CASHIERS

Nature of the Work

Supermarkets, department stores, gasoline service stations, movie theaters, restaurants, and many other businesses employ cashiers to facilitate the sale of their merchandise. Most cashiers total bills, receive money, make change, fill out charge forms, and give receipts. Although specific job duties vary by employer, cashiers are usually assigned to a register and given a drawer at the beginning of their shifts.  The drawer contains a bank of money.  Cashiers must count their bank to insure that it contains the correct amount of money and that there is an adequate supply of change.  At the end of their shift, they once again count the drawers' contents and compare the totals with sales data.

Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement

Cashier jobs tend to be entry level positions requiring little or no previous work experience.  Although there are no specific educational requirements, employers filling full-time jobs often prefer applicants with a high school diploma. Nearly all cashiers are trained on the job. 

Job Outlook

Employment of cashiers is expected to increase about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2005 due to expanding demand for goods and services by a growing population.  Although growth will account for numerous openings, most jobs will result from the need to replace experienced workers who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force.  As in the past, replacement needs will create a significant number of job openings, for the occupation is large and turnover is much higher than average. Opportunities for part-time work are expected to continue to be excellent.

Earnings

Cashiers have earnings ranging from the minimum wage to several times that amount.  Wages tend to be higher in areas where there is intense competition for workers.  In establishments covered by Federal law, those beginning at the minimum wage earned $4.25 an hour in 1993.  In some States, the minimum wage in many establishments is governed by State law, and where State minimums are higher, the establishment must pay at least that amount.  In 1992, median weekly earnings for full-time cashiers were about $219.  The middle 50 percent earned between $185 and $295; 10 percent earned below $153; and 10 percent earned above $414.

Additional information can be obtained by contacting the following organizations:

National Association of Convenience Stores, 1605 King St., Alexandria, VA 22314-2792.

Service Station Dealers of America, 801 N.  Fairfax St., Suite 109, Alexandria, VA 22314.

United Food and Commercial Workers Union, 1775 K St.  NW., Washington, DC 20006-1502.


