How much does a restaurant cashier make?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics groups this role under Cashiers (SOC 41-2011). In its May 2025 wage survey, the national median was $15.81 an hour, or about $32,880 a year for full-time work, across roughly 3,089,410 people employed nationally. The middle of the market sits between $11.79 at the 10th percentile and $19.43 at the 90th.
Restaurant Cashier pay in Boston
In the Boston-Cambridge-Newton metro area, the median for cashiers was $17.33 an hour ($36,040a year), reflecting Massachusetts' higher minimum wage and cost of living.
What moves the number
Cashier pay is usually an hourly wage, with tips in some counter-service concepts. Pay depends on local minimum wage rules, the type of restaurant, and how much responsibility comes with the register, such as opening or closing the drawer. Experience with cash handling and busy lines can help a candidate earn more or move into lead roles.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025. BLS figures for tipped roles may not capture all tip income. The BLS category is the closest official match for this role, not an exact one.
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