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Retail cashier vs retail specialist

The differences between retail cashiers and retail specialists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a retail specialist has an average salary of $31,114, which is higher than the $29,009 average annual salary of a retail cashier.

The top three skills for a retail cashier include customer service, cleanliness and front end. The most important skills for a retail specialist are store management, retail environment, and store associates.

Retail cashier vs retail specialist overview

Retail CashierRetail Specialist
Yearly salary$29,009$31,114
Hourly rate$13.95$14.96
Growth rate-10%-
Number of jobs440,543269,690
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 43%Bachelor's Degree, 50%
Average age3441
Years of experience--

What does a retail cashier do?

A retail cashier is an employee who scans products and processes cash payments between the retail store and its customers. Retail cashiers must provide excellent customer service that can include greeting customers, directing customer inquiries to the appropriate party, and informing customers about the services available. They often train new cashiers or retail workers and assist in the maintenance of storefront and retail displays. Retail cashiers also assist in counting money and perform audits of cash intake or cash drawers.

What does a retail specialist do?

A retail specialist is primarily in charge of securing sales and assisting customers on a sales floor, ensuring to meet the daily sales targets and client satisfaction. Their responsibilities include greeting clients and answering inquiries, locating products, offering recommendations and promotions, and processing payments. They may also address issues or concerns, resolving them promptly and professionally. Furthermore, as a retail specialist, it is essential to maintain the cleanliness of the sales floor and arrange displays properly to attract customers.

Retail cashier vs retail specialist salary

Retail cashiers and retail specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Retail CashierRetail Specialist
Average salary$29,009$31,114
Salary rangeBetween $23,000 And $35,000Between $22,000 And $43,000
Highest paying CitySan Jose, CASalem, NH
Highest paying stateAlaskaNew Hampshire
Best paying companyIl FornaioMicrosoft
Best paying industryHospitalityTechnology

Differences between retail cashier and retail specialist education

There are a few differences between a retail cashier and a retail specialist in terms of educational background:

Retail CashierRetail Specialist
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 43%Bachelor's Degree, 50%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Retail cashier vs retail specialist demographics

Here are the differences between retail cashiers' and retail specialists' demographics:

Retail CashierRetail Specialist
Average age3441
Gender ratioMale, 23.7% Female, 76.3%Male, 42.8% Female, 57.2%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.4% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 21.8% Asian, 7.7% White, 54.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%Black or African American, 10.8% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 19.0% Asian, 6.8% White, 57.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage5%7%

Differences between retail cashier and retail specialist duties and responsibilities

Retail cashier example responsibilities.

  • Manage jewelry stock and inventory balances accurately.
  • Display knowledge concerning cash, checks, EBT, WIC, debit and credit card transactions.
  • Assist customers in getting groceries to cars and everyday transactions, such as cashiering and maintenance.
  • Follow procedures handling cash, checks, coupons, gift certificates, food stamps and WIC vouchers.
  • Install sound systems, steering systems, port-holes, hatches, swim decks, ladders, and windshields.
  • Perform POS transactions as a front-end operations cashier, as well as credit card and extend product services enrollment.
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Retail specialist example responsibilities.

  • Manage a high volume of patient information from authorizing diagnostic procedures and scheduling patients.
  • Manage Nintendo's promotional programs; secure and maintain point-of-purchase displays that alert customers to brand availability.
  • Complete cash, credit, and debit POS transactions accurately and according to company policy.
  • Assist clients with applications to determine county benefits eligibility food, cash, childcare and medicaid benefits.
  • Operate POS system to input customers' orders, process credit card transactions, and enter cash amounts receive.
  • Perform insurance verification for new and self-pay patients to facilitate reimbursement for the services render.
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Retail cashier vs retail specialist skills

Common retail cashier skills
  • Customer Service, 21%
  • Cleanliness, 19%
  • Front End, 11%
  • Math, 8%
  • Basic Math, 6%
  • Retail Sales, 5%
Common retail specialist skills
  • Store Management, 60%
  • Retail Environment, 12%
  • Store Associates, 4%
  • Customer Service, 4%
  • Product Knowledge, 4%
  • Shelf Tags, 2%