Bill and Account Collectors
Bill and account collectors try to recover payment on overdue bills.
Is bill and account collectors a good career?
It scores 10/100 and ranks #694 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- No college degree typically required to enter
Possible tradeoffs
- Pays below the U.S. median wage ($47,030 vs $61,390)
- Employment is projected to decline (-10.5% through 2034)
What bill and account collectors earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. bill and account collectors earn between $39,010 and $56,740 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Strongest employment concentration
Live bill and account collectors jobs
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- Typical education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- Moderate-term on-the-job training
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow decline through 2034.
Education
Most bill and account collectors are required to have a high school diploma, although some employers prefer applicants who have taken some college courses. Communications, accounting, and basic computer courses are examples of classes that are helpful for entering this occupation.
Training
Bill and account collectors typically receive training after being hired. This on-the-job training includes instruction on computer software, federal debt-collection laws (in the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act), and state debt-collection regulations. Collectors also may be trained in negotiation techniques.
Important qualities
Communication skills. Collectors must be able to explain repayment options and ensure that people fully understand what is being said.
Customer-service skills. Bill and account collectors must be patient and empathetic when talking to people about their overdue bills.
Detail oriented. These workers must follow specific debt-collection rules, and they must be precise when keeping records of their collection attempts.
Listening skills. Collectors must pay attention to what debtors say when trying to negotiate a repayment plan. Learning about a debtor’s situation and how they fell into debt can help collectors suggest solutions.
Negotiating skills. The main aspects of a collector’s job are reconciling the differences between two parties (the debtor and the creditor) and offering a solution that is acceptable to both parties.
Related occupations
How much do bill and account collectors make?
The national median wage is $47,030 a year, with the middle half earning between $39,010 and $56,740 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is bill and account collectors a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 10 of 100 and ranks #694 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change -10.5% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a bill and account collector?
The typical entry-level education is high school diploma or equivalent.
Where do bill and account collectors earn the most?
Among states, District of Columbia pays the highest median ($62,230). Local pay for every state and metro is below.