Cashier | Salary | Job trend | Skills

How The Strong Inventory Relates to a Career as a Cashier

The Strong Interest Inventory (SII) is a psychological instrument created by E.K. Strong, Jr. to assist people in selecting a profession that will make them happy and fulfilled. It has given tens of thousands of people across the world priceless insights over the course of the better part of a century. The interest inventory compares a person’s career interests and skills to those of professionals already employed in a variety of fields. Careers that fit into each of the six career categories have some things in common. For example, Conventional careers, like Cashiers, generally involve tasks that require being careful, organized, and meticulous. A job as a Cashier requires a good deal of focus and attention to detail, as even small mistakes can have consequences. They are expected to be organized and efficient in handling money, making changes, and processing sales transactions. Cashiers may be responsible for reconciling cash drawers at the end of each shift. This role can be a good fit for individuals who are detail-oriented, enjoy working with numbers, and are comfortable in a customer-facing role.

What Does a Cashier Do?

Cashiers typically work in the retail or service industry, such as a grocery store, department store, or restaurant. Receiving payments from customers and processing transactions for the products or services they have purchased are their main responsibilities. They may also oversee handling cash, checks, and credit or debit card transactions, and they must be competent in calculating change accurately. In addition to handling transactions, cashiers may also be responsible for duties including welcoming customers, responding to inquiries about goods or services, bagging or packing merchandise, keeping a tidy and organized workspace, and counting and reconciling cash drawers at the end of their shift.

A Cashier’s Day-to-Day Tasks and Tools

Cashiers typically have a variety of day-to-day responsibilities, which generally revolve around handling transactions with customers. This often involves operating a cash register, scanning items, processing payments, and giving correct change. Cashiers must be able to handle cash accurately and use basic arithmetic skills to calculate totals and make changes. They may also need to deal with customer complaints or questions and resolve problems when they arise. Additionally, cashiers often perform routine tasks such as restocking shelves, cleaning and organizing the sales area and counting the cash in their till at the beginning and end of their shift. They must also be able to follow safety procedures and use equipment such as security cameras and anti-theft devices. Cashiers must also maintain a professional demeanor, communicate effectively with customers and coworkers, and be able to work in a fast-paced environment.

Strong Interest Inventory® (SII) Conventional Theme Code Cashiers Careers

Learn all about a career as a Cashier, including career stats such as media salary, daily tasks, employment growth, and more!

As stated by The Department of Labor, The Following Work Tasks are Most Often Completed by Cashiers:

Settle records of sales or other financial dealings.
Handle sales or other transactions.
Attend to customer queries about goods or services.
Educate customers with the technical product or service information.
Determine costs of goods or services.
Keep records of sales or other business deals.
Provide money, credit, or coupons.
Assist clients with general information or support.
Supervise sales activities.
Welcome customers, patrons, or visitors.
Manage sales or support staff.
Organize cash for payment or disbursement.

(Retrieved from O’netOnline.org. Cashier Career. Career Code: 41-2011.00. Detailed Work Activities)

Core Activities for Cashiers:

Accept payment by cash, check, credit cards, coupons, or automatic debits.
Attend to customers’ queries and offer information on procedures or policies.
Assist customers in locating certain products.
Provide receipts, refunds, credits, or change due to customers.
Welcome customers when entering establishments.
Oversee others and provide on-the-job training.
Help customers by offering information and resolving their complaints.
Keep clean and organized checkout areas and fulfilled other general cleaning responsibilities, such as mopping floors and clearing trash cans.
Determine or label prices of goods, services, or admission, and arrange bills using calculators, cash registers, or optical price scanners.
Bag, box, wrap, or gift-wrap products, and prepare packages for delivery.
Support with responsibilities in other areas of the store, such as checking fitting rooms or bagging and carrying out customers’ items.

Calculate money in cash drawers at the start of shifts to ensure that amounts are accurate and that there is adequate change.
Tabulate total payments received and tally this with total sales.

(Retrieved from O’netOnline.org. Cashier Career. Career Code: 41-2011.00. Task-Core-Category)

Cashiers typically use point-of-sale (POS) systems, registers, barcode scanners, and credit card machines. They may utilize counting machines and cash drawers since they are managing cash and making changes. Additionally, they may use computer systems to check prices, process returns or exchanges, and keep track of inventories. Cashiers must also be able to work efficiently and accurately, so they must be familiar with the tools and technologies they are using.

Experience and Education

Cashiers typically do not require any specific education or training. In fact, many employers will provide on-the-job training to new hires. On-the-job training for cashiers typically covers the practical skills and knowledge necessary to perform their daily tasks, such as operating cash registers, handling transactions, and providing customer service. This training may also include company policies and procedures, as well as basic math and computer skills. Cashiers will also be taught how to handle and manage money, including counting and organizing change and making bank deposits. Additionally, they may receive training on how to handle customer complaints and resolve conflicts. The training process is typically supervised by a more experienced cashier or manager, who will provide guidance and support as the new cashier learns the ropes.

Salary and wages

The salary for a cashier typically starts at minimum wage, which varies based on location and employer. On average, the hourly wage for a cashier in the United States is around $11 per hour. In states like California, cashiers earn an average of $29,920. 10% of Cashiers earn $29,120 or less, and 10% make $37,460 or more.

Cashiers may receive tips or bonuses for hitting specific performance metrics or targets, such as sales targets, accuracy in processing transactions, or customer satisfaction ratings. This largely depends on the employer and the specific job role, as well as the geographical location and the industry. However, it is important to note that the availability of tips and bonuses may vary widely, and some cashiers may not receive any such compensation at all.

Below are some employment trends for Cashiers: