Cashiers

At a Glance

Work for a variety of businesses
Must be organized and pay attention to detail
Deal directly with customers
May work days, evenings, and weekends
Train on the job
May work part time or full time

Career summary

Cashiers ring up sales and receive payments for merchandise.

Cashiers who work in grocery stores may be called grocery checkers.

#no alt titles, used grocery checkers. No other data moved over. check 3/26/19 lh

Businesses of all types and sizes hire cashiers to ring up sales. Most cashiers total bills, receive cash, make change, fill out charge forms, and give receipts.

Most cashiers are assigned to a register at the beginning of their shift. They are given drawers with banks of money. They count their banks to be sure they contain the correct amount of money.

They also count the drawers' contents at the end of their shift and compare the totals with their sales data. They total charge forms, return slips, and other non-cash items. Shortages of large amounts of money could cause a cashier to be fired.

Cashiers accept payments of cash, checks, credit cards, or debit cards. They must know the store's policy for each type of payment. They may ask customers for identification or call for authorization when completing sales with checks or credit cards.

Cashiers issue receipts and count out change when sales are complete. They may also wrap or bag the purchased items.

Most cashiers also handle returns and exchanges. They check the merchandise to be sure it is in good condition. They also check receipts to verify where and when purchases were made.

Cashiers who work in stores with scanners pass each product's barcode over the scanner. The computer enters the item and its price from the barcode. In other businesses they enter codes into computers, and the name of each item and its price appears. They must learn the codes for many items.

Cashiers may have other duties depending on a business. In grocery stores they weigh produce. In convenience stores they must know how to operate other types of machines. Many answer customers' questions or restock merchandise.

In large establishments, head cashiers oversee the work of other cashiers. They may also issue cash drawers.

Related careers

This career is part of the Marketing cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to cashiers.

Greet customers entering stores.
Use cash registers, computers, or scanners to enter items and total sales. Learn codes for various items.
May weigh produce or operate other machines.
Enter charges for all items, total items, and subtract discounts.
Take payments with cash, checks, credit cards, and debit cards. Verify identification or authorization.
Issue receipts and count change.
Help customers by answering questions and complaints. Wrap or bag purchases and offer carry-out service.
Make sure there is enough change in cash drawer.
Count contents of cash drawers at end of shift and compare totals with sales data. Total charge slips, return slips, and other non-cash items.
Handle returns or exchanges. Check merchandise and receipts.
May supervise other cashiers and issue cash drawers.
May stock shelves, put returned items back on shelves, and label prices on items.
Keep work area clean and orderly.

Common work activities

Cashiers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

Perform for or work with the public
Identify objects, actions, and events
Get information needed to do the job
Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
Establish and maintain relationships
Update and use job-related knowledge
Communicate with people outside the organization
Teach others
Process information
Judge the value of objects, services, or people
Assist and care for others
Convince others to buy goods or change their minds or actions
Control machines and processes
Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
Make decisions and solve problems
Perform activities that use the whole body
Evaluate information against standards
Handle and move objects
Coordinate the work and activities of others
Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, cashiers:

Interpersonal relationships

Have a high level of social interaction. They work with customers constantly.
Have daily face-to-face discussions with customers and coworkers.
Use the telephone often.
Work as part of a sales team.

Physical work conditions

Mostly work indoors. May work outdoors at some businesses, such as garden centers.
Sometimes wear a special uniform.
Work near other people, but have a few feet of space separating self from others.

Work performance

Must be very exact in their work and be sure all details are done. Errors could cost the company money.
Repeat the same physical activities, such as scanning merchandise.
Can make some decisions and set some tasks without consulting a supervisor.
Make decisions that affect others on a weekly basis.

Hours/travel

May work part time or full time.
Often work weekends, evenings, or holidays.
May have flexible schedules.

Physical demands

Cashiers frequently:

Stand for long periods of time.
Repeat the same movements.
Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.

It is important for cashiers to be able to:

See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
Understand the speech of another person.
Speak clearly so listeners can understand.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for cashiers to be able to:

Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
Determine the distance between objects.

Skills and abilities

Cashiers need to:

Communicate

Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
Understand spoken information.
Understand written information.
Listen to others and ask questions.

Reason and problem solve

Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.

Use math and science

Add, subtract, multiply, and divide quickly and correctly.
Use math skills to solve problems.

Work with people

Look for ways to help people.
Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study to consider

Training

To work as a cashier, you typically need to:

complete short-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

No formal education is required for this job. However, many employers prefer that you have a high school diploma or its equivalent.

On-the-job training

Most cashiers learn their skills on the job. Training can last up to one month. In small businesses, an experienced worker usually trains you. First, you learn about the store's equipment and policies. Then you work a register while a coworker supervises your work. In larger businesses, you begin by spending several days in classes. You learn about the company's policies, equipment operation, and security.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

Hospitality

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Some employers prefer applicants who have a high school diploma, especially for full-time jobs. Some prefer cashiers with business experience, such as typing, selling, or handling money.

Employers look for applicants who are able to repeat the same tasks and continue to work accurately. They also look for people with basic math skills. Cashiers should be neat in appearance and able to deal tactfully and pleasantly with customers.

Tips

Participation in distributive education (DECA) is helpful. Having a professional appearance is important. A good attitude and people skills are also important.

Costs to workers

Some cashiers are required to join a union and pay an initiation fee and monthly dues.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

Cashiers

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website (external link) .

Wages

The minimum wage for Washington State as of January 1, 2020 is $13.50 per hour. Some areas of the state may have a higher minimum wage.

Cashiers (SOC 41-2011)

Location	Pay Period
Location	Pay Period	10%	25%	Median	75%	90%
Washington	Hourly	$11.65	$11.89	$12.77	$15.17	$18.63
	Monthly	$2,019	$2,061	$2,213	$2,629	$3,229
	Yearly	$24,230	$24,740	$26,550	$31,550	$38,740
Bellingham	Hourly	$12.03	$12.28	$13.10	$15.61	$19.77
	Monthly	$2,085	$2,128	$2,270	$2,705	$3,426
	Yearly	$25,020	$25,544	$27,263	$32,467	$41,123
Bremerton-Silverdale	Hourly	$12.02	$12.27	$13.19	$15.37	$19.79
	Monthly	$2,083	$2,126	$2,286	$2,664	$3,430
	Yearly	$25,007	$25,510	$27,422	$31,984	$41,162
Clarkston-Lewiston	Hourly	$8.43	$9.33	$10.85	$12.22	$13.34
	Monthly	$1,461	$1,617	$1,880	$2,118	$2,312
	Yearly	$17,540	$19,398	$22,588	$25,408	$27,742
Kennewick-Richland	Hourly	$11.98	$12.12	$12.41	$13.47	$16.25
	Monthly	$2,076	$2,100	$2,151	$2,334	$2,816
	Yearly	$24,907	$25,215	$25,815	$28,006	$33,795
Longview	Hourly	$11.96	$12.08	$12.41	$13.87	$16.07
	Monthly	$2,073	$2,093	$2,151	$2,404	$2,785
	Yearly	$24,873	$25,128	$25,820	$28,840	$33,410
Mount Vernon-Anacortes	Hourly	$11.97	$12.10	$12.55	$16.73	$19.78
	Monthly	$2,074	$2,097	$2,175	$2,899	$3,428
	Yearly	$24,895	$25,184	$26,092	$34,793	$41,142
Olympia-Tumwater	Hourly	$11.97	$12.11	$12.57	$15.04	$19.08
	Monthly	$2,074	$2,099	$2,178	$2,606	$3,307
	Yearly	$24,901	$25,199	$26,151	$31,291	$39,687
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue	Hourly	$12.07	$12.46	$14.02	$16.59	$19.90
	Monthly	$2,092	$2,159	$2,430	$2,875	$3,449
	Yearly	$25,116	$25,928	$29,176	$34,513	$41,400
Spokane-Spokane Valley	Hourly	$11.98	$12.12	$12.47	$14.11	$17.44
	Monthly	$2,076	$2,100	$2,161	$2,445	$3,022
	Yearly	$24,908	$25,217	$25,955	$29,340	$36,265
Vancouver	Hourly	$10.94	$11.55	$12.33	$14.63	$17.78
	Monthly	$1,896	$2,002	$2,137	$2,535	$3,081
	Yearly	$22,757	$24,018	$25,642	$30,427	$36,976
Walla Walla	Hourly	$11.97	$12.10	$12.38	$13.08	$15.59
	Monthly	$2,074	$2,097	$2,145	$2,267	$2,702
	Yearly	$24,892	$25,177	$25,748	$27,206	$32,427
Wenatchee	Hourly	$12.01	$12.24	$13.02	$15.97	$18.48
	Monthly	$2,081	$2,121	$2,256	$2,768	$3,203
	Yearly	$24,982	$25,454	$27,094	$33,218	$38,431
Yakima	Hourly	$11.98	$12.14	$12.50	$14.26	$17.17
	Monthly	$2,076	$2,104	$2,166	$2,471	$2,976
	Yearly	$24,920	$25,251	$25,992	$29,659	$35,722
United States	Hourly	$8.49	$9.34	$10.78	$12.01	$14.47
	Monthly	$1,471	$1,619	$1,868	$2,081	$2,508
	Yearly	$17,660	$19,430	$22,430	$24,990	$30,110

Wages vary by employer and area of the country. Wages tend to be higher in areas where there is intense competition for workers. The cashier's level of experience may also affect wages.

Cashiers who work full time often receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance. Cashiers who work part time may not receive benefits. Cashiers who work in retail establishments may receive discounts on purchases. Cashiers in restaurants may receive free or low-cost meals.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

Cashiers (SOC 41-2011)

		This occupation	All occupations
Location	Current employment	Growth over 10 years		Annual openings
Washington	69,015	2.5%	16.1%	13,311
Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan Counties	3,624	1.1%	13.4%	685
Asotin, Columbia, Ferry, Garfield, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Stevens, Walla Walla, and Whitman Counties	1,716	-0.3%	8.6%	316
Benton and Franklin Counties	2,001	2.3%	15.0%	385
Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap Counties	3,799	4.9%	11.9%	763
Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties	4,918	4.1%	15.2%	976
Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston Counties	4,669	2.4%	14.1%	899
Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties	4,307	2.5%	14.6%	830
King County	22,205	2.2%	19.6%	4,250
Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania, and Yakima Counties	3,254	4.1%	13.8%	646
Pierce County	6,763	5.0%	15.2%	1,364
Snohomish County	8,493	-0.3%	12.4%	1,566
Spokane County	3,998	2.7%	13.9%	775
United States	3,648,500	-3.8%	5.2%	661,300

National employment

About one-quarter of all cashiers work in supermarkets.

Major employers:

Grocery stores
Gas stations
Drug stores
Department stores
Pharmacies

National outlook

Job growth is expected to decrease in this occupation. Although there is an increase in retail sales, automation is reducing the need for cashiers. More stores have self-service checkout stands. In addition, many people are buying goods online and bypassing the need for a cashier.

There will be many job openings for cashiers every year. This is because the occupation is very large and has a high rate of turnover.

Employment of cashiers is sensitive to the economy. Companies tend to hire more cashiers when the economy is strong. When the economy is weak, cashiers may be laid off or work fewer hours.

Other resources

American Gaming Association
799 9th Street, NW Suite 700
Washington, DC 20001

Hospitality Careers Online

National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation
2055 L Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
800.424.5156

Retail, Wholesale, and Department Store Union

References

Career cluster

Marketing

Career path

Conventional (Business Operations)

O*Net occupation

Cashiers (41-2011.00)

O*Net job zone

Job Zone 1 - Little or no preparation needed. No previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations.