Cashier

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.

Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.

2006 NOC

• 6611: Cashiers

2006 NOC-S

• G311: Cashiers

2011 NOC

• 6611: Cashiers

2016 NOC

• 6611: Cashiers

2021 NOC

• 65100: Cashiers

2023 OaSIS

• 65100.00: Cashiers

Most cashiers use digital cash registers and price scanners. At the start of each shift, they are given a set amount of money in a drawer. At the end of the shift, they may need to balance their cash against their total cash receipts. Cashiers must know the store’s prices, product codes, policies, and procedures. Their duties will vary depending on where they work. In general, they:

• Greet and thank customers
• Accept payments in cash, by debit card, and by credit card
• Promote the use of credit
• Process coupons, discounts, gift certificates, returns, and exchanges
• Provide refunds

Cashiers, stores, and cafeterias may also:

• Scan or enter the prices of items and subtract the value of coupons or discounts
• Weigh produce and bulk food
• Tell customers where to find products
• Package or bag goods
• Offer carry-out service
• Keep the checkout area clean and orderly
• Make sure they have enough change at all times
• Make sure they have appropriate cash levels at all times
• Use the paging system to ask for help or information
• Return items to the shelves and stock shelves during slow periods
• Wait to serve the first available customer

Cashiers in retail stores may also:

• Pack bought goods in bags or boxes
• Act as a salesperson

For more information, see the Retail Salesperson occupational profile.

Cashiers in restaurants may also:

• Take reservations or takeout orders
• Seat guests

Box office cashiers sell tickets at places like theatres, stadiums, and skating rinks. In general, they:

• Give information about events in person or by phone, e-mail, or regular mail
• Describe venue layouts and seating locations to help customers choose the best seats
• Fill bookings for seats
• Attend pre-work meetings to receive updates and pick up items to hand out to customers
• Change till, debit, and credit machine paper rolls as needed
• Receive and process payments for items such as debit and credit transactions, passes, and tickets

Theatre box office cashiers often do public relations work as well.

Cashiers who work in government departments and other large organizations (such as utility companies) receive and process payments for things such as utility bills, taxes, and parking fines.

Cashiers work with the public. Most stand in small booths or behind counters for long periods. They constantly use keypads, touch screens, and scanners. Sometimes they are near store entrances, which can be drafty in winter. During busy periods, they may feel pressure to work quickly while being accurate and pleasant.

Cashiers in grocery stores, cafeterias, theatres, and retail stores often work evenings and weekends. They may work part time during busy periods. Restaurant and hotel cashiers often work rotating shifts without set days off. Vacation times may be limited to less busy times of year. Break times may vary depending on how busy the workplace is.

Cashiers work in:

• Grocery and food stores
• Drug stores
• Department stores
• Restaurants
• Theatres
• Hotels and motels
• Government
• Large companies

In some stores, they must join a union to work.

Cashiers may move into positions in other store departments. They may also advance to supervisory positions. In some stores, they may advance to assistant or branch manager positions.

Industry Concentration

This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

In the 6611: Cashiers occupational group, 91.3% of people work in:

• Retail Trade
• Accommodation and Food Services

Employment Outlook

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

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Employment Outlook

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors. Learn how these factors can affect your career decisions.

• Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
• Location in Alberta
• Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
• Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
• Size of the occupation
• Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list

In Alberta, the 6611: Cashiers occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.6% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 639 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.

Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.

Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.