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Retail clerk vs sales associate and cashier

The differences between retail clerks and sales associate and cashiers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a retail clerk has an average salary of $30,046, which is higher than the $26,139 average annual salary of a sales associate and cashier.

The top three skills for a retail clerk include stock shelves, groceries and retail sales. The most important skills for a sales associate and cashier are customer service, basic math, and sales floor.

Retail clerk vs sales associate and cashier overview

Retail ClerkSales Associate And Cashier
Yearly salary$30,046$26,139
Hourly rate$14.45$12.57
Growth rate--10%
Number of jobs470,355459,392
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 35%High School Diploma, 48%
Average age4134
Years of experience--

What does a retail clerk do?

A retail clerk is responsible for selling goods and services to the customers, recommending products based on their needs, and responding to the customers' inquiries and concerns about the product. Retail clerks assist with the store's marketing strategies, organize product displays, monitor inventories, endorse promotional discounts, and help customers on their checkout payments. A retail clerk must have excellent communication and customer service skills to handle customers' requests and ensure their highest satisfaction.

What does a sales associate and cashier do?

A sales associate and cashier is an employee who takes on the dual role of helping customers with their product inquiries and facilitating the purchase of the customer. As a sales associate, the employee must be familiar with the different products offered by the company and should be able to direct customers to the product that best suits their needs. As a cashier, the employee must be familiar with the cash register and the system that the company uses to manage sales and facilitate payment. He/She or she must be able to work the equipment needed for a smooth checkout process.

Retail clerk vs sales associate and cashier salary

Retail clerks and sales associate and cashiers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Retail ClerkSales Associate And Cashier
Average salary$30,046$26,139
Salary rangeBetween $23,000 And $38,000Between $19,000 And $35,000
Highest paying CitySeattle, WABristol, CT
Highest paying stateRhode IslandWashington
Best paying companyBellevue Jr/Sr High SchoolRoom & Board
Best paying industryManufacturingRetail

Differences between retail clerk and sales associate and cashier education

There are a few differences between a retail clerk and a sales associate and cashier in terms of educational background:

Retail ClerkSales Associate And Cashier
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 35%High School Diploma, 48%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Retail clerk vs sales associate and cashier demographics

Here are the differences between retail clerks' and sales associate and cashiers' demographics:

Retail ClerkSales Associate And Cashier
Average age4134
Gender ratioMale, 41.0% Female, 59.0%Male, 25.3% Female, 74.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.0% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 19.8% Asian, 6.6% White, 57.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%Black or African American, 10.4% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 21.5% Asian, 7.3% White, 54.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%
LGBT Percentage7%5%

Differences between retail clerk and sales associate and cashier duties and responsibilities

Retail clerk example responsibilities.

  • Accomplish upselling goals to contribute to company's success.
  • Handle sales and returns through a POS software system and inventory database, and train new employees on the same tools.
  • Collect and process payments including accurate maintenance of sales register and jewelry inventory following close of daily business.
  • Provide excellent customer service while upselling promotional products

Sales associate and cashier example responsibilities.

  • Manage jewelry stock and inventory balances accurately.
  • Provide customer service, cash handling, cleaning, floor-sets, opening and closing procedures, and operate a POS system.
  • Scan customers groceries swiftly, handle cash transactions accurately provide friendly customer service daily.
  • Process all POS transactions including cash, credit cards, and gift cards and balance registers at close of business.
  • Commend for exceeding food safety guidelines and ensuring the highest quality product through meticulous store cleanliness.
  • Strengthen the Walmart brand by interacting positively and professionally with a highly diverse customer base.

Retail clerk vs sales associate and cashier skills

Common retail clerk skills
  • Stock Shelves, 31%
  • Groceries, 21%
  • Retail Sales, 6%
  • Product Knowledge, 6%
  • Basic Math, 5%
  • POS, 4%
Common sales associate and cashier skills
  • Customer Service, 40%
  • Basic Math, 18%
  • Sales Floor, 9%
  • Stock Shelves, 6%
  • Sales Associates, 5%
  • POS, 4%