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Checkout Clerk, Customer Service Representative, Grocery Clerk, Sales Clerk, Salesperson, Store Clerk, Supermarket Clerk, Ticket Agent
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
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
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:
Cashiers, stores, and cafeterias may also:
Cashiers in retail stores may also:
For more information, see the Retail Salesperson occupational profile.
Cashiers in restaurants may also:
Box office cashiers sell tickets at places like theatres, stadiums, and skating rinks. In general, they:
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.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in comparing to calculate total payments received at the end of the work shift and reconcile with total sales
Interest in manipulating - operating to wrap and place merchandise in bags, and to tabulate bills using calculators, cash registers and optical price scanners; may stock shelves and clean check-out counter area
Interest in speaking with customers to provide information; may accept reservations and take-out orders
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Cashiers need:
They should enjoy:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 605 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 03, 2024 and Dec 03, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Greet customers | 588 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Operate cash register | 572 |
| Tasks: Process money, cheques and credit/debit card payments | 542 |
| Experience: Will train | 481 |
| Tasks: Calculate daily/shift payments received and reconcile with total sales | 446 |
| Tasks: Receive payment for goods or services | 364 |
| Tasks: Scan items | 338 |
| Tasks: Provide customer service | 311 |
| Tasks: Stock shelves and clean counter area | 272 |
| Construction Specialization: Flexibility | 219 |
The main requirements for cashiers are the abilities to provide good customer service and to work with numbers accurately and quickly. Those who work with large sums of money must be bondable (That means they are seen as responsible and law-abiding by an insurance company). Cashiers who work with foreign currency must know how to process conversions. Computer experience is an asset.
Cashiers usually train on the job. Some employers provide short online or in-person training sessions before they put inexperienced cashiers on the floor.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Cashiers work in:
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.
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.
Cashiers
2016 NOC: 6611
91.3% of people in this occupational group work in:
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 examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2023-2025 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
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 examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
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 examples, see Note.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
In some retail establishments, the starting wage for cashiers is at or just above minimum wage.
As of June 26, 2019, the minimum wage in Alberta is $15.00 per hour for most workers. For more information, see Minimum Wage.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $15.00 | $16.00 | $15.12 | $15.00 |
| Overall | $15.00 | $20.00 | $16.65 | $16.19 |
| Top | $15.00 | $28.00 | $19.94 | $18.00 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $21,896 |
|---|---|
| Wholesale Trade | $23,844 |
| Retail Trade | $21,841 |
| Information, Culture, Recreation | $18,111 |
| Accommodation & Food Services | $21,570 |
| Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related) | $26,395 |
| Public Administration | $30,702 |
Updated Mar 31, 2022. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
