · Curb Attendant · Desk Attendant · Desk Greeter · Dry Cleaners Counter Clerk · Dry Cleaning Attendant · Dry Cleaning Counter Clerk · Equipment Associate · Equipment Rental Clerk · Equipment Rental Specialist · Exchange Clerk · Food Sales Clerk · Fur Storage Clerk · Furniture Rental Consultant · Hospital Television Rental Clerk · Instant Return Rep · Instant Return Representative (Instant Return Rep) · Laundry Clerk · Laundry Counter Clerk · Laundry Pricing Clerk · Layaway Clerk · Leasing Consultant · Office Rental Clerk · Parts Counter Associate · Parts Counter Rep · Parts Counter Representative (Parts Counter Rep) · Photo Booth Operator · Photo Booth Renter · Rental Agent · Rental Assistant · Rental Associate · Rental Boats Caretaker · Rental Clerk · Rental Coordinator · Rental Counter Clerk · Rental Representative · Rental Sales Agent · Rental Sales Associate · Rental Sales Representative · Rental Specialist · Repair Clerk · Return Agent · Returns Associate · Returns Clerk · Returns Coordinator · Rug Measurer · Self Storage Manager · Service Establishment Attendant · Service Writer · Shoe Clerk · Skate Shop Attendant · Storage CS Rep · Storage CS Rep (Storage Customer Service Representative) · Storage Facility Rental Clerk · Store Associate · Tool Rental Clerk · Trailer Rental Clerk · Vehicle Return Associate · Video Clerk · Video Rental Clerk · Watch Repair Clerk · Wheelchair Agent · Wheelchair Rental Clerk · Will Call Clerk · Will Call Order Clerk
Compare with another occupationCompare with Cargo and Freight Agents
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed
Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
CESConventional · Enterprising · Social — the three strongest interests, in order
- C Conventional5.90
- E Enterprising3.86
- S Social3.30
- R Realistic3.17
- A Artistic1.27
- I Investigative1.00
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- None (38%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- Up to and including 1 month (34%)
- On-the-job training
- Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month (35%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 3.8Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
- Service OrientationImportance 3.4Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
- SpeakingbasicImportance 3.4Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 3.3Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.1Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Determine whether a subordinate has a good excuse for being late
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.1Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
- CoordinationImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
- WritingbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
- MonitoringbasicImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
- Time ManagementImportance 3.0Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
- NegotiationImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
- PersuasionImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
Show the other 23
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 2.9Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 2.8Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
- Active LearningbasicImportance 2.8Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
- InstructingImportance 2.5Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 2.4Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
- Operations MonitoringImportance 2.4Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
- MathematicsbasicImportance 2.3Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 2.1Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
- Operation and ControlImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
- Systems AnalysisImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
- Systems EvaluationImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 1.6Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
- TroubleshootingImportance 1.6Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.6Level 0.8
- Technology DesignImportance 1.6Level 0.8
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.6Level 0.6
- RepairingImportance 1.6Level 0.6
- ProgrammingImportance 1.4Level 0.5
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
- Operations AnalysisImportance 1.0Level —
- SciencebasicImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
15 core · 1 supplementalWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Compute charges for merchandise or services and receive payments.Importance 4.7
- Greet customers and discuss the type, quality, and quantity of merchandise sought for rental.Importance 4.4
- Explain rental fees, policies, and procedures.Importance 4.4
- Receive orders for services, such as rentals, repairs, dry cleaning, and storage.Importance 4.4
- Provide information about rental items, such as availability, operation, or description.Importance 4.4
- Advise customers on use and care of merchandise.Importance 4.4
- Answer telephones to provide information and receive orders.Importance 4.3
- Prepare rental forms, obtaining customer signature and other information, such as required licenses.Importance 4.2
- Inspect and adjust rental items to meet needs of customer.Importance 4.2
- Rent items, arrange for provision of services to customers, and accept returns.Importance 4.2
- Keep records of transactions and of the number of customers entering an establishment.Importance 4.1
- Receive, examine, and tag articles to be altered, cleaned, stored, or repaired.Importance 4.1
Show the other 4
- Reserve items for requested times and keep records of items rented.Importance 4.0
- Prepare merchandise for display or for purchase or rental.Importance 3.8
- Recommend and provide advice on a wide variety of products and services.Importance 3.7
- Allocate equipment to participants in sporting events or recreational activities.Importance 3.3
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 4.5Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
- English LanguageImportance 3.7Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
- AdministrativeImportance 3.5Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
- Sales and MarketingImportance 3.4Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Introduce clients to a new line of products
- Administration and ManagementImportance 3.1Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
- MathematicsImportance 3.0Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Add two numbers
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 2.7Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
- TransportationImportance 2.7Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
Show all 33
- Production and ProcessingImportance 2.5Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 2.5Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
- Communications and MediaImportance 2.4Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
- Economics and AccountingImportance 2.3Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
- Education and TrainingImportance 2.3Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Show someone how to bowl
- TelecommunicationsImportance 2.2Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.1Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
- PsychologyImportance 2.1Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
- DesignImportance 1.9Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
- GeographyImportance 1.9Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
- Law and GovernmentImportance 1.8Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
- MechanicalImportance 1.8Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 1.7Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
- ChemistryImportance 1.6Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
- Foreign LanguageImportance 1.6Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.6Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.4Level —
- Food ProductionImportance 1.4Level —
- Fine ArtsImportance 1.3Level 0.6Level 1 looks like: Attend a popular music concert
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.3Level 0.5Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
- PhysicsImportance 1.3Level 0.6Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 1.3Level —
- BiologyImportance 1.2Level —
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.2Level —
- History and ArcheologyImportance 1.1Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Oral ExpressionImportance 3.9Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- Speech ClarityImportance 3.6Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
- Speech RecognitionImportance 3.6Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
- Near VisionImportance 3.4Level 3.1Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
- Written ComprehensionImportance 3.3Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
- Information OrderingImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
- Problem SensitivityImportance 3.1Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Recognize that an unplugged lamp won't work
Show all 52
- Selective AttentionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
- Written ExpressionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
- Far VisionImportance 2.9Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 2.9Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
- Number FacilityImportance 2.9Level 2.8Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
- Category FlexibilityImportance 2.8Level 2.9Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 2.8Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.8Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 2.6Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 2.6Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
- Control PrecisionImportance 2.4Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
- Finger DexterityImportance 2.4Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
- MemorizationImportance 2.4Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 2.4Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
- Trunk StrengthImportance 2.4Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
- Auditory AttentionImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
- OriginalityImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 2.1Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
- Speed of ClosureImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- Time SharingImportance 2.1Level 2.6Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 2.1Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
- Depth PerceptionImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 2.0Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 2.0Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 2.0Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
- Manual DexterityImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
- Rate ControlImportance 2.0Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
- Reaction TimeImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
- Response OrientationImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
- StaminaImportance 2.0Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
- Static StrengthImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
- VisualizationImportance 2.0Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.6Level 0.9
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.6Level 0.6
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.5Level 0.6
- Night VisionImportance 1.5Level 0.8
- Spatial OrientationImportance 1.5Level 0.8
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.5Level 0.5
- Explosive StrengthImportance 1.4Level 0.5
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 4.4Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 4.2Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
- Processing InformationImportance 4.1Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 3.8Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 3.8Level 2.8
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 3.8Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
- Working with ComputersImportance 3.7Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 3.5Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Make a sales pitch to convince others to buy a product
Show all 41
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 3.4Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
- Getting InformationImportance 3.4Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 3.4Level 2.8
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 3.4Level 2.8
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 3.4Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 3.3Level 2.9
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 3.2Level 2.7
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 3.2Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.2Level 2.6
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 3.2Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 3.2Level 2.7
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 3.0Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Skim a short article to gather the main point
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 3.0Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Plan the holiday schedule for an airline workforce
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 3.0Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 3.0Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Interpret a blood pressure reading
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 3.0Level 2.6
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 3.0Level 2.9
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 2.9Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 2.9Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 2.9Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Keep up with price changes in a small retail store
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 2.8Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 2.8Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Review forms for completeness
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 2.7Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 2.7Level 2.9
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 2.7Level 2.6
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 2.7Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 2.6Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 2.5Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 2.5Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that requires little advising of others
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 2.5Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 2.4Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Make appointments for patients using a predetermined schedule
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 2.1Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
8 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
In demand (3)
- Microsoft Excelhot
- Microsoft Office softwarehot
- Microsoft Outlookhot
Hot (3; 3 more marked hot above)
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
- Oracle Database
Other tools (2)
- Database software
- Inventory management systems
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
Cargo and Freight Agents
Average difference 0.2 points · Operations Analysis +1.0, Quality Control Analysis +0.7
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Driver/Sales Workers
Average difference 0.2 points · Operation and Control +0.8, Equipment Selection −0.6
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Baggage Porters and Bellhops
Average difference 0.2 points · Negotiation −0.6, Persuasion −0.6
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Office Clerks, General
Average difference 0.2 points · Equipment Maintenance −0.6, Equipment Selection −0.6
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Tellers
Average difference 0.2 points · Mathematics +0.7, Equipment Maintenance −0.6
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks
Average difference 0.2 points · Service Orientation −0.8, Active Listening −0.7
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Bartenders
Average difference 0.2 points · Learning Strategies +0.8, Quality Control Analysis +0.7
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Gambling Change Persons and Booth Cashiers
Average difference 0.2 points · Active Learning −0.8, Active Listening −0.8
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.