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What is a checkout operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a checkout operator. For example, did you know that they make an average of $15.14 an hour? That's $31,498 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow -10% and produce -335,700 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreCheckout OperatorUS Average
Salary
2.5

Avg. Salary $31,498

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
5.3

Growth rate -10%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
3.7
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.16%

Asian 11.29%

Black or African American 7.23%

Hispanic or Latino 19.73%

Unknown 5.70%

White 54.89%

Gender

female 75.35%

male 24.65%

Age - 28
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 28
Stress level
5.3

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
3.7

Complexity level is basic

7 - challenging

Work life balance
10.0

Work life balance is excellent

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a checkout operator

  1. Explore checkout operator education requirements

    Most common checkout operator degrees

    Bachelor's

    36.4 %

    High School Diploma

    30.9 %

    Associate

    12.7 %
  2. Start to develop specific checkout operator skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Customer Service50.58%
    Sales Floor16.89%
    Credit Card16.03%
    Customer Complaints8.59%
    POS7.90%
  3. Complete relevant checkout operator training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New checkout operators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a checkout operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real checkout operator resumes.
  4. Research checkout operator duties and responsibilities

    • Handle large money transactions along with personal checks, traveler's checks and aid programs like WIC and food stamps.
    • Maintain proper cash accountability and train in counterfeit recognition while preserving cleanliness of restaurant as per OSHA standards.
    • Maintain clean and orderly checkout areas and complete other general cleaning duties, such as mopping floors and emptying trash cans.
  5. Prepare your checkout operator resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your checkout operator resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a checkout operator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable checkout operator resume templates

    Build a professional checkout operator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your checkout operator resume.
    Checkout Operator Resume
    Checkout Operator Resume
    Checkout Operator Resume
    Checkout Operator Resume
    Checkout Operator Resume
    Checkout Operator Resume
    Checkout Operator Resume
    Checkout Operator Resume
    Checkout Operator Resume
  6. Apply for checkout operator jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a checkout operator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first checkout operator job

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Average checkout operator salary

The average checkout operator salary in the United States is $31,498 per year or $15 per hour. Checkout operator salaries range between $21,000 and $46,000 per year.

Average checkout operator salary
$31,498 Yearly
$15.14 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.