How much do cashiers earn per hour in the US: What is the average salary?

Cashiers have been a crucial part of the retail industry for many years. Before mass automation and AI it was absolutely necessary for all shops to have someone scanning items as they left the store. This is no longer the case.

According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics state the median average annual salary for a cashier in the United States is approximately $27,260, based on the median hourly wage and assuming a full-time schedule of 40 hours per week. This is far lower than the average wage across the US of $70,248.

However, it is important to note that this is just a median, and the actual salary can range from minimum wage, which varies by state and can be as low as $7.25 per hour, to higher wages in areas with a higher cost of living or for more experienced cashiers. Cashiers will be some of the lowest paid workers on average.

What is the future of cashier jobs?

Cashier jobs are part of a sector that is most at risk from automation. The BLS predicts a 10% decline in the number of jobs by 2031.

An example of this is Apple stores. If you have been in one recently you will have found there is no need to go to a dedicated cashier; staff can scan items on their phones to pay for items in any part of the shop. The global self-checkout system market was estimated at $3.1 billion in 2020, according to ResearchandMarkets.com. This number is on course to double in the next three years.

“Self-checkout is an area that has a clear [return on investment], and combined with a greater customer experience, it makes for an interesting choice to investigate and invest in,” said Morten Mogelmose, the CEO and co-founder of Zliide