How AI Will Impact Cashier Jobs in the Next Five Years

Cashiers have been a key part of retail and hospitality industries for decades, handling transactions, processing payments, and interacting with customers. However, as artificial intelligence (AI) and automation technologies continue to evolve, the future of cashier jobs is becoming uncertain. According to a report by McKinsey, nearly 70% of cashier jobs could be automated by 2027, driven by advances in AI, robotics, and self-service technologies.

In this post, we will explore how AI is transforming cashier roles, which tasks are most susceptible to automation, and how cashiers can adapt to the changing job landscape in the coming years.

AI’s Role in Automating Cashier Tasks

Self-Checkout Systems

One of the most notable AI-driven changes in the retail sector is the rise of self-checkout systems. These systems allow customers to scan, bag, and pay for their items without the need for a human cashier. In fact, many large retailers like Walmart, Target, and Kroger are already implementing self-checkout stations in their stores to reduce labor costs and improve efficiency.

Key Features:
Automated Scanning and Payment: Customers can scan barcodes and pay for their purchases through an automated system.

Reduced Wait Times: Self-checkout systems streamline the checkout process, helping to reduce customer wait times, especially during busy periods.

AI-Based Error Detection: AI-driven systems can detect errors (e.g., unscanned items or incorrect pricing) and alert customers to correct the problem.

As these systems continue to improve, the demand for human cashiers to manually process transactions will decline, making cashier roles increasingly redundant.

AI-Powered Point of Sale (POS) Systems

AI-powered Point of Sale (POS) systems are becoming more prevalent in the retail industry. These systems use AI to streamline the checkout process, integrate inventory management, and provide insights into customer preferences. AI POS systems can process payments, issue receipts, track customer data, and even recommend upsell opportunities based on purchase history.

Key Features:
Faster Transactions: AI-driven POS systems can complete transactions faster than traditional systems, reducing wait times and improving customer satisfaction.

Inventory Tracking: AI can track stock levels and automatically notify employees when products need to be restocked.

Customer Insights: AI can provide real-time data on customer spending habits, which can be used to personalize promotions and marketing efforts.

AI-powered POS systems are designed to handle many of the tasks that were once the responsibility of cashiers, further reducing the need for human intervention in the checkout process.

Robotic Store Assistants

Another AI-driven innovation is the development of robotic store assistants, which are capable of assisting customers with various tasks, including finding products, processing payments, and even restocking shelves. These robots use a combination of computer vision, natural language processing, and machine learning to interact with customers and help them complete transactions.

Key Features:
Product Search Assistance: Robots can guide customers to the correct aisle or shelf based on their needs.

Automated Payment Processing: In some cases, robotic assistants can facilitate the checkout process by scanning items and processing payments.

Customer Interaction: Robots can engage with customers, answering questions and providing information about products or promotions.

As these robots become more widespread, many traditional cashier tasks will be automated, reducing the need for human workers in these roles.

Industries Most Affected by AI-Driven Cashier Automation

Retail

Retail is by far the most impacted sector by AI-driven cashier automation. Self-checkout systems, AI POS solutions, and robotic assistants are transforming the retail environment, eliminating the need for cashiers to process payments and assist customers during transactions.

As e-commerce continues to grow and AI-driven retail solutions become more prevalent, traditional brick-and-mortar stores may adopt more self-service technologies, further diminishing the demand for human cashiers.

Grocery Stores

Grocery stores are already implementing self-checkout lanes in many locations, with the grocery giant Kroger reporting that over 60% of their checkout lanes are now self-service. AI-powered systems are helping grocery stores reduce costs and improve the efficiency of the checkout process.

With the continued rise of automated payment systems and robotic assistants, cashier roles in the grocery industry are at high risk of being automated.

Hospitality and Quick-Service Restaurants

In the hospitality and quick-service restaurant industries, AI is also playing a role in cashier automation. Self-order kiosks, mobile app ordering, and robotic servers are allowing customers to place orders and pay without interacting with a human cashier.

Key Examples:
McDonald’s: The fast-food chain has already implemented self-order kiosks in many of its locations, reducing the need for cashiers to take orders.

Panera Bread: Panera Bread’s mobile app allows customers to place and pay for their orders without interacting with cashiers or servers.

As more restaurants and fast-food chains adopt these technologies, the demand for cashiers will continue to diminish.

How Cashiers Can Adapt to AI Transformation

While the rise of AI-driven automation may seem like a threat to cashier jobs, there are still many ways for cashiers to adapt and stay relevant in the evolving job market. Here are three actionable steps cashiers can take to future-proof their careers.

Learn About Self-Service Technologies

Cashiers should familiarize themselves with the self-service technologies that are reshaping the industry. By learning how to operate and troubleshoot self-checkout systems, POS systems, and robotic assistants, cashiers can transition into roles that support and maintain these technologies.

Key Areas to Explore:
Self-Checkout System Maintenance: Learn how to repair, troubleshoot, and maintain self-checkout systems.

AI-Powered POS Systems: Gain knowledge of how AI-powered POS systems work and how to manage inventory and customer data through these platforms.

Robotics: Understand the basics of how robotic assistants operate and how they interact with customers.

By upskilling in these areas, cashiers can transition from manual roles to more technical and supervisory positions, supporting the growing demand for self-service technologies.

Shift to Customer Relationship and Service Roles

As AI automates the transactional aspects of cashier work, there will still be a demand for human workers who excel at customer service and relationship-building. Cashiers can shift to roles like customer service representative, guest relations specialist, or sales associate, where their interpersonal skills can shine.

Roles to Explore:
Customer Experience Specialist: Focus on improving the overall customer experience by offering personalized service and resolving issues.

Sales Associate: Work directly with customers to help them find the right products and provide information.

Customer Success Manager: Help customers navigate services or products, ensuring their satisfaction and long-term loyalty.

By developing stronger customer service and communication skills, cashiers can move into roles that require human interaction, which AI has not yet been able to replicate.

Explore Career Paths in AI and Automation Management

As automation technologies continue to evolve, there will be an increased demand for professionals who can manage and oversee AI-driven systems. Cashiers with a technical aptitude can pivot into AI and automation management roles, ensuring that self-service systems and AI solutions operate smoothly.

Roles to Consider:
Automation Technician

AI Systems Administrator

Robotics Coordinator

By pursuing education and training in automation and AI management, cashiers can transition into high-growth, future-proof roles.

The advent of AI is reshaping the cashier profession, with technologies like self-checkout systems, AI-powered POS, and robotic assistants driving significant change. While this may reduce the need for human cashiers in traditional retail environments, cashiers can still thrive by embracing self-service technologies, transitioning into customer service roles, and exploring career paths in AI and automation management.

By adapting to these changes and upskilling, cashiers can remain relevant in a rapidly evolving job market and continue to contribute in new and impactful ways.