Retail Sales Associate
Help shoppers find what they need and keep stores running smoothly.
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Sales & Retail career
Rental Agent
Also called: Rental Car Agent · Counter and Rental Clerk · Equipment Rental Associate · Rental Sales Agent
What rental agents do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a rental agent do?
Counter and rental clerks take orders for rentals, explain options, process contracts and payments, inspect returned items and keep rental fleets ready. The median pay is $41,300 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 1–2 weeks, and employment is projected to grow +3.0% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$41,300$19.86/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+3.0%2025–35, about as fast as average
- Openings per year46,100Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationNo formal educational credentialBLS classification
- Time to train1–2 weeksTypical program length
- U.S. jobs409,400Employment, 2025
What rental agents do
Rental agents help customers rent cars, trucks, tools, party supplies and equipment. They explain options and protection plans, process contracts and payments, check licenses, inspect vehicles and equipment before and after rentals, schedule maintenance and answer questions.
No formal education is required, and training is on the job. Many rental companies offer management trainee programs, making it a stepping stone to branch management.
Typical duties
- Greet customers and explain rental options
- Verify licenses and payment
- Prepare rental contracts
- Offer protection plans and add-ons
- Inspect items before and after rentals
- Process returns and charges
- Coordinate cleaning and maintenance
Work environment and schedule
Agents work at rental counters in airports, stores and branches, and outdoors on lots inspecting vehicles.
Schedule: Shifts include early mornings, evenings, weekends and holidays.
A day in the life
- Open the counter and check reservations.
- Rent a car to a business traveler and explain coverage.
- Inspect a returned truck and note damage.
- Rent a carpet cleaner and explain how to use it.
See a full day in the life of a rental agent →
Rental Agent salary
Half of rental agents earned more than $41,300 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $29,800 for the lowest 10% to $65,370 for the top 10%.
Full rental agent pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a rental agent
- Get hired at a rental company
- Learn systems
- Build sales skills
- Join a management trainee program
- Advance
No formal education is required. Agents learn on the job.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a rental agent →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Rental contracts
- Payment processing
- Vehicle and equipment inspection
- Upselling
- Reservation systems
People skills
- Customer service
- Persuasion
- Attention to detail
- Patience
All rental agent skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Easy entry
- Management trainee paths
- Customer interaction
- Sales incentives
Cons
- Weekend and holiday work
- Upset customers
- Outdoor lot work
- Sales pressure
Certifications and licenses
- Valid driver’s license: Required for moving vehicles.
- Customer service training: Service and sales training.
- Equipment safety training: For tool and equipment rentals.
- Management trainee program: Company leadership training.
Career path
- Rental Agent: Rent items and serve customers.
- Management Trainee: Learn branch operations.
- Assistant Branch Manager: Lead daily operations.
- Branch Manager: Run a location.
Learn the job before day one
Our Rental Agent training (6 hours, $59.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as complete a vehicle walkaround and explain protection options, safety and how to land your first job.
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Compare: Rental Agent vs. Retail Sales Associate · Rental Agent vs. Customer Service Rep · Rental Agent vs. Parts Salesperson · Rental Agent vs. Travel Agent
Rental Agent FAQ
Do rental agents need experience?
No. Training is provided.
Is there a management path?
Yes, many companies have trainee programs.
Do agents earn incentives?
Many earn bonuses for upgrades and protection sales.
How much does a rental agent make?
The median annual wage for rental agents was $41,300 ($19.86 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $29,800 and the highest 10% earned more than $65,370.
How long does it take to become a rental agent?
Most people need about 1–2 weeks of training. No formal education is required. Agents learn on the job.
Do you need a degree to be a rental agent?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “no formal educational credential” as the typical entry-level education, plus short-term on-the-job training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 41-2021 (Counter and rental clerks).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Counter and rental clerks (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.