Bill and Account Collectors
Description OES Code: 53508
Bill and account collectors try to collect money owed on past due accounts from customers that are late in paying their bills. Bill Collectors try to locate and contact debtors to recover money owed on credit cards, car loans, mortgage loans, utility bills, student loans, medical care, and even taxes.

Wages, California
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $10.16
25th Percentile $11.40
50th Percentile $14.05
75th Percentile $17.06

Wages, San Joaquin County
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $9.51
25th Percentile $9.84
50th Percentile $11.11
75th Percentile $14.80

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey

Hours & Benefits
Bill Collectors work forty hours a week. Bill Collectors try to contact debtors at home or at work; therefore, hours can vary. An eight-hour shift can be from 11:00 am to 7:30 p.m. or from noon to 8:30 p.m. Bill Collectors often work on Saturdays. Part-time collectors usually work a four-hour shift. The hours are often flexible. National collection agencies have shifts to handle calls to the eastern and pacific time zones.

Fringe benefits may include paid vacations, holidays, sick leave, and health and dental insurance.

Employment Trends, California
Employment 1998 31,400
Projected Employment 2008 44,800
Percent Change 1998-2008 42.7%
Separations 1998-2008 10,100

Employment Trends, San Joaquin County
Employment 1999 170
Projected Employment 2006 220
Percent Change 1999-2006 29.4%
Separations 1999-2006 40

Employment Trends by California County

Working Conditions
Bill Collectors work in an office setting and spend most of their time sitting behind a desk. Offices are well lighted and provide a comfortable atmosphere. Bill Collectors use a computer database to track calls and to view customer accounts. Because most of a Bill Collector's time is spent on the telephone, they use a telephone headset. Office size can range from a small business to a large collection agency.

Advancement
Bill Collectors that have a good rating for collecting debts can earn promotions. Experienced Bill Collectors with a good education can advance to management or supervisory positions. There are also possibilities that a Bill Collector can open an agency with other experienced Collectors, especially since debt collection is a profitable business.

Getting the Job & Other Information
Those interested in a job as a Bill Collector should begin their job search at collection agencies, credit reporting companies, banks, and retail stores. Collection agencies and credit reporting companies can be found in the yellow pages under "Collection". Job seekers should look at classified ads in newspapers under headings such as "Collection" and "Billing". Job postings may also be available at local Employment Development Department Job Service offices.

For a list of current job listing, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Education and Training
Applicants should have at least a high school education. Some employers like to see the completion of some college courses such as accounting, computers, and mathematics. High schools, adult education, and community colleges offer courses in word processing and computers that are helpful in getting a job as a Bill Collector. College courses in accounting, mathematics, English, and computers can lead to more employment opportunities within this field.

Skills & Other Requirements
Bill Collectors must be able to speak and write well. They need to be persistent, patient, and be able to maintain detailed records and have good negotiation skills to handle stressful situations since they frequently deal with angry clients.

References
California Occupational Guide #561

Related Occupations: Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks, Insurance Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators, General Office Clerks

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)