Counter and Rental Clerks: Salary, Job Outlook & How to Become One (2026 Parent Guide)

Counter and Rental Clerks fall under the Sales and Related category in the U.S. occupational classification. Counter and Rental Clerks earn a median salary of $41,300 per year, ranking in the top 87% of all U.S. occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +3.0% job growth through 2035, projected to grow at roughly the US average. Entry into this field typically requires a high school diploma plus on-the-job training, certifications, or postsecondary credentials, with specific licensing or certification depending on the state and employer. For parents whose teenager is exploring this path, the most actionable step is mapping the education requirements to specific colleges and majors before junior year — not waiting until application season.

What do counter and rental clerks earn?

The median annual wage for counter and rental clerks is $41,300. That puts counter and rental clerks at #716 on the BLS ranked list of all U.S. occupations by median pay. This salary is around or below the U.S. median for individual workers, so career growth often depends on advancement into supervisory roles, specialization, or additional credentials. Actual pay varies meaningfully by state, employer type, and years of experience — entry-level salaries are typically 30–40% below the median, while top-decile earners often exceed it by 50% or more.

Is counter and rental clerks a growing career?

The 10-year outlook for counter and rental clerks is +3.0%, projected to grow at roughly the US average. Employment is projected to move from approximately 409K positions in 2024 to 421K in 2034, a net change of 12K. Average growth signals a healthy, resilient occupation that mirrors broader U.S. employment trends. Job availability tends to track regional economic conditions.

What education does my child need to become counter and rental clerk?

Many counter and rental clerks enter the field with a high school diploma plus on-the-job training, though employers increasingly favor candidates with certifications or some postsecondary coursework. For parents helping a teen prepare, the highest-leverage step before junior year is identifying colleges and programs that feed reliably into this occupation — Solyo's college search lets parents filter by major and admissions data side by side.

Related careers your child might also consider

• Demonstrators and Product Promoters
  $39,320 median
• Parts Salespersons
  $38,630 median
• Gambling Change Persons and Booth Cashiers
  $36,220 median
• Telemarketers
  $35,450 median
• Retail Salespersons
  $35,410 median
• Cashiers
  $32,880 median

Common questions parents ask about counter and rental clerks