Cashier Salary in the United States
Based on 3.1M+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$31,863
$15.32/hr
Salary Range
$27K – $39K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
3.1M
workers nationwide
The median Cashier salary in the United States is $31,863 per year, which equates to about $15 per hour. This figure represents the midpoint of earnings for this common retail role, with most cashiers earning between $26,886 and $39,383 annually.
Several factors influence a cashier's pay, including geographical location, years of experience, and the specific industry or type of business. For instance, cashiers in higher cost-of-living areas or those with specialized responsibilities may see their earnings differ from the national average. The total number of employed cashiers across the nation is substantial, reflecting the widespread nature of this position.
Salary Distribution — Cashier
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $26,886 |
| 25th percentile | $29,060 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $31,863 |
| 75th percentile | $35,380 |
| 90th percentile | $39,383 |
Cashier Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Cashier
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | $38,880 | +22.0% | 6K |
| 2 | Washington | $38,720 | +21.5% | 61K |
| 3 | California | $37,100 | +16.4% | 336K |
| 4 | Colorado | $36,870 | +15.7% | 52K |
| 5 | Hawaii | $36,780 | +15.4% | 11K |
| 6 | Alaska | $36,130 | +13.4% | 6K |
| 7 | Vermont | $35,720 | +12.1% | 7K |
| 8 | Connecticut | $35,550 | +11.6% | 31K |
| 9 | Massachusetts | $35,520 | +11.5% | 59K |
| 10 | New York | $35,500 | +11.4% | 159K |
Cashier Salary by Industry
How much Cashiers earn across industries nationwide — Utilities pays the most ($45,790 median). Ranked by median annual salary (2025 BLS OEWS data).
| # | Industry | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Utilities | $45,790 | +43.7% | 480 |
| 2 | Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $36,400 | +14.2% | 23K |
| 3 | Finance and Insurance | $36,220 | +13.7% | 3K |
| 4 | Health Care and Social Assistance | $35,900 | +12.7% | 12K |
| 5 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $35,840 | +12.5% | 3K |
| 6 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | $35,480 | +11.4% | 2K |
| 7 | Educational Services | $35,210 | +10.5% | 8K |
| 8 | Transportation and Warehousing | $34,900 | +9.5% | 2K |
| 9 | Manufacturing | $34,350 | +7.8% | 27K |
| 10 | Administrative and Support Services | $34,290 | +7.6% | 11K |
| 11 | Wholesale Trade | $33,850 | +6.2% | 19K |
| 12 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | $33,830 | +6.2% | 25K |
| 13 | Retail Trade | $33,070 | +3.8% | 2.6M |
| 14 | Construction | $32,730 | +2.7% | 730 |
| 15 | Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | $32,240 | +1.2% | 49K |
| 16 | Accommodation and Food Services | $31,600 | -0.8% | 342K |
| 17 | Information | $30,800 | -3.3% | 4K |
| 18 | Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | $29,900 | -6.2% | 4K |
| 19 | Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $22,760 | -28.6% | — |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures.
Historical Salary Trend — Cashier
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $31,863 |
| 2026 (projected) | $32,819 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
Cashier Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $29,060 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $31,863 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $35,380 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $39,383 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average annual salary for a cashier in the US?
- The median annual salary for a cashier in the United States is $31,863. This means half of all cashiers earn less than this amount, and half earn more. The typical salary range falls between $26,886 and $39,383 annually.
How much do cashiers make per hour on average?
- On average, cashiers in the United States make approximately $15 per hour. This hourly wage is derived from the median annual salary of $31,863, assuming a standard full-time work schedule.
Which state pays cashiers the most?
- The District of Columbia is currently the top-paying state for cashiers, with an average annual salary of $38,880. This is significantly higher than the national median of $31,863 and falls within the upper end of the general salary range.
Is the job outlook good for cashiers?
- While this data focuses on salary, the sheer volume of employment indicates the prevalence of cashier roles. With 3,089,430 cashiers employed, it remains a common entry-level position in the retail sector, though specific growth trends would require separate analysis.