Cashier Jobs
Cashier Job Description
Cashiers are responsible for receiving and disbursing money, processing credit and debit card payments, and validating checks. Most cashiers work in retail stores, but there are plenty of job openings in the restaurant industry as well.
Responsibilities for cashier jobs often include:
- Verifying that customers are old enough to make age-restricted purchases.
- Selling store rewards programs, or encouraging customers to apply for store credit cards.
- Using scanners and cash registers to ring up purchases and provide change.
- Bagging customer purchases.
- Counting the money in the register at the beginning and end of a shift, and ensuring that it balances correctly.
Work Environment and Schedule
Cashiers are commonly employed in department stores, gas stations, grocery stores, movie theaters, drug stores, and fast food restaurants. They are required to spend most of their time standing behind a counter.
Though most retailers offer a flexible schedule to their employees, cashiers are normally required to work nights, weekends, and holidays. For retailers who make most of their money during the holiday season, getting time off may be difficult between Thanksgiving and the end of the year.
How to Become a Cashier
Cashier jobs rarely have any education requirements, though some employers give preference to applicants with a high school diploma. Most companies train cashiers on the job, making it a great entry-level job for students.
Required Skills
Cashiers must be able to stand for long periods of time, and demonstrate patience when dealing with angry customers. Good customer service and listening skills are also required.
Related Careers
Employment Outlook
There are currently 3,362,600 cashiers in the United States, with 177,590 new cashier job openings created each year.
Cashier jobs are not expected to see much growth beyond their current levels in the next decade.
Cashier Salaries
Overall Salaries
Cashier salaries can vary depending on your experience, the location, company, industry, and benefits provided. Nationwide, most cashiers make between $17,300 – $21,800 per year, or $8.34 – $10.50 per hour.