Catering to Customers With Care

Courtesy clerks are those wonderful individuals who make shopping, dining and consumer experiences feel seamless and easy. Courtesy clerks can be found in a variety of industries, but primarily in retail, grocery, big box warehouse and consumer electronic stores. Courtesy clerks have a wide range of responsibilities, but their primary objective is to be of service to customers in whatever way their employer deems most appropriate.

Job Description

Courtesy clerks may have a wide range of job functions, depending on the industry. For example, in the grocery business, courtesy clerks typically help customers locate desired items, check pricing, bag groceries, load grocery carts and help customers to their cars. Courtesy clerks also stock shelves and tidy aisles, clean up messes, process returns and perform other functions as needed. In a retail setting, courtesy clerks may price and stock merchandise, answer questions, hang signs, retrieve shopping carts, clean out dressing rooms and return merchandise to the floor as needed.

Education Requirements

Courtesy clerk positions are often popular jobs with high school and college-aged students, as on-the-job training is often supplied, and no formal education beyond high school is typically required, at least for entry-level positions. In most instances, a minimum age is necessary for application, as designated by the state; and a driver’s license or food handling licenses may also be required, depending on the industry. To move into higher ranks, such as management roles, a degree in marketing, business or consumer science can be helpful in moving from a courtesy clerk position into a supervisory role.

Industry

While grocery and retail industries are the largest employers of traditional courtesy clerks, other types of industries hire similar positions. For example, courtesy clerks may be employed in convenience stores, hardware and home improvement centers, plant nurseries, pet stores and car rental agencies. Any time a role requires a personable and courteous individual to assist with customer service, the title of courtesy clerk can be applied.

Years of Experience

Most courtesy clerks start out at minimum wage, and some earn tip income on top of their pay. Salaries vary widely across the country, depending on the industry and the required job responsibilities, as well as whether a position is union or non-union. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, courtesy clerk positions are expected to grow at an average rate of 5 percent over the next decade.

• Entry-level: $15,117‒$21,656
  
• Mid-Level: $15,419‒$22,686
  
• Median Pay for a Manager: $32,300 

Job Growth Trends

Courtesy clerk positions are abundant, and considering they are often part-time, short-term or entry-level jobs for young people and retirees, turnover is generally high. For companies that want a competitive edge, well-trained courtesy clerks who provide exceptional customer service can be a great asset.