Cashiers vs. Retail Salespersons: Who Earns More?
Retail Salespersonss out-earn Cashierss by $3K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Cashierss land at $32,880 and Retail Salespersonss at $35,410. The education gap is real: cashier programs typically require no formal educational credential, while retail salesperson programs require no formal educational credential. Top-paying state for Cashierss is District of Columbia ($38,880); for Retail Salespersonss it's Washington ($39,560).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Cashiers median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Cashierss or Retail Salespersonss?
Retail Salespersonss earn more nationally. The median is $32,880 for Cashierss versus $35,410 for Retail Salespersonss, a difference of $3K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Cashiers or Retail Salespersons?
Retail Salespersons has the better 10-year outlook at -1% projected growth, compared to -3% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Cashiers or Retail Salespersons?
Cashiers typically requires no formal educational credential. Retail Salespersons requires no formal educational credential. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Cashierss get paid the most?
District of Columbia is the top-paying state for Cashierss at $38,880/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Cashiers vs. Retail Salespersons pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In District of Columbia, Cashierss earn $38,880 vs. $38,500 for Retail Salespersonss. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.