Is a Job as a Restaurant Cashier Right for Me?

If you need a flexible schedule, enjoy working with others and like working with technology, then a role as a restaurant cashier might be right for you. A restaurant cashier processes payments, helps other restaurant staff with orders and provides customers with outstanding communication and service.  While many employees enter the restaurant industry as wait staff, taking on a role as a cashier offers more reliable pay and responsibility. You can also easily transfer your skills to another industry or employer. 

Restaurant Cashier Job Duties

While your primary role will be running the cash register and processing payments, you may also help with greeting diners and guests, resolving customer concerns and answering questions about the restaurant or menu. This is a visible, on the floor role, so customers will come to you for assistance. Depending on the restaurant setup you could ring up and process payments for the customers themselves, or create a payment receipt that the server delivers.

Is a Job as a Restaurant Cashier Right for You?

This is an entry level job that carries a moderate amount of responsibility, since you’ll be interacting with patrons and processing payments. If you love the idea of working in a social setting like a restaurant, but don’t want to cook or serve food, then this role might be perfect for you.

For many restaurant cashiers, one of the best things about the job is the flexibility. Your restaurant may open early or stay open later than other establishments that hire cashiers. If you are in school, have kids or otherwise need a flexible schedule, then this job will likely appeal to you.

What Does a Restaurant Cashier Earn? 

According to Payscale.com, a restaurant cashier is a hourly employee that does not depend on tips. Unlike the wait staff,  you’ll be paid by the hour. While exact salaries vary depending on the restaurant and the location, you can earn from  minimum wage to over $11 per hour. As of 2018, the average salary of a restaurant cashier was $8.92 per hour. Your pay may rise over time as you learn the ropes and the business begins to depend on you. 

What Skills Do I Need? 

A cashier operates a cash register; most modern machines are easy to use. If you can use a smart phone, you can operate a cash register with a minimal amount of training. A restaurant will likely want to see some references and hear from others you have worked for in the past. They want to make sure you get along well with others, will do a good job and that you are trustworthy, since you’ll be processing payments and handling cash. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, no special skills or training are required at the entry level; this opens this position up to a wide range of applicants. 

What Opportunities for Advancement Are There? 

Restaurant management is the next step, and many managers start out in a position of responsibility at the cash register. Restaurant managers can be responsible for specific areas or specific shifts and are the person in charge while the restaurant is open. If you determine you enjoy working with the register and interacting with customers, but don’t care for the restaurant industry, your skills will easily transfer to another employer. A wide range of employers process payments and hire cashiers, including: 

• Retail Stores
• Gyms
• Healthcare Providers
• Spa and Wellness Centers
• Schools and daycare

Your communication skills will transfer to any job you care to apply for. Since you’ll regularly interact with consumers and speak with a wide variety of individuals, you’ll rapidly acquire high quality customer service skills that can be applied to future positions. 

Restaurant Cashier Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics,the job outlook for restaurant cashiers is steady, with ongoing demand. Chances are if you want to apply for a job as a restaurant cashier, you will have several brands to choose from. 

If you love the restaurant and food scene, enjoy working different, flexible hours and love meeting new people, then you will enjoy working as a restaurant cashier. If you are interested in becoming a hospitality or restaurant manager, then starting out as a cashier is a good first step. 

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