Find a Job You Really Want In
Cashiers remain a vital component of the American workforce, with job opportunities available across all states. This role is not limited to just a few areas, such as California or the Southern states; cashiers can be found in every corner of the country.
Recognizing the importance of this occupation, Zippia sought to identify the states where cashiers enjoy the most favorable working conditions, including job availability and competitive pay throughout their careers.
Using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), we analyzed various factors to determine the best states for cashiers in 2026.
After thorough analysis, we have compiled a list of the top states for cashiers:
These states represent the best environments for cashiers, offering ample job opportunities and competitive wages.
Curious about how we arrived at these rankings? Continue reading to discover our methodology for determining the best states for cashiers, along with insights on each state’s position.
If you’re interested in exploring more about the job market, check out these resources:
How We Determined the Best States for Cashiers
At Zippia, we engage with job seekers from diverse backgrounds. Our research indicates that two primary factors are crucial for individuals seeking employment:
- Availability of job opportunities
- Competitive compensation
To identify the best states for cashiers in 2026, we assessed job availability and salary data, using the following criteria sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment Statistics for 2024:
- Location quotient: A metric indicating the prevalence of cashiers in a specific state.
- Average annual salary.
- Average annual salary for entry-level positions.
- Average annual salary for experienced professionals.
We adjusted salary figures based on the cost of living in each state to provide an equitable comparison. For instance, while the average cashier salary in California is $27,450, the salary in Illinois is $23,380; however, the Illinois salary stretches further due to lower living costs.
To create an overall ranking, we assigned each state a score from 1 to 50 for each criterion, where 1 indicates the best performance. We subsequently averaged these scores to establish a Job Score, with the state boasting the lowest Job Score being recognized as the best state for cashiers in America.
Now, let’s delve into what makes each of these states exceptional for cashiers.
1. Wyoming
Total Jobs: 6,760
Average Annual Salary: $23,100
Average Entry-Level Salary: $17,050
Average Experienced Salary: $31,770
Location Quotient: 1.0
2. Missouri
Total Jobs: 75,060
Average Annual Salary: $22,050
Average Entry-Level Salary: $17,430
Average Experienced Salary: $28,960
Location Quotient: 1.07
3. Washington
Total Jobs: 67,720
Average Annual Salary: $29,350
Average Entry-Level Salary: $24,230
Average Experienced Salary: $38,740
Location Quotient: 0.83
4. Michigan
Total Jobs: 90,600
Average Annual Salary: $23,190
Average Entry-Level Salary: $19,470
Average Experienced Salary: $29,400
Location Quotient: 0.84
5. Arizona
Total Jobs: 63,450
Average Annual Salary: $24,970
Average Entry-Level Salary: $21,850
Average Experienced Salary: $30,390
Location Quotient: 0.91
6. Nebraska
Total Jobs: 23,760
Average Annual Salary: $23,060
Average Entry-Level Salary: $19,700
Average Experienced Salary: $28,130
Location Quotient: 0.97
7. North Dakota
Total Jobs: 9,530
Average Annual Salary: $25,150
Average Entry-Level Salary: $18,900
Average Experienced Salary: $32,570
Location Quotient: 0.91
8. Colorado
Total Jobs: 56,710
Average Annual Salary: $25,860
Average Entry-Level Salary: $21,230
Average Experienced Salary: $35,020
Location Quotient: 0.86
9. Illinois
Total Jobs: 143,230
Average Annual Salary: $23,380
Average Entry-Level Salary: $18,570
Average Experienced Salary: $29,880
Location Quotient: 0.95
10. Iowa
Total Jobs: 45,450
Average Annual Salary: $21,810
Average Entry-Level Salary: $16,810
Average Experienced Salary: $28,180
Location Quotient: 1.17
Conclusion: The Best States to Be a Cashier
If you’re starting your career as a cashier, these states should be at the top of your list. They offer competitive pay, ample job availability, and opportunities for professional growth.
For those interested in the challenges faced by cashiers, here are the states where cashiers may find less favorable conditions:
Detailed List of the Best States for Cashiers
| Rank | State | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wyoming | $23,100 |
| 2 | Missouri | $22,050 |
| 3 | Washington | $29,350 |
| 4 | Michigan | $23,190 |
| 5 | Arizona | $24,970 |
| 6 | Nebraska | $23,060 |
| 7 | North Dakota | $25,150 |
| 8 | Colorado | $25,860 |
| 9 | Illinois | $23,380 |
| 10 | Iowa | $21,810 |
| 11 | Mississippi | $19,620 |
| 12 | Arkansas | $21,190 |
| 13 | Tennessee | $21,360 |
| 14 | Minnesota | $24,820 |
| 15 | West Virginia | $21,350 |
| 16 | Kansas | $21,570 |
| 17 | Oklahoma | $20,890 |
| 18 | Idaho | $22,270 |
| 19 | Texas | $22,000 |
| 20 | Montana | $22,930 |
| 21 | Ohio | $22,110 |
| 22 | Indiana | $21,130 |
| 23 | Utah | $23,040 |
| 24 | Alabama | $20,620 |
| 25 | New Mexico | $22,080 |
| 26 | Oregon | $26,120 |
| 27 | Kentucky | $20,420 |
| 28 | Florida | $21,870 |
| 29 | Virginia | $22,020 |
| 30 | Nevada | $23,310 |
| 31 | Delaware | $22,220 |
| 32 | South Dakota | $22,460 |
| 33 | Georgia | $20,770 |
| 34 | North Carolina | $20,540 |
| 35 | Vermont | $25,330 |
| 36 | Louisiana | $19,790 |
| 37 | Maine | $23,180 |
| 38 | South Carolina | $20,160 |
| 39 | Wisconsin | $21,790 |
| 40 | Rhode Island | $25,110 |
| 41 | New Hampshire | $22,780 |
| 42 | Connecticut | $25,290 |
| 43 | California | $27,450 |
| 44 | Pennsylvania | $21,160 |
| 45 | Maryland | $23,900 |
| 46 | Alaska | $28,030 |
| 47 | New Jersey | $23,390 |
| 48 | Massachusetts | $26,310 |
| 49 | New York | $25,540 |
| 50 | Hawaii | $26,100 |
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
