What does a counter do?
Counter responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real counter resumes:
- Replace or attach bar code labels on every ammunition containers for identification and location.
- Replace or attach bar code labels on every ammunition containers for identification and location.
Counter skills and personality traits
We calculated that 18% of Counters are proficient in Basic Math, POS, and Math. They’re also known for soft skills such as Dexterity, Near vision, and Patience.
We break down the percentage of Counters that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Basic Math, 18%
Perform basic math functions to collect payments and make change.
- POS, 17%
Operated POS register to make cash and card transactions.
- Math, 13%
Perform math and computing weights and measures.
- Pleasant Dining, 8%
Provided customers with a pleasant dining experience by assisting them with their choices of award-winning baked goods and sandwiches.
- Cash Handling, 8%
Full access/responsibility of all cash handling (order payments, payouts, pay-ins, staff payroll and nightly cash outs).
- Cleanliness, 8%
Assisted customers with all of their dry cleaning needs Cashier responsibilities Maintained appearance and cleanliness of store
Most counters use their skills in "basic math," "pos," and "math" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential counter responsibilities here:
Dexterity. One of the key soft skills for a counter to have is dexterity. You can see how this relates to what counters do because "cashiers use their hands to operate registers and scan purchases." Additionally, a counter resume shows how counters use dexterity: "required large amount of customer service as well as lifting larger bags onto the belt behind the counter. "
Near vision. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling counter duties is near vision. The role rewards competence in this skill because "cashiers need to see well enough to scan items and process transactions accurately." According to a counter resume, here's how counters can utilize near vision in their job responsibilities: "clean display cases and replace near expiry baked products with fresh baked goods. "
Patience. counters are also known for patience, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to counter responsibilities, because "cashiers must be able to remain calm when interacting with customers." A counter resume example shows how patience is used in the workplace: "gained skills: customer service, patience, planning, problem-solving, time management, and communication. "
Communication skills. For certain counter responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "communication skills." The day-to-day duties of a counter rely on this skill, as "cashiers must pay attention to customers’ questions and explain pricing." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what counters do: "assisted customers in visualizing their desired cake orders operated pos packaged cakes for delivery handled all phone communications. "
Customer-service skills. Another crucial skill for a counter to carry out their responsibilities is "customer-service skills." A big part of what counters relies on this skill, since "cashiers must be courteous and friendly when helping customers." How this skill relates to counter duties can be seen in an example from a counter resume snippet: "provide exceptional customer service be responsible for store operations"
The three companies that hire the most counters are:
- Zippy's36 counters jobs
- Arden Group27 counters jobs
- CACI International14 counters jobs
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Compare different counters
Counter vs. Advanced repair agent
Advanced repair agents are skilled professionals who are responsible for creating a supportive environment for customers by offering technology-related and solution-based recommendations to solve their repair needs. These agents are required to ask their customers the right questions and listen to them carefully while taking detailed noted about their software and hardware issues. They must collaborate with other team members to diagnose technology issues by performing troubleshooting activities and using their specialty software. Advanced repair agents must also answer phone calls to assist customers in solving simple technology problems.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a counter are more likely to require skills like "basic math," "pos," "math," and "pleasant dining." On the other hand, a job as an advanced repair agent requires skills like "consumer electronics," "client devices," "geek," and "troubleshoot." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
The education levels that advanced repair agents earn slightly differ from counters. In particular, advanced repair agents are 0.3% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a counter. Additionally, they're 0.4% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Counter vs. Services clerk
The main role of service clerks is to provide excellent service to customers. They are responsible for varied tasks, which include handling complaints from customers, processing register transactions, and promoting the company's services and products. It is also their job to take orders, maintain an organized and clean cash register, and scan information about bills and payments. To be qualified for this position, one should have a high school diploma, excellent communication, interpersonal and customer service skills, and attention to detail.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that counter responsibilities requires skills like "pleasant dining," "cash handling," "work ethic," and "phone calls." But a services clerk might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "patients," "slicers," "display cases," and "cross-selling."
On average, services clerks earn a lower salary than counters. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, services clerks earn the most pay in the retail industry with an average salary of $29,778. Whereas counters have higher pay in the transportation industry, with an average salary of $31,126.services clerks earn similar levels of education than counters in general. They're 0.1% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.4% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Counter vs. Fleet service clerk
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from counter resumes include skills like "basic math," "pos," "math," and "pleasant dining," whereas a fleet service clerk is more likely to list skills in "service aircraft," "de-icing," "hand tools," and "safety procedures. "
Fleet service clerks make a very good living in the technology industry with an average annual salary of $32,231. On the other hand, counters are paid the highest salary in the transportation industry, with average annual pay of $31,126.fleet service clerks typically earn similar educational levels compared to counters. Specifically, they're 0.1% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.4% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Counter vs. Food sales clerk
Types of counter
Updated January 8, 2025
