A petrol service sales assistant or forecourt assistant sells petrol, diesel and, usually, other goods from a petrol station.

The Work

You could be:

• receiving deliveries of petrol and restocking the pumps
• checking on a computer how much petrol the customer has bought
• taking payment from customers for petrol, diesel, and other goods
• sometimes helping customers use the fuel pumps
• re-stocking empty shelves and keeping the shop tidy
• cashing up at the end of the shift and recording petrol pump readings
• carrying out emergency procedures where necessary, such as dealing with fuel spillages.

Pay

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

• where you work
• the size of the company or organization 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 £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 can rise to £7.70 an hour or more.

Conditions

You should be aware that:

• at most stations you work shifts so that the station is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• you might be working alone, especially at night
• you may work outdoors, for example keeping the forecourt areas tidy
• you would usually wear a uniform which your employer will provide.

Getting In

• You do not need formal qualifications but a good general education is useful.
• You need to be responsible to handle large amounts of cash and to work alone.
• You may need to have your own transport for working night shifts.

Forecourt sites range from small independently owned sites to large supermarket chains.

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 need to be:

• able to handle cash and credit cards and balance takings
• honest and reliable
• security-conscious
• able to work alone
• polite, pleasant and helpful to customers
• aware of health and safety.

Training

• Training is normally on the job.
• At first, you usually work with an experienced petrol services sales assistant or forecourt assistant until you are able to work on your own.
• You might also study for a Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) in Customer Service at SCQF Level 5 or 6.
• You may also have to do a Petrol Retail Passport course as part of your health and safety training.

Getting On

• After extra training, you may be able to get a promotion to be a manager.
• You may be able to move to other retail jobs.

Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.