Cashier duties and responsibilities

Cashiers have a range of responsibilities relating to the daily operations of a retail environment, which primarily involves engaging with customers, taking payment and maintaining the point-of-sales system. Specific daily tasks depend on the type and size of the retail environment, the type of products you sell and the size of your team.

Common 1780598108218cashier32.06cashier customer service5.3retail5.05fast food3.13teen2.08389045242392177.2514.8527.65HOURLY551817708962025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Cashier duties and responsibilities include:

• Processing sales transactions and taking payments
• Calculating the cost of products or services
• Calculating and returning change for cash transactions
• Maintaining adequate change denominations and requesting additional change
• Answering customer questions about products or services and providing recommendations based on customer needs
• Cross-selling and upselling products
• Reconciling cash drawers and sales receipts
• Reporting issues with equipment
• Working with the team to meet store sales goals
• Responding to and resolving customer complaints and concerns
• Processing layaways, returns and exchanges
• Maintaining clean and tidy checkout and merchandise areas
• Assisting in stocking and rotating merchandise
• Scanning and bagging items accurately and efficiently
• Staying up to date on merchandise promotions, advertisements and product information

Cashier skills and qualifications

Successful Cashier candidates possess various skills and qualifications to perform the required duties. Examples of Cashier skills and qualifications include: 

• Ability to calculate sales and change quickly
• Accountability and accuracy in reconciling sales receipts and records
• Service-oriented and willing to help patrons
• Customer service skills to maintain positive customer relationships, encourage customer loyalty and resolve conflicts
• Excellent communication to interact with team members and customers
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and stressful environment
• Attention to detail to maintain accurate inventory and transaction records
• Knowledge of point-of-sale systems

Cashier education and training requirements

Cashier roles typically don’t have any formal education requirements, but some employers prefer a high school diploma or GED. Regardless, cashier applicants at your organization should possess strong mathematical and customer service skills. Most Cashiers undergo on-the-job training to learn about the company’s policies, procedures and point-of-sale systems.

Cashier experience requirements

Entry-level Cashiers don’t necessarily need prior experience because they usually complete on-the-job training. However, experience working with similar retail products or in a customer service-based role may be valuable for your job opening. Lead Cashiers or those in a supervisory position should have at least a year of experience in a similar role.

Cashier job description template

Our organization is seeking a Cashier to process sales through the point-of-sales system and interact with customers to maximize their satisfaction.

Cashier responsibilities include receiving payments, issuing receipts, gift-wrapping packages and keeping track of all cash and credit transactions. To be successful in this role, you should have previous experience in a customer service position and a strong understanding of operating a point-of-sales system and managing a cash float.

This role involves shifts in the evenings, on weekends and on holidays. You should be available to take evening and weekend shifts occasionally.

Responsibilities

• Manage transactions with customers using the point-of-sales system
• Scan products and ensure accurate pricing
• Take cash, credit and debit payments
• Issue receipts, refunds, change or tickets
• Redeem stamps and coupons
• Cross-sell or upsell products
• Resolve customer complaints and concerns
• Greet customers and maintain a personable and friendly attitude
• Clean, stock and tidy checkout and retail areas
• Track transactions on balance sheets and report discrepancies
• Bag, box or gift-wrap packages
• Handle merchandise returns and exchanges

Requirements

• Work experience as a retail cashier or in a similar role in sales
• Basic PC knowledge
• Familiarity with electronic equipment, such as cash registers and point-of-sales systems
• Strong math skills
• Excellent communication and time management skills
• Customer satisfaction-oriented
• Team-oriented
• High school diploma or GED

Job description samples for similar positions

If you’re writing a job description for a position related to the Cashier, see our job descriptions for similar roles:

• Head Cashier
• Front Desk Agent

Frequently asked questions about Cashiers

What is the difference between a Cashier and a Store Associate?

Both Cashiers and Store Associates work in a retail environment, but Cashiers focus on running the store sales terminal, while Store Associates can cover a range of tasks. Store Associates assist customers on the sales floor, stock items, perform inventory checks, set up shop displays, and some serve as Cashiers as part of their general responsibilities. High-volume retail stores often hire Cashiers in addition to Store Associates, Stockers and other positions.

Who does a Cashier report to?

Cashiers generally report directly to a Store Manager or Assistant Store Manager, although some Cashiers work under a Head Cashier or Keyholder who manages a team of Cashiers. Store Managers oversee the Cashier’s performance, such as the accuracy of their transaction records, how quickly they scan items, general sales volume and customer feedback.

How can you hire a cashier?

To attract applicants for a Cashier role, craft a detailed cashier job description with key responsibilities, skills and qualifications. Develop interview questions that allow applicants to expand on key qualifications from their resume, such as those relating to customer service experience or cash handling.