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 service disconnection, and keeping records of collection and status of accounts.
SOC: 43-3011.00
Common Job Titles
Collector
Debt Collector
Patient Access Specialist
Patient Account Representative
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key competencies for this occupation at a glance
MindsetEngage delinquent account holders through empathetic yet firm communication via telephone, mail, and personal visits to negotiate payment arrangements.
Proficient
KnowledgeEvaluate customer payment histories and account statuses using debt collection management systems to determine appropriate collection strategies.
Proficient
MindsetBalance organizational revenue goals with customer service principles while resolving conflicts and negotiating payment terms under time pressure.
Proficient
KnowledgeOrganize daily call lists and follow-up schedules prioritizing accounts by delinquency age, amount owed, and legal timelines.
Proficient
MindsetAdvocate for ethical collection practices and regulatory compliance when coaching team members and coordinating with supervisors on complex cases.
Proficient
KnowledgeApply federal and state collections laws and regulations when initiating repossession proceedings or service disconnection actions.
Developing
KnowledgeInterpret customer financial circumstances and payment capacity using active listening and social perceptiveness to customize collection approaches.
Developing
KnowledgeOperate debt account management and collection software platforms including autodialers, CRM systems, and accounting tools to document interactions and post payments.
Developing
KnowledgePrepare written correspondence and credit department referrals documenting non-responsive accounts and recommending escalation actions.
Developing
KnowledgeCalculate payment amounts, interest charges, and settlement offers applying mathematical and accounting principles to resolve account discrepancies.
Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Bill and Account Collectors (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
165,020
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $33,960. 25th percentile: U.S. $38,290. 50th percentile: U.S. $46,040. 75th percentile: U.S. $54,990. 90th percentile: U.S. $65,830. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
Metric
U.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less
$33,960
10% of workers earn the following or more
$65,830
Workers on average earn
$48,370
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
English Language4.1/5
Customer and Personal Service3.8/5
Mathematics3.3/5
Economics and Accounting3.3/5
Law and Government3.3/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
