Credit Authorizers, Checkers, and Clerks

SOC code 43-4041 · O*NET-SOC 43-4041.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Office and administration

Credit Authorizers, Checkers, and Clerks pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$50,080

a year

Hourly

$24.08

per hour

10th$30,260Median$50,08090th$72,700

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$51,420

$24.72 per hour

Middle 50%

$40,520 – $60,860

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$30,260 – $72,700

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

12,030

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $30,260; $14.55/hr
25th percentile: $40,520; $19.48/hr
Median percentile: $50,080; $24.08/hr
75th percentile: $60,860; $29.26/hr
90th percentile: $72,700; $34.95/hr

What do credit authorizers, checkers, and clerks do?

Authorize credit charges against customers' accounts. Investigate history and credit standing of individuals or business establishments applying for credit. May interview applicants to obtain personal and financial data, determine credit worthiness, process applications, and notify customers of acceptance or rejection of credit.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Evaluate customers' computerized credit records and payment histories to decide whether to approve new credit, based on predetermined standards.
Keep records of customers' charges and payments.
Compile and analyze credit information gathered by investigation.
File sales slips in customers' ledgers for billing purposes.
Obtain information about potential creditors from banks, credit bureaus, and other credit services, and provide reciprocal information if requested.
Interview credit applicants by telephone or in person to obtain personal and financial data needed to complete credit report.
Receive charge slips or credit applications by mail, or receive information from salespeople or merchants by telephone.
Mail charge statements to customers.

How to qualify for this work

Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed

Education: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience: 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 training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Training: Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.

See all zone 2 occupations →

The federal survey did not capture education levels for this specific occupation, so the preparation-level card above is the best guide to the entry route.

Common questions

How much does a credit authorizers, checkers, and clerks earn?

The national median is $50,080 a year. The full range runs from $30,260 at the 10th percentile to $72,700 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a credit authorizers, checkers, and clerks without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Reading Comprehension3.6/5
Active Listening3.6/5
Speaking3.6/5
Critical Thinking3.3/5
Writing3.1/5
Monitoring3.0/5

Knowledge areas

Customer and Personal Service4.1/5
English Language3.7/5
Mathematics3.6/5
Law and Government3.4/5
Administrative3.3/5
Economics and Accounting3.3/5
Computers and Electronics3.2/5
Administration and Management3.1/5

Transferable strengths: Social Perceptiveness, Time Management, Coordination, Service Orientation.