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How Much Does a Cashier Make: Top 5 Top Paid Industries

January 20, 2023 · 4 min read

The salary for a cashier can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the location, type of employer, and level of experience. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median hourly wage for cashiers in the United States was $11.37 in May 2020.

The lowest 10 percent earned less than $9.10, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $14.24. This means that 50% of cashiers earn more than $11.37 per hour and 50% earn less.

In addition, cashiers can be influenced by the type of industry they are working in. For example, cashiers working in department stores tend to earn a slightly higher wage than those working in fast food restaurants or convenience stores. Additionally, cashiers working in urban areas tend to earn more than those working in rural areas due to the cost of living.

It's also worth mentioning that some cashiers may receive benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and bonuses depending on the employer.


Top 5 of the highest-paying industries for cashiers in the United States:

-Warehouses and storage: $13.07 median hourly wage

-Amusement, gambling, and recreation industries: $12.84 median hourly wage

-Department stores: $12.48 median hourly wage

-Specialty food stores: $12.36 median hourly wage

-Pharmacies and drug stores: $12.29 median hourly wage


Furthermore, these figures are based on median hourly wages and do not take into account factors such as location, experience, and qualifications. Additionally, a cashier's salary can be influenced by other factors such as the company size, region, and cost of living.

Some of the highest-paying cashier jobs are located in urban areas where the cost of living is higher than in rural areas, and employers may need to pay more to attract workers. Therefore, a cashier working in Manhattan, NY may earn more than a cashier working in rural areas.


Is there a future for cashiers? 

The growth of technology such as self-checkout systems, mobile point of sale, and cashier-less stores, may affect the employment rate for cashiers, as fewer cashiers will be needed to handle transactions. However, it's also worth noting that these systems are not yet prevalent in all types of retail, and cashiers will still be needed in many places, such as smaller stores, service-oriented businesses, and businesses that cater to older customers who may not be as familiar with these technologies.

Additionally, the demand for cashiers will continue in the retail and service industry, as cash and credit card transactions are still a significant part of the economy and will not be replaced entirely.

It's also important to emphasize that cashier is considered an entry-level position, and it's one of the most common jobs for those starting out in the workforce, so it's a relatively stable job, and there will always be a need for cashiers in retail and other service-oriented industries.

To sum up, cashiers working in industries with higher pay tend to have more experience, better qualifications, or hold a supervisory role.


Is cashier a good job?

In general, cashier jobs are considered to be relatively stable and easy to find, and typically require only a high school diploma or equivalent, and little to no prior experience.


Some of the benefits of working as a cashier include:

  • Flexible scheduling: Many cashier jobs are part-time or have flexible scheduling options, which can be ideal for students or those with other responsibilities

  • Entry-level position: Cashiering is considered an entry-level position, which can be a good stepping stone to other jobs in the retail or service industry

  • Job security: As long as people continue to shop, there will be a need for cashiers.


Some of the downsides of working as a cashier include:

  • Low pay: The median hourly wage for cashiers in the US is $11.37, which may not be enough for some people to live on.

  • Repetitive tasks: Cashiering can be repetitive, and cashiers may stand for long periods of time.

  • Stressful situations: Cashiers may have to deal with difficult customers or stressful situations, such as handling large amounts of cash.

Overall, whether or not a cashier job is considered "good" depends on the individual's personal circumstances and career goals. On top of it, it provides a great opportunity to grow and develop in the retail or service industry.


by Evgenii Solianikov

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