Employment Outlook

The employment outlook will be good for Cashiers (65100) in Prince Edward Island for the 2022-2024 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

• Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
• A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
• There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
• High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.

The majority of cashiers work in grocery stores and other retail establishments, but a significant number also work in limited-service restaurants. There are some factors that may have a small moderating effect on employment growth for cashiers over the forecast period. The increasing use of self-checkout machines, especially in chain retail and grocery stores, as well as the growing popularity of online shopping are expected to temper employment growth.

Part-time work is common in this occupation. The prevalence of part-time work, coupled with the low educational requirements for this occupation make it particularly attractive to student and youth (aged 15-24) workers. Employment in this occupation is seasonal, with more opportunities in the months leading up to the holiday season. This is a large occupational group in P.E.I. with a large employer base. As with most large occupations, there will be frequent job openings due to turnover and workers changing jobs.  This occupation is also an excellent source of summer and part-time employment for students.

Opportunities will be best for individuals with experience as a cashier or in customer service. A flexible schedule, as well as a willingness to work longer hours, especially during peak retail periods, may also improve job prospects.

Here are some key facts about Cashiers in Prince Edward Island:

• Approximately 1,550 people work in this occupation.
• Cashiers mainly work in the following sectors:
  • Other retail stores (NAICS 44-45, except 445): 53%
  • Food and beverage stores (NAICS 445): 30%
  • Food services and drinking places (NAICS 722): 9%
• The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
  • Full-time workers: 40% compared to 84% for all occupations
  • Part-time workers: 60% compared to 16% for all occupations
• 43% of cashiers work all year, while 56% work only part of the year, compared to 59% and 41% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 36 weeks compared to 41 weeks for all occupations.
• Less than 5% of cashiers are self-employed compared to an average of 13% for all occupations.
• The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
  • Men: 22% compared to 51% for all occupations
  • Women: 78% compared to 49% for all occupations
• The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
  • no high school diploma: 27% compared to 11% for all occupations
  • high school diploma or equivalent: 49% compared to 28% for all occupations
  • apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: less than 5% compared to 11% for all occupations
  • college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor’s: 13% compared to 25% for all occupations
  • bachelor’s degree: 6% compared to 17% for all occupations
  • university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations

Source: Job Bank

Prevailing Wages