Skip to content
Slow Variables
Ask
Census · Retail front line · occupation code 41-2021

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

IndustryWorkersWage billPasses the screenAll three pass
Real Estate100,540$4.4B$1.4B$889M
Automobile Dealers51,690$2.9B$973M$597M
Automotive Equipment Rental and Leasing62,200$2.4B$782M$480M
Rental and Leasing Services (5322, 5323, and 5324 only)27,060$1.2B$393M$241M
Automotive Repair and Maintenance22,200$1.1B$376M$231M
Merchant Wholesalers, Durable Goods (4232, 4233, 4235, 4236, 4237, and 4239 only)14,780$712M$235M$144M
Drycleaning and Laundry Services19,640$652M$215M$132M
Business Support Services16,020$609M$201M$123M
Machinery, Equipment, and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers7540$403M$133M$81.5M
Other Amusement and Recreation Industries11,210$336M$111M$67.9M