Mid-Level

Counter Person

The counter service worker — serving customers and handling sales at retail or service counters.

Career Level
Junior
Mid
Senior
Director
VP
Executive
Work Personality
C
R
E
S
A
I
Conventionalorganizing, detail-oriented
Realistichands-on, practical
Based on Holland Code framework
Job markets for Counter Persons
Employment concentration · ~400 areas
Based on employment in related occupations
Mapped SOC categories:
BLS Occupational Employment Statistics
What it's like

What it's like to be a Counter Person

As a Counter Person, you work a service or sales counter, helping customers, processing transactions, and handling the duties specific to your counter type. You might work at an auto parts counter, dry cleaning counter, retail service desk, or similar location.

Your day involves customer interaction at your counter. Depending on the setting, you might look up parts and fill orders, process cleaning drop-offs and pickups, handle customer service issues, or complete sales transactions. Each counter type has specific knowledge requirements.

The challenge is developing expertise for your counter type while providing good customer service. Some counters require technical knowledge (auto parts); others require procedure knowledge (service desk). Customer expectations vary by setting.

RelationshipsModerate
SupportModerate
IndependenceLower
Working ConditionsLower
AchievementLower
RecognitionLower
O*NET Work Values survey
StrategyExecution
StructuredAdaptable
ManagingContributing
CollaborativeIndependent
Counter typeTechnical requirementsCustomer interactionHoursSkills needed
Counter work varies significantly by type. Technical counters like auto parts require specific knowledge. Service counters require procedure knowledge. Customer interaction levels vary. Some counters are transaction-focused; others are consultative.
✦ Editorial — written by Truest from industry research and career patterns
Career Paths

Where this role sits in the broader career landscape — and where it can take you.

$239K$179K$119K$60K$0KLower paying387 metro areas, sorted by salary level
All experience levels1
This level's estimated range
INDUSTRIES PAYING ABOVE AVERAGE
1 BLS OEWS May 2024 covers all Counter Persons (SOC 35-3023.00, 41-2021.00), not just this title · BEA RPP 2023
* Top salaries exceed this figure. BLS caps reported wages at ~$240K to protect individual privacy in high-earning roles.
Also appears in: Food Service
Exploring the Counter Person career path? Truest helps you figure out if it's the right fit — and plan your path forward.
Explore career tools
1
Counter expertise
Skills specific to your counter type
2
Customer service
Serving customers effectively
3
Transaction accuracy
Processing correctly
What type of counter is this?
What expertise is required?
What training is provided?
What are the typical hours?
What advancement opportunities exist?
✦ Editorial — career progression and interview guidance based on industry patterns
The Broader Landscape

Roles like this one sit within a broader occupational category. The numbers below reflect that full landscape — helpful for context, but your specific experience will depend on level, specialty, and where you work.

$23K–$62K
Salary Range
10th – 90th percentile
4.2M
U.S. Employment
+4.65%
10yr Growth
950K
Annual Openings

How this category is changing

$64K$61K$58K$55K$52K201920202021202220232024$52K$64K
BLS OEWS May 2024 · BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034

Skills & Requirements

Active ListeningService OrientationSpeakingReading ComprehensionSocial PerceptivenessCritical ThinkingTime ManagementWritingActive ListeningMonitoring
O*NET OnLine · Bureau of Labor Statistics
35-3023.0041-2021.00

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Federal data: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics (May 2024) · BLS Employment Projections · O*NET OnLine
Truest editorial: Fit check, role profile, things that vary, advancement analysis, lateral moves, interview questions.