Counter and Rental Clerks
Every task in this role, whether it passes the census's structural hand-over screen, which models pass it, and why. It is a screen, not a claim about what AI can do: a task can pass and still be beyond the systems of the day. The stricter and looser rules re-vote every task, and small differences between roles are noise.
Passes the screen · 5 of 16 tasks
Compute charges for merchandise or services and receive payments.
quick to check, an existing check settles it, and a mistake is cheap · 9.7% of the role's time · $1.7B · all three pass it
Explain rental fees, policies, and procedures.
quick to check, an existing check settles it, and a mistake is cheap · 6.4% of the role's time · $1.1B · passed by Claude Sonnet, GPT-6 Sol · the models disagreed
Prepare rental forms, obtaining customer signature and other information, such as required licenses.
quick to check, an existing check settles it, and a mistake is cheap · 6.3% of the role's time · $1.1B · passed by Claude Sonnet, Gemini 3.1 Pro · the models disagreed
Reserve items for requested times and keep records of items rented.
quick to check, an existing check settles it, and a mistake is cheap · 5.3% of the role's time · $909M · all three pass it
Keep records of transactions and of the number of customers entering an establishment.
quick to check, an existing check settles it, and a mistake is cheap · 5.2% of the role's time · $894M · all three pass it
Does not pass
Answer telephones to provide information and receive orders.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 9.0% of the role's time · $1.5B · waiting on a check
Receive orders for services, such as rentals, repairs, dry cleaning, and storage.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 8.3% of the role's time · $1.4B · waiting on a check
Greet customers and discuss the type, quality, and quantity of merchandise sought for rental.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 8.1% of the role's time · $1.4B · waiting on a check
Advise customers on use and care of merchandise.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 6.9% of the role's time · $1.2B
Provide information about rental items, such as availability, operation, or description.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 6.6% of the role's time · $1.1B · passed by Claude Sonnet · the models disagreed · waiting on a check
Rent items, arrange for provision of services to customers, and accept returns.
physical work, outside the screen · 6.1% of the role's time · $1.1B
Receive, examine, and tag articles to be altered, cleaned, stored, or repaired.
physical work, outside the screen · 5.8% of the role's time · $1.0B
Inspect and adjust rental items to meet needs of customer.
physical work, outside the screen · 5.5% of the role's time · $950M
Recommend and provide advice on a wide variety of products and services.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 5.3% of the role's time · $910M
Prepare merchandise for display or for purchase or rental.
physical work, outside the screen · 4.4% of the role's time · $757M
Allocate equipment to participants in sporting events or recreational activities.
physical work, outside the screen · 1.1% of the role's time · $184M
Where this role works
| Industry | Workers | Wage bill | Passes the screen | All three pass |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real Estate | 100,540 | $4.4B | $1.4B | $889M |
| Automobile Dealers | 51,690 | $2.9B | $973M | $597M |
| Automotive Equipment Rental and Leasing | 62,200 | $2.4B | $782M | $480M |
| Rental and Leasing Services (5322, 5323, and 5324 only) | 27,060 | $1.2B | $393M | $241M |
| Automotive Repair and Maintenance | 22,200 | $1.1B | $376M | $231M |
| Merchant Wholesalers, Durable Goods (4232, 4233, 4235, 4236, 4237, and 4239 only) | 14,780 | $712M | $235M | $144M |
| Drycleaning and Laundry Services | 19,640 | $652M | $215M | $132M |
| Business Support Services | 16,020 | $609M | $201M | $123M |
| Machinery, Equipment, and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers | 7540 | $403M | $133M | $81.5M |
| Other Amusement and Recreation Industries | 11,210 | $336M | $111M | $67.9M |