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Cashier Skills and Responsibilities

January 20, 2023 · 4 min read

A cashier is a retail worker who handles customer transactions at a store or business. This typically includes handling cash and credit card payments, making changes, and sometimes issuing refunds or handling returns. Cashiers may also be responsible for maintaining the cash drawer, counting the money in the drawer at the start and end of their shift, and reconciling any discrepancies. Additionally, Cashiers may be responsible for stocking shelves, cleaning the store, and providing customer service.


​​Besides handling financial transactions, cashiers may also be responsible for:

  • Greeting customers and answering any questions they may have

  • Operating a cash register or other point-of-sale (POS) system

  • Scanning items and totaling the cost of purchases

  • Checking IDs for age-restricted items such as tobacco or alcohol

  • Packaging items for customers

  • Keeping their work area clean and organized

  • Handling customer complaints or concerns

  • Following store policies and procedures related to cash handling and security

  • Following safety and sanitation guidelines

  • Assisting with other tasks as needed or assigned by their supervisor

It is also worth noting that cashiers' responsibilities can vary depending on the type of establishment they work in and their specific roles within the organization.


Back to routes 

The history of cashiers can be traced back to the early days of retail trade when storekeepers would manually keep track of their sales and record them in ledgers. As trade and commerce expanded, the need for more efficient methods of handling financial transactions grew.

In the late 19th century, the first mechanical cash registers were invented. These early cash registers were large, heavy machines that used levers and gears to record transactions and calculate the total amount due. They were used mainly in department stores and large retail establishments.

In the early 20th century, the first electric cash registers were developed, which made it easier to keep track of sales and inventory. These machines used a keyboard and a display screen and were capable of performing more complex calculations.

In the 1970s and 1980s, electronic cash registers (ECR) were introduced. These machines were smaller, faster, and more reliable than their mechanical predecessors. They used microprocessors and memory chips to store data and could perform a wide range of functions, including inventory management and financial reporting.

In recent years, electronic point-of-sale (POS) systems have become increasingly popular. These systems are computer-based and use software to manage transactions and other functions. They can be integrated with other systems, such as barcode scanners, credit card terminals, and customer relationship management (CRM) software. They are also able to connect to the internet, which allows for remote management and real-time reporting.

Overall, Cashiering technology has evolved over time to make it more efficient, accurate, and reliable. And this evolution continues with the use of new technologies such as self-checkout systems, mobile point of sale, and cashier-less stores.


Nowadays, cashiers can be found in a variety of different types of establishments, including:

  • Retail stores, such as department stores, clothing stores, and electronics stores

  • Grocery stores and supermarkets

  • Convenience stores

  • Gas stations

  • Restaurants and fast-food establishments

  • Movie theaters and other entertainment venues

  • Hotels and motels

  • Casinos

  • Airports and other transportation centers

  • Ticketing booths and box offices

  • Government buildings

  • Non-profit organizations and charities

  • Online store or E-commerce platform

  • Banks and financial institutions

On top of it, cashiers can work in a wide range of settings, including full-time, part-time, or on a temporary or seasonal basis.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were over 3.5 million cashiers employed in the United States in 2020. The BLS also projects that the employment of cashiers will grow by 2% from 2020 to 2030. This is slower than the average for all occupations, but still represents a significant number of new job opportunities.

The cashier is considered an entry-level position and it is one of the most common jobs for those starting out in the workforce. It is also considered a relatively stable job, as there will always be a need for cashiers in retail and other service-oriented industries. Additionally, the job typically requires only a high school diploma or equivalent, and little to no prior experience.

It should be emphasized that the growth of self-checkout systems, mobile point of sale, and cashier-less stores will probably have an effect on the number of cashier jobs in the future, but it is still expected that cashiers will continue to be in demand in some form or another.


by Evgenii Solianikov

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