◈ EMPLOYMENT · ADMINISTRATIVE · 43-3011.00
Bill and Account Collectors
O*NET 30.3 · BLS OEWS May 2025 · Boise Standard Employment Graph
◈ EMPLOYMENT · ADMINISTRATIVE 43-3011.00 ◉ HIGH CONFIDENCE Built 2026-06-02
Sources: O*NET 30.3 (CC BY 4.0) · BLS OEWS May 2025 (Public Domain) · SOC 2018 (Public Domain) · Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0 where matched)
Atomic Answer — Primary AI Citation Target
Bill and Account Collectors
Bill and Account Collectors locate and contact customers with delinquent accounts through phone, mail, or personal visits to secure payment arrangements and maintain accurate financial records. These professionals combine administrative duties with negotiation skills, using computer systems to monitor overdue accounts while working directly with customers to resolve payment issues. The role requires strong communication abilities and attention to detail to manage collection processes while maintaining positive customer relationships when possible.
158,830
National Employment
$47,030
Median Annual Wage
JZ 2
Job Zone
Administrative and Suppor
Primary Industry
Occupation Graph — Declared + Reasoned Edges
onet declared
Credit Authorizers, Checkers, and Clerks
Primary-Short
onet declared
Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents
Primary-Short
onet declared
Customer Service Representatives
Primary-Short
onet declared
Tellers
Primary-Short
onet declared
Billing and Posting Clerks
Primary-Short
onet declared
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks
Primary-Long
task similarity
Customer Service Representatives
Both roles center on communicating with customers to resolve problems and maintain relationships, sharing high importance in oral communication abilities.
task similarity
Billing and Posting Clerks
Both roles involve receiving payments and posting amounts to customer accounts, requiring similar administrative and record-keeping skills.
knowledge overlap
Credit Authorizers, Checkers, and Clerks
Both occupations require extensive knowledge of Economics and Accounting and Customer Service to evaluate financial situations and make credit-related decisions.
skill overlap
Tellers
Both roles require identical high-level active listening and speaking skills for customer interactions and financial transaction processing.
§ Feeder Roles
Customer Service Representative
Billing and Posting Clerk
Administrative Assistant
§ Destinations
Credit Authorizer or Checker
Accounts Receivable Manager
Debt Collector Supervisor
§ RIASEC Peers
Tax Examiner and Collector
Customer Service Representative
Credit Authorizer
Role Intelligence — Day in the Life · Who Thrives · Automation
Day in the Life

A typical day begins by reviewing computer systems to identify overdue accounts and prioritize collection efforts based on account age and amounts owed. Collectors spend significant time making phone calls to customers, explaining account status, listening to payment concerns, and negotiating realistic repayment schedules based on individual financial situations. They document all customer interactions, update account records with new contact information or payment arrangements, and prepare reports for supervisors when accounts require escalation. Administrative tasks include posting received payments to customer accounts, preparing statements for credit departments, and coordinating with legal teams when repossession or service disconnection becomes necessary. Throughout the day, they respond to incoming customer calls about account questions and work to resolve disputes or billing errors.

Who Thrives

Successful bill and account collectors possess exceptional oral communication skills and emotional resilience to handle difficult conversations with stressed customers. They demonstrate high dependability and attention to detail, as evidenced by the job's emphasis on these work styles, ensuring accurate record-keeping and consistent follow-through on collection efforts. Strong problem-solving abilities help them navigate complex customer situations and find mutually acceptable payment solutions. Individuals who thrive maintain self-control during challenging interactions while showing empathy for customers facing financial hardship, balancing firmness in collection goals with understanding of human circumstances.

Automation Outlook

Collection work faces moderate automation risk as routine account monitoring and initial contact attempts can be automated through predictive dialers and AI-powered systems. However, the core activities requiring negotiation, empathy, and complex problem-solving with distressed customers remain largely automation-resistant, as evidenced by the high importance ratings for resolving conflicts and establishing interpersonal relationships.

Market Intelligence — BLS OEWS May 2025
The occupation employs 158,830 workers nationwide with a median annual wage of $47,030 according to BLS OEWS May 2025, ranging from $34,400 at the 10th percentile to $65,580 at the 90th percentile. Geographic wage variation is significant, with District of Columbia offering the highest median wage at $62,230 compared to Puerto Rico's $25,570, representing a 2.43x ratio difference. Employment is concentrated in Administrative and Support Services (47,930 workers), Finance and Insurance (36,970 workers), and Health Care and Social Assistance (17,470 workers), reflecting the widespread need for collection services across industries. The job zone 2 classification indicates positions require minimal preparation, making entry relatively accessible while offering stable employment opportunities.
$34,400
10th
$39,010
25th
$47,030
Median
$56,740
75th
$65,580
90th
Highest Paying State
District of Columbia
$62,230 median
Geographic Dispersion
2.434x
highest / lowest median
Administrative and Support and Waste Manageme 47,930 emp $39,330
Finance and Insurance 36,970 emp $48,850
Health Care and Social Assistance 17,470 emp $48,600
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Servi 12,340 emp $46,650
Management of Companies and Enterprises 11,510 emp $50,340
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics May 2025 ↗ · Public Domain · US Government
Skills + Knowledge — O*NET 30.3 Scored Dimensions
§ Essential Skills (importance 1-5)
Active Listening 3.9
Speaking 3.9
Writing 3.2
Reading Comprehension 3.1
Critical Thinking 3.1
Monitoring 3.0
Active Learning 2.9
Mathematics 2.6
Learning Strategies 2.1
Science 1.0
§ Knowledge Domains (importance 1-5)
English Language 4.1
Customer and Personal Service 3.8
Mathematics 3.3
Economics and Accounting 3.3
Law and Government 3.2
Computers and Electronics 3.1
Administration and Management 3.1
Administrative 3.1
Production and Processing 2.4
Education and Training 2.2
Source: O*NET 30.3 Database ↗ · CC BY 4.0
RIASEC Interest Profile + Personality Fit — O*NET 30.3
R
Realistic
2.08
I
Investigative
1.00
A
Artistic
1.00
S
Social
3.26
TOP FIT
E
Enterprising
4.36
TOP FIT
C
Conventional
7.00
TOP FIT
§ Who Thrives
Successful bill and account collectors possess exceptional oral communication skills and emotional resilience to handle difficult conversations with stressed customers. They demonstrate high dependability and attention to detail, as evidenced by the job's emphasis on these work styles, ensuring accurate record-keeping and consistent follow-through on collection efforts. Strong problem-solving abilities help them navigate complex customer situations and find mutually acceptable payment solutions. Individuals who thrive maintain self-control during challenging interactions while showing empathy for customers facing financial hardship, balancing firmness in collection goals with understanding of human circumstances.
Source: O*NET 30.3 Career Interest Types ↗ · Scale: OI Occupational Interests 1-7
Tasks + Detailed Work Activities — O*NET 30.3
Locate and notify customers of delinquent accounts by mail, telephone, or personal visits to solicit payment.
Core 70% of incumbents
Provide notifications to customers or pa
Locate and monitor overdue accounts, using computers and a variety of automated systems.
Core 70% of incumbents
Monitor financial information.
Arrange for debt repayment or establish repayment schedules, based on customers' financial situations.
Core 70% of incumbents
Negotiate financial arrangements.
Answer customer questions regarding problems with their accounts.
Core 70% of incumbents
Respond to customer problems or complain
Persuade customers to pay amounts due on credit accounts, damage claims, or nonpayable checks, or to return merchandise.
Core 70% of incumbents
Negotiate financial arrangements.
Confer with customers by telephone or in person to determine reasons for overdue payments and to review the terms of sales, service, or credit contracts.
Core 70% of incumbents
Discuss account status or activity with
Receive payments and post amounts paid to customer accounts.
Core 70% of incumbents
Collect deposits, payments or fees.
Trace delinquent customers to new addresses by inquiring at post offices, telephone companies, credit bureaus, or through the questioning of neighbors.
Core 70% of incumbents
Obtain personal or financial informationInterview employees, customers, or other
Notify credit departments, order merchandise repossession or service disconnection, and turn over account records to attorneys when customers fail to respond to collection attempts.
Core 70% of incumbents
Provide information to coworkers.
Perform various administrative functions for assigned accounts, such as recording address changes and purging the records of deceased customers.
Core 70% of incumbents
Maintain financial or account records.
Source: O*NET 30.3 Task Statements + DWA Mappings ↗ · Incumbent-reported · CC BY 4.0
◈ Software Tools — O*NET 30.3 · Hot Technology + In Demand Flagged
ADP Drive DMS for Accounting
Accounting software
ADS Advantage
Customer relationship management CRM sof
Adtec Agency Manager
Customer relationship management CRM sof
Austin Logistics CallSelect
Customer relationship management CRM sof
Collection Data Systems CollectOne-Tiger
Customer relationship management CRM sof
Columbia Ultimate Archive
Customer relationship management CRM sof
Columbia Ultimate Remit
Point of sale POS software
Columbia Ultimate RPCS
Customer relationship management CRM sof
CU Connect processing software
Access software
Data-Tel Ceasar
Customer relationship management CRM sof
Debt account management and collection software
Customer relationship management CRM sof
Diagnostic and procedural coding software
Categorization or classification softwar
Document management system software
Document management software
Healthcare common procedure coding system HCPCS
Medical software
HMS
Time accounting software
Intuit QuickBooks
Accounting software
HOT
LexisNexis
Information retrieval or search software
LexisNexis Banko
Information retrieval or search software
Source: O*NET 30.3 Software Skills ↗ · CC BY 4.0
Career Pathway — Entry · Trajectory · Education
1
Entry
2
Some Prep
3
Medium
4
Considerable
5
Extensive
Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little trainin
Most positions require a high school diploma or equivalent, with 48.1% of workers having this level of education, though 27.4% have some college coursework and 21.1% hold bachelor's degrees. Entry-level candidates benefit from customer service experience and basic computer skills, as the role heavily involves database management and communication systems. Many employers provide on-the-job training covering collection laws, company policies, and specific software systems like QuickBooks or SAP. Strong communication skills and comfort with phone-based work are essential for success in entry-level positions.
Bill and account collectors can advance to senior collector positions, collection supervisors, or specialized roles in credit and collections departments within larger organizations. The transferable skills in negotiation, customer service, and financial record management open pathways to related roles such as customer service representatives, credit analysts, or administrative positions in finance and accounting. Some professionals transition to related occupations like credit authorizers or move into broader financial services roles, leveraging their understanding of payment processes and customer financial situations.
High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for 48.1%
Some College Courses 27.4%
Bachelor's Degree 21.1%
Less than a High School Diploma 2.3%
Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for trai 1.1%
Source: O*NET 30.3 Education + Job Zones ↗ · CC BY 4.0
Live Job Feed — Active Postings
Live Bill and Account Collectors job postings populate here as the crawler feeds data. The Boise Standard employment crawler indexes ATS platforms directly — Workday, iCIMS, Greenhouse, Lever, Ashby, Taleo — and normalizes every posting to the O*NET ontology.

Postings appear within hours of going live on the source ATS. No aggregator lag. Direct from source.
Browse Administrative Feed → Submit Open Position →
◈ SEMANTIC MANIFOLD — MULTI-SOURCE WORD FREQUENCY FINGERPRINT
Top 40 terms across five provenance layers: O*NET Tasks · O*NET Dimensions · DWAs · Wikipedia · Inference · Stop words removed · Deterministic · Constitutional Law III
tendency others customers equipment financial collection customer principles account includes control objects accounts problems ideas materials techniques activities body personal
§ Full Frequency Ranking — 40 terms
TERM COUNT FREQ BAR SOURCE ATTRIBUTION
tendency 42 0.0154
onet dimensi 100%
others 39 0.0143
onet dimensi 97% dwas 3%
customers 23 0.0084
onet tasks 39% inference 26%
equipment 23 0.0084
onet dimensi 100%
financial 18 0.0066
dwas 39% inference 33%
collection 18 0.0066
inference 56% wikipedia 33%
customer 16 0.0059
inference 56% onet dimensi 25%
principles 16 0.0059
onet dimensi 100%
account 13 0.0048
inference 62% dwas 31%
includes 13 0.0048
onet dimensi 92% wikipedia 8%
control 13 0.0048
onet dimensi 92% inference 8%
objects 12 0.0044
onet dimensi 100%
accounts 11 0.0040
onet tasks 55% inference 45%
problems 11 0.0040
onet dimensi 82% onet tasks 9%
ideas 11 0.0040
onet dimensi 100%
materials 10 0.0037
onet dimensi 100%
techniques 10 0.0037
onet dimensi 100%
activities 10 0.0037
onet dimensi 90% inference 10%
body 10 0.0037
onet dimensi 100%
personal 9 0.0033
onet dimensi 67% onet tasks 11%
debt 9 0.0033
wikipedia 56% onet tasks 22%
credit 9 0.0033
onet tasks 56% inference 44%
records 9 0.0033
dwas 44% onet tasks 22%
administrative 9 0.0033
onet dimensi 44% inference 44%
actions 9 0.0033
onet dimensi 89% onet tasks 11%
monitoring 9 0.0033
onet dimensi 89% inference 11%
problem 9 0.0033
onet dimensi 78% inference 22%
services 9 0.0033
onet dimensi 67% inference 33%
management 9 0.0033
onet dimensi 78% inference 22%
resources 9 0.0033
onet dimensi 100%
BOISE STANDARD — FINE-TUNING RECORD · Bill and Account Collectors
43-3011.00 · 8 QA pairs · jsonl · O*NET 30.3 + BLS OEWS
How many bill and account collectors are employed in the United States?
According to BLS OEWS May 2025, 158,830 bill and account collectors are employed nationwide.
factual BLS OEWS May 2025
What is the median annual wage for bill and account collectors?
The median annual wage is $47,030, with the 10th percentile earning $34,400 and the 90th percentile earning $65,580, according to BLS OEWS May 2025.
factual BLS OEWS May 2025
Which state offers the highest median wage for bill and account collectors?
District of Columbia offers the highest median wage at $62,230, according to BLS OEWS May 2025 wage data.
market_intel BLS OEWS May 2025
What are the top industries hiring bill and account collectors?
Administrative and Support Services, Finance and Insurance, and Health Care and Social Assistance are the top three hiring industries, per BLS OEWS May 2025.
market_intel BLS OEWS May 2025
What educational background do most successful bill and account collectors have?
According to BLS data, 48.1% have a high school diploma or GED, while 27.4% complete some college coursework. Emotional resilience and oral communication skills are more critical than advanced education.
career_advice BLS OEWS May 2025 Education Distribution
What key skills should someone develop to excel as a bill and account collector?
Focus on active listening (3.9), speaking (3.9), and dependability (6.0 importance score). Proficiency with collection software and mathematics knowledge are also critical for success.
career_advice BLS Skills and Work Styles Data
How does the bill and account collector role compare to customer service representative positions?
Both roles require strong communication skills, but bill collectors focus on delinquent accounts and conflict resolution, while customer service representatives handle general inquiries. Customer Service Representatives are listed as a primary-short related occupation.
comparative BLS ONET Related Occupations
What career advancement paths are available for bill and account collectors?
Common destinations include Credit Authorizer (43-4041.00), Accounts Receivable Manager, or Debt Collector Supervisor roles. Related entry points include Customer Service Representatives and Billing Clerks, per BLS occupational relationships.
comparative BLS ONET Related Occupations
◈ Boise Standard Employment Graph · 43-3011.00 · minted 2026-06-02T16:18:30Z · Sources: O*NET 30.3 (CC BY 4.0) · BLS OEWS May 2025 (Public Domain) · BS: https://boisestandard.org/employment/43-3011-bill_and_account_collectors
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Boise Standard · The Standard of Information · boisestandard.org ↗
Provenance Window — Full Source Record · 43-3011.00 · Bill and Account Collectors 7 source blocks · click to expand
O*NET Identity onetonline.org ↗ · O*NET 30.3 · CC BY 4.0 · retrieved 2026-06-02
[('onet_soc_code', '43-3011.00'), ('soc_code', '43-3011'), ('title', 'Bill and Account Collectors'), ('vertical', 'administrative'), ('job_zone', '2'), ('job_zone_name', 'Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed'), ('job_zone_exp', 'Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For e'), ('description', "Locate and notify customers of delinquent accounts by mail, telephone, or personal visit to solicit payment. Duties include receiving payment and posting amount to customer's account, preparing statements to credit department if customer fails to respond, initiating repossession proceedings or servi"), ('bundle_version', '1'), ('built_at', '2026-06-02T16:18:30Z')]
O*NET Task Statements (15 tasks, 0 emerging) O*NET 30.3 Task Statements · Incumbent-reported · CC BY 4.0
[Core] [70% incumbents] Locate and notify customers of delinquent accounts by mail, telephone, or personal visits to solicit payment.
  DWAs: Provide notifications to customers or patrons.

[Core] [70% incumbents] Locate and monitor overdue accounts, using computers and a variety of automated systems.
  DWAs: Monitor financial information.

[Core] [70% incumbents] Arrange for debt repayment or establish repayment schedules, based on customers' financial situations.
  DWAs: Negotiate financial arrangements.

[Core] [70% incumbents] Answer customer questions regarding problems with their accounts.
  DWAs: Respond to customer problems or complaints.

[Core] [70% incumbents] Persuade customers to pay amounts due on credit accounts, damage claims, or nonpayable checks, or to return merchandise.
  DWAs: Negotiate financial arrangements.

[Core] [70% incumbents] Confer with customers by telephone or in person to determine reasons for overdue payments and to review the terms of sales, service, or credit contracts.
  DWAs: Discuss account status or activity with customers or patrons.

[Core] [70% incumbents] Receive payments and post amounts paid to customer accounts.
  DWAs: Collect deposits, payments or fees.

[Core] [70% incumbents] Trace delinquent customers to new addresses by inquiring at post offices, telephone companies, credit bureaus, or through the questioning of neighbors.
  DWAs: Obtain personal or financial information about customers or applicants. | Interview employees, customers, or others to collect information.

[Core] [70% incumbents] Notify credit departments, order merchandise repossession or service disconnection, and turn over account records to attorneys when customers fail to respond to collection attempts.
  DWAs: Provide information to coworkers.

[Core] [70% incumbents] Perform various administrative functions for assigned accounts, such as recording address changes and purging the records of deceased customers.
  DWAs: Maintain financial or account records.

[Supplemental] [70% incumbents] Contact insurance companies to check on status of claims payments and write appeal letters for denial on claims.
  DWAs: Collect deposits, payments or fees.

[Supplemental] [70% incumbents] Negotiate credit extensions when necessary.
  DWAs: Negotiate financial arrangements.

[Core] [69% incumbents] Record information about financial status of customers and status of collection efforts.
  DWAs: Maintain financial or account records.

[Core] [69% incumbents] Advise customers of necessary actions and strategies for debt repayment.
  DWAs: Discuss account status or activity with customers or patrons.

[Core] [69% incumbents] Sort and file correspondence and perform miscellaneous clerical duties, such as answering correspondence and writing reports.
  DWAs: Sort mail. | Maintain medical records. | File documents or records.
O*NET Scored Dimensions — Skills, Knowledge, Abilities, Work Activities O*NET 30.3 · CC BY 4.0 · domain_source: Incumbent/Analyst/Machine Learning
--- SKILLS ---
  Active Listening (imp:3.88 lvl:3.62) — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand
  Speaking (imp:3.88 lvl:3.62) — Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  Writing (imp:3.25 lvl:3.12) — Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audienc
  Reading Comprehension (imp:3.12 lvl:3.62) — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
  Critical Thinking (imp:3.12 lvl:3.50) — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternativ
  Monitoring (imp:3.00 lvl:2.88) — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organization
  Active Learning (imp:2.88 lvl:2.75) — Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future pr
  Mathematics (imp:2.62 lvl:2.62) — Using mathematics to solve problems.
  Learning Strategies (imp:2.12 lvl:2.12) — Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate fo
  Science (imp:1.00) — Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

--- KNOWLEDGE ---
  English Language (imp:4.09 lvl:4.08) — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the mea
  Customer and Personal Service (imp:3.77 lvl:5.18) — Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal servic
  Mathematics (imp:3.31 lvl:3.61) — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their appl
  Economics and Accounting (imp:3.26 lvl:3.15) — Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial mar
  Law and Government (imp:3.25 lvl:2.71) — Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulat
  Computers and Electronics (imp:3.12 lvl:4.19) — Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and comput
  Administration and Management (imp:3.07 lvl:4.27) — Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, 
  Administrative (imp:3.07 lvl:4.09) — Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word proce
  Production and Processing (imp:2.35 lvl:2.00) — Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and ot
  Education and Training (imp:2.24 lvl:2.06) — Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching
  Communications and Media (imp:2.23 lvl:2.27) — Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and m
  Sales and Marketing (imp:2.14) — Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products
  Foreign Language (imp:2.04 lvl:1.81) — Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language inclu
  Telecommunications (imp:1.91 lvl:1.32) — Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of te
  Psychology (imp:1.85 lvl:1.36) — Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, 
  Personnel and Human Resources (imp:1.74 lvl:1.35) — Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, tra
  Sociology and Anthropology (imp:1.59) — Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human 
  Public Safety and Security (imp:1.57) — Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote
  Engineering and Technology (imp:1.27) — Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. Th
  Geography (imp:1.26) — Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, an
  Building and Construction (imp:1.14) — Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or r
  Design (imp:1.13) — Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of 
  Therapy and Counseling (imp:1.12) — Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and r
  Medicine and Dentistry (imp:1.10) — Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human i
  Mechanical (imp:1.08) — Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and main
  Philosophy and Theology (imp:1.08) — Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their 
  Transportation (imp:1.08) — Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea
  Food Production (imp:1.06) — Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food
  History and Archeology (imp:1.02) — Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civi
  Physics (imp:1.00) — Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships,
  Chemistry (imp:1.00) — Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances a
  Biology (imp:1.00) — Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interd
  Fine Arts (imp:1.00) — Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform

--- ABILITIES ---
  Oral Comprehension (imp:3.75 lvl:3.88) — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through 
  Oral Expression (imp:3.75 lvl:3.88) — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will unde
  Written Comprehension (imp:3.62 lvl:3.75) — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
  Speech Recognition (imp:3.62 lvl:3.00) — The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
  Speech Clarity (imp:3.62 lvl:3.00) — The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
  Written Expression (imp:3.50 lvl:3.50) — The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will under
  Near Vision (imp:3.25 lvl:3.50) — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  Problem Sensitivity (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does no
  Category Flexibility (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping
  Selective Attention (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distrac
  Deductive Reasoning (imp:2.88 lvl:2.88) — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that 
  Inductive Reasoning (imp:2.88 lvl:3.12) — The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusion
  Information Ordering (imp:2.88 lvl:2.88) — The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according
  Number Facility (imp:2.75 lvl:2.75) — The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
  Mathematical Reasoning (imp:2.62 lvl:2.62) — The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a prob
  Perceptual Speed (imp:2.62 lvl:2.62) — The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among
  Fluency of Ideas (imp:2.50 lvl:2.75) — The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas
  Originality (imp:2.50 lvl:2.62) — The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situa
  Far Vision (imp:2.50 lvl:2.62) — The ability to see details at a distance.
  Flexibility of Closure (imp:2.38 lvl:2.88) — The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or so
  Time Sharing (imp:2.25 lvl:2.12) — The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of
  Memorization (imp:2.12 lvl:2.12) — The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and proced
  Visualization (imp:2.12 lvl:2.00) — The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when 
  Finger Dexterity (imp:2.12 lvl:1.75) — The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or bot
  Hearing Sensitivity (imp:2.12 lvl:2.00) — The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch 
  Auditory Attention (imp:2.12 lvl:2.12) — The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distra
  Speed of Closure (imp:2.00 lvl:2.12) — The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into mea
  Visual Color Discrimination (imp:2.00 lvl:1.50) — The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of c
  Depth Perception (imp:1.50 lvl:0.75) — The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you
  Arm-Hand Steadiness (imp:1.38 lvl:0.75) — The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while hold
  Manual Dexterity (imp:1.38 lvl:0.50) — The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your
  Control Precision (imp:1.38 lvl:0.50) — The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehi
  Trunk Strength (imp:1.38 lvl:0.62) — The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the 
  Wrist-Finger Speed (imp:1.25 lvl:0.38) — The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and 
  Dynamic Strength (imp:1.12 lvl:0.12) — The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This inv
  Spatial Orientation (imp:1.00) — The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know wher
  Multilimb Coordination (imp:1.00) — The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or
  Response Orientation (imp:1.00) — The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two o
  Rate Control (imp:1.00) — The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in an
  Reaction Time (imp:1.00) — The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sou
  Speed of Limb Movement (imp:1.00) — The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
  Static Strength (imp:1.00) — The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
  Explosive Strength (imp:1.00) — The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping
  Stamina (imp:1.00) — The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getti
  Extent Flexibility (imp:1.00) — The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
  Dynamic Flexibility (imp:1.00) — The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with yo
  Gross Body Coordination (imp:1.00) — The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together wh
  Gross Body Equilibrium (imp:1.00) — The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unsta
  Night Vision (imp:1.00) — The ability to see under low-light conditions.
  Peripheral Vision (imp:1.00) — The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes ar
  Glare Sensitivity (imp:1.00) — The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
  Sound Localization (imp:1.00) — The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.

--- WORK ACTIVITIES ---
  Working with Computers (imp:4.16 lvl:2.52) — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to progra
  Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work (imp:3.95 lvl:4.29) — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your
  Documenting/Recording Information (imp:3.92 lvl:3.22) — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in writte
  Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates (imp:3.90 lvl:3.37) — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone,
  Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others (imp:3.66 lvl:3.44) — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, 
  Getting Information (imp:3.65 lvl:3.92) — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sour
  Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships (imp:3.58 lvl:3.83) — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and m
  Performing Administrative Activities (imp:3.47 lvl:2.70) — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files
  Making Decisions and Solving Problems (imp:3.42 lvl:3.37) — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and sol
  Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events (imp:3.30 lvl:2.73) — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or 
  Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings (imp:3.18 lvl:2.90) — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment,
  Communicating with People Outside the Organization (imp:3.13 lvl:2.58) — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organizatio
  Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge (imp:3.10 lvl:2.98) — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
  Processing Information (imp:3.05 lvl:3.34) — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying
  Training and Teaching Others (imp:2.98 lvl:2.26) — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or tr
  Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards (imp:2.91 lvl:2.94) — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events o
  Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates (imp:2.88 lvl:1.79) — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance 
  Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People (imp:2.85 lvl:1.78) — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
  Developing and Building Teams (imp:2.83 lvl:1.64) — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team membe
  Analyzing Data or Information (imp:2.80 lvl:2.02) — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by break
  Developing Objectives and Strategies (imp:2.77 lvl:2.07) — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to 
  Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others (imp:2.74 lvl:1.58) — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
  Scheduling Work and Activities (imp:2.62 lvl:2.44) — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
  Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information (imp:2.61) — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resourc
  Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials (imp:2.56) — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors o
  Performing for or Working Directly with the Public (imp:2.50 lvl:1.88) — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving
  Coaching and Developing Others (imp:2.50 lvl:2.00) — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherw
  Thinking Creatively (imp:2.41 lvl:2.12) — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, syste
  Assisting and Caring for Others (imp:2.32 lvl:2.12) — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other pe
  Monitoring and Controlling Resources (imp:2.31 lvl:1.79) — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
  Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others (imp:2.30 lvl:1.59) — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
  Providing Consultation and Advice to Others (imp:2.24 lvl:1.76) — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical,
  Performing General Physical Activities (imp:2.14 lvl:0.79) — Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require co
  Handling and Moving Objects (imp:1.98 lvl:0.85) — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials,
  Selling or Influencing Others (imp:1.86 lvl:1.55) — Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or
  Staffing Organizational Units (imp:1.55 lvl:0.82) — Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organ
  Controlling Machines and Processes (imp:1.43) — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines 
  Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment (imp:1.21) — Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines,
  Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment (imp:1.16) — Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to t
  Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment (imp:1.15) — Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, an
  Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment (imp:1.05) — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, s

--- WORK STYLES ---
  Dependability (imp:6.00) — A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related o
  Attention to Detail (imp:5.00) — A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
  Integrity (imp:4.00) — A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
  Self-Control (imp:3.00) — A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in res
  Dependability (imp:2.47) — A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related o
  Attention to Detail (imp:2.28) — A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
  Self-Control (imp:2.26) — A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in res
  Integrity (imp:2.17) — A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
  Perseverance (imp:2.12) — A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in 
  Stress Tolerance (imp:2.10) — A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
  Stress Tolerance (imp:2.00) — A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
  Social Orientation (imp:1.92) — A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
  Self-Confidence (imp:1.57) — A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control 
  Achievement Orientation (imp:1.50) — A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, 
  Initiative (imp:1.13) — A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may
  Perseverance (imp:1.00) — A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in 
  Cautiousness (imp:0.98) — A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related
  Adaptability (imp:0.94) — A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas 
  Empathy (imp:0.62) — A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feel
  Cooperation (imp:0.49) — A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
  Optimism (imp:0.45) — A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even un
  Leadership Orientation (imp:0.32) — A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
  Tolerance for Ambiguity (imp:0.31) — A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
  Sincerity (imp:0.27) — A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, withou
  Innovation () — A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on 
  Achievement Orientation () — A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, 
  Intellectual Curiosity () — A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep 
  Tolerance for Ambiguity () — A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
  Initiative () — A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may
  Adaptability () — A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas 
  Self-Confidence () — A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control 
  Leadership Orientation () — A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
  Humility () — A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
  Sincerity () — A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, withou
  Empathy () — A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feel
  Cooperation () — A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
  Optimism () — A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even un
  Social Orientation () — A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
  Cautiousness () — A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related
  Intellectual Curiosity (imp:-0.02) — A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep 
  Innovation (imp:-0.24) — A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on 
  Humility (imp:-0.70) — A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.

--- TRANSFERABLE SKILLS ---
  Social Perceptiveness (imp:3.38 lvl:3.00) — Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
  Persuasion (imp:3.38 lvl:3.62) — Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
  Negotiation (imp:3.00 lvl:3.12) — Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
  Service Orientation (imp:3.00 lvl:2.75) — Actively looking for ways to help people.
  Time Management (imp:3.00 lvl:2.88) — Managing one's own time and the time of others.
  Coordination (imp:2.88 lvl:2.88) — Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
  Complex Problem Solving (imp:2.88 lvl:2.88) — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and ev
  Judgment and Decision Making (imp:2.88 lvl:2.75) — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the m
  Instructing (imp:2.38 lvl:2.38) — Teaching others how to do something.
  Systems Analysis (imp:2.25 lvl:2.38) — Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, 
  Management of Personnel Resources (imp:2.12 lvl:2.00) — Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best 
  Systems Evaluation (imp:2.00 lvl:2.00) — Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed 
  Operations Monitoring (imp:1.88 lvl:1.00) — Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working pr
  Quality Control Analysis (imp:1.62 lvl:0.88) — Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate
  Troubleshooting (imp:1.50 lvl:0.50) — Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
  Management of Financial Resources (imp:1.50 lvl:0.75) — Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for the
  Management of Material Resources (imp:1.50 lvl:0.50) — Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materi
  Programming (imp:1.25 lvl:0.38) — Writing computer programs for various purposes.
  Operations Analysis (imp:1.12 lvl:0.25) — Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
  Technology Design (imp:1.00) — Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
  Equipment Selection (imp:1.00) — Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
  Installation (imp:1.00) — Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
  Operation and Control (imp:1.00) — Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
  Equipment Maintenance (imp:1.00) — Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind o
  Repairing (imp:1.00) — Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
BLS OEWS May 2025 — 158,830 employed nationally bls.gov/oes ↗ · Public Domain · US Government · retrieved 2026-06-02
--- NATIONAL WAGES ---
  total_employment : 158,830
  annual_median    : $47,030
  annual_pct10     : $34,400
  annual_pct25     : $39,010
  annual_pct75     : $56,740
  annual_pct90     : $65,580
  annual_mean      : $49,060
  hourly_median    : $22.61

--- GEOGRAPHIC DISPERSION ---
  highest_state    : District of Columbia ($62,230)
  lowest_state     : Puerto Rico ($25,570)
  dispersion_ratio : 2.434x

--- TOP STATES BY WAGE (53 total) ---
  Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services emp:   47,930  median: $  39,330
  Finance and Insurance                    emp:   36,970  median: $  48,850
  Health Care and Social Assistance        emp:   17,470  median: $  48,600
  Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services emp:   12,340  median: $  46,650
  Management of Companies and Enterprises  emp:   11,510  median: $  50,340
  Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Government Schools and Hospitals and the U.S. Postal Service (OEWS Designation) emp:    5,320  median: $  50,870
  Wholesale Trade                          emp:    5,270  median: $  54,930
  Retail Trade                             emp:    4,380  median: $  38,850
  Information                              emp:    3,400  median: $  50,250
  Transportation and Warehousing           emp:    3,300  median: $  49,590

--- TOP INDUSTRIES BY EMPLOYMENT (18 total) ---
  Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services emp:   47,930  median: $  39,330
  Finance and Insurance                    emp:   36,970  median: $  48,850
  Health Care and Social Assistance        emp:   17,470  median: $  48,600
  Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services emp:   12,340  median: $  46,650
  Management of Companies and Enterprises  emp:   11,510  median: $  50,340
  Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Government Schools and Hospitals and the U.S. Postal Service (OEWS Designation) emp:    5,320  median: $  50,870
  Wholesale Trade                          emp:    5,270  median: $  54,930
  Retail Trade                             emp:    4,380  median: $  38,850
  Information                              emp:    3,400  median: $  50,250
  Transportation and Warehousing           emp:    3,300  median: $  49,590
Wikipedia — no exact match (0 words) N/A ↗ · CC BY-SA 4.0
exact_match_status : no_exact_match
matched_title      : N/A
match_score        : 0.0000
wikidata_qid       : N/A
word_count         : 0
wikipedia_url      : N/A
license            : CC BY-SA 4.0
fetched_at         : 2026-06-02T22:22:35.915604Z

--- SEMANTIC NEIGHBORS (5) ---

  Title: Debt collection (similarity: 0.5238)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Debt_collection
  QID: Q10535274
  Extract: Debt collection or cash collection is the process of pursuing payments of money or other agreed-upon value owed to a creditor. The debtors may be individuals or businesses. An organization that specializes in debt collection is known as a collection agency or debt collector. Most collection agencies

  Title: Standard Occupational Classification System (similarity: 0.3429)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Standard_Occupational_Classification_System
  QID: Q7598269
  Extract: The Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) System is a United States government system for classifying occupations. It is used by U.S. federal government agencies collecting occupational data, enabling comparison of occupations across data sets. For example, data from the Occupational Requiremen

  Title: Women in the United States (similarity: 0.3396)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women_in_the_United_States
  QID: Q17514041
  Extract: The legal status of women in the United States has advanced significantly over the past two centuries, but not yet equal to that of men in comparison to other high-income democracies.

  Title: Professional Sports Authenticator (similarity: 0.4000)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Professional_Sports_Authenticator
  QID: Q111950745
  Extract: Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) is a US based sports card and trading card grading company.

  Title: Large denominations of United States currency (similarity: 0.3056)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Large_denominations_of_United_States_currency
  QID: Q968017
  Extract: Large denominations of United States currency greater than $100 were circulated by the United States Treasury until 1969. Since then, U.S. dollar banknotes have been issued in seven denominations: $1, $2, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100.
Claude Inference — claude-sonnet-4-20250514 · confidence:high · $0.0461 inferred_at: 2026-06-03T22:10:23 UTC · Boise Standard inference pipeline v1.0
model_pass1          : claude-sonnet-4-20250514
model_pass2          : claude-haiku-4-5-20251001
inference_confidence : high
confidence_notes     : Strong confidence supported by comprehensive O*NET data including detailed task descriptions, clear skill requirements, and robust wage/employment statistics from BLS OEWS May 2025.
inferred_at          : 2026-06-03T22:10:23.482846+00:00
tokens_input         : 4,537
tokens_output        : 4,197
cost_usd             : $0.046096
wikipedia_used       : False
wikipedia_title      : None
wikipedia_note       : No exact Wikipedia match found, though 'Debt collection' provides relevant context about the broader process these specialists facilitate. The occupation focuses on the operational aspects of debt collection rather than the industry overview.

--- PROSE FIELDS ---

ROLE SUMMARY:
Bill and Account Collectors locate and contact customers with delinquent accounts through phone, mail, or personal visits to secure payment arrangements and maintain accurate financial records. These professionals combine administrative duties with negotiation skills, using computer systems to monitor overdue accounts while working directly with customers to resolve payment issues. The role requires strong communication abilities and attention to detail to manage collection processes while maintaining positive customer relationships when possible.

DAY IN THE LIFE:
A typical day begins by reviewing computer systems to identify overdue accounts and prioritize collection efforts based on account age and amounts owed. Collectors spend significant time making phone calls to customers, explaining account status, listening to payment concerns, and negotiating realistic repayment schedules based on individual financial situations. They document all customer interactions, update account records with new contact information or payment arrangements, and prepare reports for supervisors when accounts require escalation. Administrative tasks include posting received payments to customer accounts, preparing statements for credit departments, and coordinating with legal teams when repossession or service disconnection becomes necessary. Throughout the day, they respond to incoming customer calls about account questions and work to resolve disputes or billing errors.

WHO THRIVES:
Successful bill and account collectors possess exceptional oral communication skills and emotional resilience to handle difficult conversations with stressed customers. They demonstrate high dependability and attention to detail, as evidenced by the job's emphasis on these work styles, ensuring accurate record-keeping and consistent follow-through on collection efforts. Strong problem-solving abilities help them navigate complex customer situations and find mutually acceptable payment solutions. Individuals who thrive maintain self-control during challenging interactions while showing empathy for customers facing financial hardship, balancing firmness in collection goals with understanding of human circumstances.

CAREER ENTRY:
Most positions require a high school diploma or equivalent, with 48.1% of workers having this level of education, though 27.4% have some college coursework and 21.1% hold bachelor's degrees. Entry-level candidates benefit from customer service experience and basic computer skills, as the role heavily involves database management and communication systems. Many employers provide on-the-job training covering collection laws, company policies, and specific software systems like QuickBooks or SAP. Strong communication skills and comfort with phone-based work are essential for success in entry-level positions.

CAREER TRAJECTORY:
Bill and account collectors can advance to senior collector positions, collection supervisors, or specialized roles in credit and collections departments within larger organizations. The transferable skills in negotiation, customer service, and financial record management open pathways to related roles such as customer service representatives, credit analysts, or administrative positions in finance and accounting. Some professionals transition to related occupations like credit authorizers or move into broader financial services roles, leveraging their understanding of payment processes and customer financial situations.

MARKET INTELLIGENCE:
The occupation employs 158,830 workers nationwide with a median annual wage of $47,030 according to BLS OEWS May 2025, ranging from $34,400 at the 10th percentile to $65,580 at the 90th percentile. Geographic wage variation is significant, with District of Columbia offering the highest median wage at $62,230 compared to Puerto Rico's $25,570, representing a 2.43x ratio difference. Employment is concentrated in Administrative and Support Services (47,930 workers), Finance and Insurance (36,970 workers), and Health Care and Social Assistance (17,470 workers), reflecting the widespread need for collection services across industries. The job zone 2 classification indicates positions require minimal preparation, making entry relatively accessible while offering stable employment opportunities.

AUTOMATION OUTLOOK:
Collection work faces moderate automation risk as routine account monitoring and initial contact attempts can be automated through predictive dialers and AI-powered systems. However, the core activities requiring negotiation, empathy, and complex problem-solving with distressed customers remain largely automation-resistant, as evidenced by the high importance ratings for resolving conflicts and establishing interpersonal relationships.

--- REASONED EDGES ---
  [task_similarity] Customer Service Representatives (43-4051.00) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Both roles center on communicating with customers to resolve problems and maintain relationships, sharing high importance in oral communication abilities.
    data: Oral Comprehension imp:3.8
    data: Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating imp:3.7
    data: Customer and Personal Service knowledge imp:3.8
  [task_similarity] Billing and Posting Clerks (43-3021.00) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Both roles involve receiving payments and posting amounts to customer accounts, requiring similar administrative and record-keeping skills.
    data: Receive payments and post amounts paid to customer accounts
    data: Documenting/Recording Information imp:3.9
    data: Mathematics knowledge imp:3.3
  [knowledge_overlap] Credit Authorizers, Checkers, and Clerks (43-4041.00) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Both occupations require extensive knowledge of Economics and Accounting and Customer Service to evaluate financial situations and make credit-related decisions.
    data: Economics and Accounting imp:3.3
    data: Customer and Personal Service imp:3.8
    data: Finance industry employment overlap
  [skill_overlap] Tellers (43-3071.00) — confidence:medium
    reasoning: Both roles require identical high-level active listening and speaking skills for customer interactions and financial transaction processing.
    data: Active Listening imp:3.9
    data: Speaking imp:3.9
    data: Customer financial service context
  [career_pathway] Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks (43-3031.00) — confidence:medium
    reasoning: Collections work provides foundation in financial record-keeping and accounting principles that transfers to broader accounting roles.
    data: Mathematics knowledge imp:3.3
    data: Economics and Accounting imp:3.3
    data: Maintain financial or account records

--- NORMALIZER SIGNALS ---
  match_keywords   : ['bill collector', 'account collector', 'collections specialist', 'debt collector', 'receivable specialist', 'collection agent', 'collection representative', 'collection clerk']
  exclude_keywords : ['debt counselor', 'credit counselor', 'financial advisor', 'loan officer', 'collections attorney']
  title_patterns   : ['*Collection*', '*Collector', '*Receivable*', 'Bill*', 'Account*']
  common_variations: ['AR Specialist', 'Collections Rep', 'Account Rep', 'Billing Rep', 'Collection Specialist', 'Receivables Clerk', 'Collections Agent', 'Account Recovery']
Semantic Manifold — 40 terms · 5 provenance layers employment_word_extractor.py · sources: onet_tasks | onet_dimensions | dwas | wikipedia | inference · Constitutional Law III
total_terms    : 40
top_words      : ['tendency', 'others', 'customers', 'equipment', 'financial', 'collection', 'customer', 'principles', 'account', 'includes', 'control', 'objects', 'accounts', 'problems', 'ideas', 'materials', 'techniques', 'activities', 'body', 'personal']
source_layers  : onet_tasks | onet_dimensions | dwas | wikipedia | inference

TERM                    COUNT     FREQ  DOMINANT SOURCE      SOURCE BREAKDOWN
──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
tendency                   42  0.01543  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
others                     39  0.01433  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:97%  dwas:3%
customers                  23  0.00845  onet_tasks           onet_tasks:39%  inference:26%  dwas:22%
equipment                  23  0.00845  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
financial                  18  0.00661  dwas                 dwas:39%  inference:33%  onet_dimensions:17%
collection                 18  0.00661  inference            inference:56%  wikipedia:33%  onet_tasks:11%
customer                   16  0.00588  inference            inference:56%  onet_dimensions:25%  onet_tasks:12%
principles                 16  0.00588  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
account                    13  0.00478  inference            inference:62%  dwas:31%  onet_tasks:8%
includes                   13  0.00478  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:92%  wikipedia:8%
control                    13  0.00478  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:92%  inference:8%
objects                    12  0.00441  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
accounts                   11  0.00404  onet_tasks           onet_tasks:55%  inference:45%
problems                   11  0.00404  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:82%  onet_tasks:9%  dwas:9%
ideas                      11  0.00404  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
materials                  10  0.00367  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
techniques                 10  0.00367  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
activities                 10  0.00367  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:90%  inference:10%
body                       10  0.00367  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
personal                    9  0.00331  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:67%  onet_tasks:11%  dwas:11%
debt                        9  0.00331  wikipedia            wikipedia:56%  onet_tasks:22%  inference:22%
credit                      9  0.00331  onet_tasks           onet_tasks:56%  inference:44%
records                     9  0.00331  dwas                 dwas:44%  onet_tasks:22%  inference:22%
administrative              9  0.00331  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:44%  inference:44%  onet_tasks:11%
actions                     9  0.00331  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:89%  onet_tasks:11%
monitoring                  9  0.00331  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:89%  inference:11%
problem                     9  0.00331  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:78%  inference:22%
services                    9  0.00331  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:67%  inference:33%
management                  9  0.00331  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:78%  inference:22%
resources                   9  0.00331  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
quickly                     9  0.00331  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
orientation                 9  0.00331  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
situations                  8  0.00294  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:50%  inference:38%  onet_tasks:12%
service                     8  0.00294  inference            inference:50%  onet_tasks:25%  onet_dimensions:25%
attention                   8  0.00294  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:75%  inference:25%
needs                       8  0.00294  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
understanding               8  0.00294  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:75%  inference:25%
procedures                  8  0.00294  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
rules                       8  0.00294  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
standards                   8  0.00294  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
◈ Boise Standard Employment Graph · 43-3011.00 · built 2026-06-02 · Sources declared above are authoritative originals. This page synthesizes but does not replace them. Every claim traceable. Full provenance. Constitutional Law I.
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