Will AI replace cashiers?AI replacement risk 49% and how the work is changing

United States Retail Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$32,880
25th–75th pct. $28,720–$36,330
Top pay (est.)
$52,500
Top 10% $40,410
Pay in 5 years
$37,200est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$42,000est.
$36,100–$48,800
Outlook score
32/100
★★☆☆☆ Below average
AI replacement risk
49%
Moderate
Job growth (10 yr)
−6.5%
521K openings / yr

Will AI replace Cashiers? AI replacement risk

49%
Moderate
Ranked #507 safest from AI among all U.S. occupations
Very lowLowModerateHighVery high

How AI is changing this job

A written analysis for this occupation is being prepared.

AI replacement risk compares the parts of a job that are easy to hand to AI or software (processing information, documentation, repetitive computer work) with the parts that are hard to automate (physical work, working closely with people, judgment in unpredictable settings), using O*NET work activities, work context, skills and knowledge. The result is a relative position among all occupations in the country, scaled to 0–100%. Methodology →

Skills, education and requirements for Cashiers

Key skills

Service Orientation
2.9
Active Listening
2.9
Critical Thinking
2.8
Social Perceptiveness
2.8
Speaking
2.6
Coordination
2.6
Reading Comprehension
2.6
Time Management
2.5

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Customer and Personal Service
4.4
Computers and Electronics
3.0
Sales and Marketing
3.0
Administrative
3.0
English Language
2.9
Mathematics
2.8
Administration and Management
2.8
Education and Training
2.1

What the work involves

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicHandling and Moving ObjectsCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesGetting InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work

Important abilities

Oral ComprehensionNear VisionOral ExpressionSpeech RecognitionWritten ComprehensionSpeech Clarity

Education of workers

High school diploma
44%
Less than high school
37%
Some college
9%
Post-secondary certificate
9%

Training before entry

Up to 1 month
57%
None / short demo
24%
1–3 months
16%
3–6 months
2%
1–2 years
1%

Related work experience

None
42%
1–2 years
21%
6–12 months
17%
1–3 months
12%
2–4 years
6%
Up to 1 month
2%

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★☆☆☆☆ Easy to enter (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.