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Checkout operator

Checkout operators serve customers at tills in supermarkets and large retail stores.

Annual Salary

£11,500 to £17,000

Average UK salary in 2023 was £34,963
(source Office for National Statistics)

Working hours

37 to 39 a week

You could work: evenings / weekends / bank holidays; on shifts

1.5%
Future employment

There will be 1.5% fewer Checkout operator jobs in 2027.

Day to day tasks

Your day-to-day duties could include:

  • working quickly so that customers in the queue don't have to wait too long
  • scanning items for customers
  • weighing and pricing fruit and vegetables
  • using special tools to remove security tags
  • checking customers' ages for restrictions on items like alcohol
  • packing and wrapping purchases
  • processing store loyalty cards, coupons and vouchers
  • taking payments and making sure the till balances at the end of the day
  • spending time away from the till, filling shelves, checking stock or working on a customer service desk

Working environment

You may need to wear a uniform.

You could work at a store.

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly
College

You can start by taking a college course like:

  • Level 1 Certificate in Skills for Retail
  • Level 2 Certificate in Retail Knowledge

This would teach you some of the skills needed for the job. Then you can try to find a trainee position.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 or fewer GCSEs at grades 3 to 1 (D to G), or equivalent, for a level 1 course
  • 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
For more information
Apprenticeship

You may be able to get into this job through a retailer intermediate apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
For more information
Direct application

You can apply directly to job vacancies.

There are no set entry requirements though some employers may ask for GCSE passes at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) in maths and English.

Experience of handling cash and serving customers will be helpful.

Requirements and restrictions

You'll need to:

  • be over 18 to sell alcohol and other restricted goods

More information

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With experience, you could become a supervisor or manager.

Larger companies are likely to offer you more chance of promotion.

Skills required and how your skills match up

What skills are required?

You'll need:

  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to work well with others
  • customer service skills
  • sensitivity and understanding
  • maths knowledge
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • active listening skills
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
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