Checkout operators put customers’ purchases through the till, take the money or card details, and give out change and receipts.

The Work

You could be:

• using a computerised till with a barcode scanner
• keying in prices on the checkout computer
• weighing fruit and vegetables so the till can work out the cost
• handling cash, credit and debit cards, vouchers and coupons
• helping customers to pack purchases
• changing paper till rolls and keeping the checkout area tidy
• using special tools to remove security tags
• making sure you don’t sell certain products, such as alcohol, to underage customers.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:

• where you work
• the size of company or organisation you work for
• the demand for the job.

Starting pay is often based on the National Minimum Wage (NMW) or the National Living Wage (NLW).

As of 1 April 2026 the National Minimum Wage is £8.00 an hour for workers under 18, £10.85 an hour for workers aged 18 to 20. The National Living Wage for those aged 21 and over is £12.71 an hour.

This may rise to around £7.60 an hour.

Conditions

• You will work in a supermarket, wholesale cash and carry, DIY store or other large shop.
• You may be sitting in one place throughout your shift.
• You will probably work different shifts including some evenings and weekends.
• Part time work is common.
• You usually wear a uniform, which the employer provides.
• You may get a discount on goods you buy from the shop.

Getting In

• You do not need formal qualifications but a good general education is useful.
• You should be fast and accurate in basic maths.
• You may be able to get into a Modern Apprenticeship in retailing in some areas.
• If you work in a premises that sells alcohol you will need to be at least 18.

Job Outlook Scotland

Job Outlook Scotland and UK

  Scotland

2026

18971

0.5 %

FALL

2031

18883

  United Kingdom

2026

224446

0.8 %

RISE

2031

226260

LMI data powered by Lightcast

What Does it Take?

You should be:

• good at working with the public
• able to work under pressure — sometimes the queue may continue all through the day
• friendly and helpful
• smartly presented
• honest
• good with numbers and able to handle money.

Training

• Training is on the job.
• Any staff selling alcohol must have completed at least 2 hours training in line with government guidelines. Your employer would usually provide training for the BIIAB Scottish Certificate for Licensed Premises Staff.

Getting On

• If you are working for a big company, your employer might offer you training for a supervisory post. From there you might go on to train as a manager.
• You could also go on to train other checkout operators.
• You might have to move to other parts of the country to get promotion.

Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.