How to become cashierseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

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

How to become cashiers

Typical education

No formal educational credential

BLS

Related experience

None

On-the-job training

Short-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

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

Post-secondary certificate

Training before entry

Up to 1 month

57%

None / short demo

24%

1–3 months

16%

3–6 months

1–2 years

Related work experience

None

42%

1–2 years

21%

6–12 months

17%

1–3 months

12%

2–4 years

Up to 1 month

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

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

Career path and how to earn more as cashiers

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	Retail Salespersons Sell merchandise, such as furniture, motor vehicles, appliances, or apparel to consumers.	$35,410	40/100	39%
2	First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers Directly supervise and coordinate activities of retail sales workers in an establishment or department.	$48,520	38/100	46%
3	Counter and Rental Clerks Receive orders, generally in person, for repairs, rentals, and services.	$41,300	44/100	54%
4	Parts Salespersons Sell spare and replacement parts and equipment in repair shop or parts store.	$38,630	47/100	44%
5	First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers Directly supervise and coordinate activities of sales workers other than retail sales workers.	$87,520	51/100	62%
6	Gambling Change Persons and Booth Cashiers Exchange coins, tokens, and chips for patrons' money.	$36,220	36/100	51%

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.