Cashier

Your Fit

Income

$32K

Preparation

Some

Growth

-10.4%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Cashier?

A Cashier is responsible for handling customer transactions in various retail or service establishments. This role involves processing sales, managing financial exchanges, and providing customer service.

Sample job titles:

Cashier, Checker, Sales Associate, Store Clerk

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Cashier.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Cashier earn

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2024 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Cashier.

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$31K per year	$31K per year	$32K per year	$34K per year	$38K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $33K below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Cashier do?

Work environment

Cashiers are typically found in a variety of settings including supermarkets, department stores, gas stations, and food service establishments. The work often requires standing for long periods and may include evenings, weekends, and holidays, particularly in retail environments with extended hours.

Quick task list

Processes cash, credit, and check transactions accurately.
Balances cash drawers and receipts.
Answers customer inquiries and resolves issues.
Maintains a clean and orderly checkout area.
Stocks merchandise and helps with inventory management.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Retail Cashier: Handling transactions in retail environments like clothing stores, electronics stores, and supermarkets.
Bank Teller: Specializing in financial transactions in a banking environment.
Hospitality Cashier: Working in hotels, resorts, or entertainment venues, often dealing with reservations and ticket sales.
Food Service Cashier: Processing orders and payments in fast food or sit-down restaurants.
Service Station Cashier: Operating in gas stations and convenience stores, often combining cashier duties with merchandise stocking and customer service.

Description

The role of a cashier is fundamental in the customer service and retail industries. Cashiers are often the primary point of contact for customers, making their role crucial in shaping the customer's experience. They need to be accurate and efficient in handling transactions to ensure a smooth and pleasant shopping experience.

Good communication and interpersonal skills are essential for cashiers, as they interact with a diverse range of customers daily. They must be able to handle money accurately and responsibly, possess basic math skills, and be familiar with using point of sale (POS) systems.

The job can be fast-paced, especially during peak hours or busy seasons. Cashiers must be able to manage stress, maintain a positive demeanor, and handle multiple tasks simultaneously. Although the job may be seen as entry-level, it provides valuable experience in customer service, financial transactions, and retail operations.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Direct interaction with customers and providing helpful service.
Developing efficiency and accuracy in handling transactions.
Being part of a team in a retail or service environment.

You might make a good Cashier if you are...

Good at math and comfortable handling money.
Friendly and enjoy interacting with people.
Able to stay calm and efficient in a fast-paced environment.
Detail-oriented and accurate in your work.
Interested in gaining experience in the retail or customer service sectors.

Pros:

Opportunity to develop customer service skills.
Flexible work hours, suitable for part-time or seasonal work.
Can be a stepping stone to more advanced roles in retail or banking.

Cons:

Often involves long periods of standing.
May require working on weekends and holidays.
Can be repetitive and sometimes stressful during busy periods.

How to become a Cashier

Typical education

Cashier positions usually require a high school diploma or equivalent, with on-the-job training provided. There is no additional post-secondary education required for entry into this occupation.

High school preparation

Courses:

Basic Mathematics for handling transactions.
Communication courses to improve interaction with customers.
Business Studies for a general understanding of commerce and retail.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Part-time jobs or volunteering in retail or customer service.
Role in school clubs that involve organizing events and handling money.

Preparation after high school

Additional customer service training or workshops.
Gaining experience through part-time or temporary cashier positions.
Learning a second language can be beneficial in diverse communities.

More resources

National Retail Federation (NRF) - Offers training and resources for retail workers.
Occupational Information Network (O*NET Online) - Provides detailed occupational information, including on cashier roles.
American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) - Offers insights into customer satisfaction and service quality.
Retail Council of America (RCA) - Provides industry news and resources for retail professionals.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.