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Debt Collection Agency Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

HEMMING & ASSOCIATES PC

Associate Attorney

Tustin, CA · On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

Job Summary We are seeking an experienced Attorney to join our team and represent consumers in actions brought by original creditors, debt buyers, and collection agencies involving credit card ...

HEMMING & ASSOCIATES PC

Associate Attorney

Tustin, CA

$100K - $125K/yr

Job Summary We are seeking an experienced Attorney to join our team and represent consumers in actions brought by original creditors, debt buyers, and collection agencies involving credit card ...

HEMMING & ASSOCIATES PC

Associate Attorney

Tustin, CA · On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

Health insurance Job Summary We are seeking an experienced Attorney to join our team and represent consumers in actions brought by original creditors, debt buyers, and collection agencies involving ...

Cherokee Federal

Financial Investigator

San Diego, CA · On-site

$90K - $98K/yr

Coordinate surveillance of debtors with appropriate law enforcement/investigative agencies, while ... collection efforts. * Conduct financial investigations to obtain information for subpoenas and ...

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How much do debt collection agency jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for debt collection agency in California is $22.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $28.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a debt collection agency?

A Debt Collection Agency job involves recovering overdue payments from individuals or businesses on behalf of creditors. Professionals in this role contact debtors via phone, email, or letters to negotiate repayment plans, provide payment options, and ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations. Strong communication, negotiation skills, and persistence are essential for success in this field.

What are the typical daily responsibilities at a debt collection agency?

Staff at a debt collection agency typically spend their day contacting debtors via phone, email, or written correspondence to negotiate repayment arrangements and resolve outstanding accounts. They review account histories, update client databases, and escalate unresolved cases as needed. Agencies often work as teams to share best practices and support new hires through ongoing training. Maintaining compliance with relevant laws and company policies is a key focus throughout all daily activities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a debt collection agency?

To thrive as a Debt Collection Agency, you need comprehensive knowledge of debt collection laws, negotiation tactics, and account management processes. Familiarity with specialized collections software, CRM systems, and adherence to regulatory certifications such as the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is essential. Outstanding interpersonal skills, resilience, and professionalism are key soft skills for effectively communicating with both clients and debtors. These competencies enable successful debt recovery, maintain client satisfaction, and ensure strict legal compliance.

Is debt collection a good career?

Debt collection is a job that involves contacting individuals to recover overdue payments, often requiring strong communication and negotiation skills. It can offer steady employment and opportunities for advancement, but may involve challenging interactions and strict regulatory compliance. Success in this field often depends on interpersonal skills and understanding of debt collection laws.

What qualifications do you need to be a debt collection agency?

A debt collection agency typically requires licensing or registration depending on state or country regulations, along with knowledge of debt collection laws and practices. Employees often need strong communication skills, attention to detail, and may require background checks or certifications such as the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) compliance training.

What are the most commonly searched types of Debt Collection Agency jobs in California?

The most popular types of Debt Collection Agency jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Debt Collection Agency jobs in California?

For Debt Collection Agency jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Debt Collection Agency jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Debt Collection Agency jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Debt Collection Agency jobs?

Cities in California with the most Debt Collection Agency job openings:

Debt Collection Agency jobs near you
Infographic showing various Debt Collection Agency job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,205 per year, or $22.7 per hour.

Associate Attorney

HEMMING & ASSOCIATES PC

Tustin, CA • On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Job Summary
We are seeking an experienced Attorney to join our team and represent consumers in actions brought by original creditors, debt buyers, and collection agencies involving credit card, medical, auto deficiency, personal loan, and similar obligations. The right candidate should be able to handle an existing litigation caseload from intake through resolution, with a focus on protecting client rights, challenging improper or unsubstantiated claims, and achieving cost‑effective outcomes.

Responsibilities 
  • Represent individual consumers in state court in debt collection and related consumer actions, from filing or answering the complaint through trial or settlement.
  • Review lawsuits, contracts, statements, account histories, and supporting documentation to evaluate liability, damages, and the validity and ownership of the alleged debt.
  • Draft, file, and argue responsive pleadings (Answers, counterclaims, demurrers/motions to dismiss, motions to strike, motions for judgment on the pleadings) asserting appropriate defenses such as lack of standing, improper service, statute of limitations, and defective documentation.
  • Prepare, propound, and respond to written discovery; take and defend depositions as needed; and seek evidentiary sanctions where creditor/collector discovery responses are inadequate.
  • File and argue dispositive and pre‑trial motions, including summary judgment/summary adjudication and motions in limine.
  • Negotiate settlements, payment plans, and stipulations to judgment that minimize client exposure, including reduction of principal, interest, and fees, and, where appropriate, debt waivers.
  • Analyze potential violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), and analogous state consumer protection statutes, and assert counterclaims or separate actions where warranted.
  • Act as a buffer between clients and collectors by directing all creditor and collection agency communications through counsel and addressing harassment or unlawful collection practices.
  • Advise clients on the legal and practical consequences of judgments, including wage garnishments, bank levies, liens, and post‑judgment enforcement, and, where appropriate, explore bankruptcy or other global resolution options.
  • Where a default judgment already exists, evaluate service and procedural history and, when appropriate, prepare and argue motions to vacate or set aside judgment and negotiate post‑judgment resolutions.
  • Maintain accurate, timely file notes, case plans, and calendar entries for all hearings, deadlines, and client communications.
  • Collaborate with support staff on case intake, document collection, and file management; provide clear direction for paralegal and assistant tasks.
Qualifications
  • Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA‑accredited law school.
  • Active license in good standing with the State Bar of the jurisdiction(s) where matters will be handled.
  • Working knowledge of state civil procedure, evidence rules, and judgment enforcement procedures relevant to consumer debt litigation.
  • Familiarity with federal and state consumer protection statutes, including FDCPA and FCRA, and willingness to develop deeper subject‑matter expertise.
  • Strong legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills, including experience drafting motions and appearing at motion hearings, case management conferences, and trials.
Preferred Experience and Skills
  • 1+ years of civil litigation experience, preferably including consumer debt, collection defense, or related consumer protection work.
  • Prior experience representing consumers in credit card, medical debt, auto deficiency, or debt‑buyer lawsuits.
  • Experience identifying and litigating FDCPA/FCRA or state‑law collector violations, including bringing affirmative claims or counterclaims.
  • Comfort with managing a volume caseload while maintaining high‑quality work product and client communication. 
  • Spanish or other second‑language skills in markets with high LEP client populations.
  • Familiarity with case management systems and document automation tools used in consumer practices.
Core Competencies
  • Client‑centered counseling: Ability to explain complex legal concepts in plain language, set realistic expectations, and reduce client anxiety in the face of litigation and collection pressure.
  • Negotiation: Demonstrated ability to negotiate effectively with creditor counsel and collectors, leverage evidentiary and procedural weaknesses, and secure favorable settlements.
  • Strategic thinking: Capacity to quickly assess the strength of claims and defenses, weigh litigation versus settlement options, and design efficient case strategies.
  • Professionalism and ethics: Commitment to zealous yet ethical advocacy, compliance with professional responsibility obligations, and sensitivity to financially vulnerable clients.
Compensation and Benefits
  • Competitive salary commensurate with experience, plus performance‑based bonuses tied to case outcomes and efficiency metrics.
  • Benefits package may include health insurance, paid time off, CLE reimbursement, and bar dues.
  • Hybrid or remote work arrangements may be available