Average Sales Clerk Hourly Pay

Sales clerks generally hold an entry-level position in retail stores, although any company that sells goods to the general public may have sales clerks. These clerks assist customers, run checkout procedures and cash registers, and generally act as the "faces" that customers associate with a business. The sales clerk must know how to work a cash register and/or point-of-sale (POS) computer system, as well as accurately input any required data on the store’s POS system. The clerk must also be trained in secure cash and credit card handling procedures as well. Additionally, the sales clerk must know how to handle discounts, coupons, and irregular pricing and procedures where tags are conflicting or unavailable.

Sales clerks typically also spend much of their work time on the sales floor assisting customers. In this role, the clerk should have a good understanding of the goods and products the business has to offer, as well as provide guidance and seek out help from a supervisor or manager if necessary. Sales clerks are also used throughout a shift in keeping the retail sales space clean and tidy, as well as help set up displays or restock goods.

This job is held by persons across a variety of educational backgrounds, from current high school students to college graduates. In some specialized retail situations, a company may favor persons with an background specific to the goods that particular store offers. Sales clerks may work part-time or full-time shifts in a retail environment. A clerk should expect to spend most of their time sitting or standing at a register and moving around the store. (Copyright 2018 PayScale.com)

Sales Clerk Tasks

• Process payment for products or service, may maintain customer preference records.
• Assist the customer in selecting products/services, answer questions and check for stock and availability.
• Attend special training of products/services to understand the product features, trends or styles of the products/services.
• Sell the organization's products/services to new or established customers typically via walk-in business.