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Retail sales associate/cashier vs store associate

The differences between retail sales associate/cashiers and store associates can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a store associate has an average salary of $29,543, which is higher than the $25,961 average annual salary of a retail sales associate/cashier.

The top three skills for a retail sales associate/cashier include customer service, basic math and math. The most important skills for a store associate are sales floor, retail store, and inventory management.

Retail sales associate/cashier vs store associate overview

Retail Sales Associate/CashierStore Associate
Yearly salary$25,961$29,543
Hourly rate$12.48$14.20
Growth rate--
Number of jobs463,864495,423
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 44%High School Diploma, 35%
Average age4141
Years of experience--

What does a retail sales associate/cashier do?

A cashier is responsible for ensuring all the products and goods sold are well recorded and paid for as well as answering customer inquiries and recommending products. They also help the other sales team when needed and process payment for all goods bought. Their duties and responsibilities include processing payments, ensuring all goods bought are accurately scanned and recorded, and bagging purchases.

What does a store associate do?

A store associate is responsible for assisting customers with the products they need and recommending alternative goods that would fit their budget. Sales associates also market promotional offers and provide product descriptions to the customer. They also monitor inventories, stock supplies on the appropriate shelves, and ensure the cleanliness and orderliness of the store. Store associates also perform other administrative tasks as needed, such as creating sales reports, assisting in the counter, and helping customers on carrying their items.

Retail sales associate/cashier vs store associate salary

Retail sales associate/cashiers and store associates have different pay scales, as shown below.

Retail Sales Associate/CashierStore Associate
Average salary$25,961$29,543
Salary rangeBetween $20,000 And $32,000Between $24,000 And $36,000
Highest paying CityLong Beach, CANew York, NY
Highest paying stateHawaiiNew York
Best paying companyThe TJX CompaniesPro Football Hall of Fame
Best paying industryRetailRetail

Differences between retail sales associate/cashier and store associate education

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

Retail Sales Associate/CashierStore Associate
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 44%High School Diploma, 35%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Retail sales associate/cashier vs store associate demographics

Here are the differences between retail sales associate/cashiers' and store associates' demographics:

Retail Sales Associate/CashierStore Associate
Average age4141
Gender ratioMale, 24.5% Female, 75.5%Male, 48.8% Female, 51.2%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.0% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 22.5% Asian, 6.4% White, 54.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%Black or African American, 11.1% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 20.0% Asian, 6.6% White, 56.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage7%7%

Differences between retail sales associate/cashier and store associate duties and responsibilities

Retail sales associate/cashier example responsibilities.

  • Supervise women's department, manage jewelry department, assist customers on finalizing purchases
  • Process transactions through POS terminals accepting cash, checks, credit cards, and giving change.
  • Commend for exceeding food safety guidelines and ensuring the highest quality product through meticulous store cleanliness.
  • Improve customer solicitation pitch to increase Kohl's credit card application solicitations.

Store associate example responsibilities.

  • Manage the appearance of the store in conjunction with the store priorities to present a desirable image of Aldi.
  • Work on the cash register, used calculators, POS machines and mental math.
  • Ensure that all cash handling are accurate and work with Ross' point-of-sale systems.
  • Put out freight as well as restocking the stock room, carrying 50 pound boxes up ladders.
  • Operate POS register and provide exceptional customer service.
  • Regulate profit margins, payroll, loss-prevention control and inventory management.
  • Show more

Retail sales associate/cashier vs store associate skills

Common retail sales associate/cashier skills
  • Customer Service, 17%
  • Basic Math, 15%
  • Math, 14%
  • Sales Floor, 9%
  • Retail Sales, 9%
  • Cash Handling, 8%
Common store associate skills
  • Sales Floor, 25%
  • Retail Store, 12%
  • Inventory Management, 9%
  • Cleanliness, 7%
  • Math, 5%
  • Strong Customer Service, 5%