Safeway Clerk Job Description: Duties, Future, and Salary

Safeway clerks perform several duties. First and foremost, Safeway clerks are required to focus on customer needs. They help customers bag items, handle damaged and returned products and carry heavy items from the store. Other functions include;

• Assist customers locate various items in the store.
• Monitor and manage parking lots.
• Remove shopping carts from parking lots.
• Carry customer’s merchandise to their cars.
• Wash and sanitize the store and other work areas.
• Patrol the parking lot to ensure customer’s cars are safety.

Safeway Clerk Qualifications for the Job

Qualification requirements for an entry-level position as a safeway clerk vary by store. Most stores require applicants to be at least 17 years old and be able to speak fluent English. Some prefer applicants to have at least high school education. Others prefer those who have a lot of experience working as courtesy clerks.

Physical requirements for Safeway clerks include good hearing and eyesight and the ability to stand for extended periods of time. Some stores may require applicants to be able to lift more than 25 pounds. Basic math skills and the ability to write, talk and read are also needed. This is important because Safeway clerks must communicate regularly with customers, explain product and store information, handle money properly and help clients understand the contents of their receipts. Special skills required include strong knowledge of safe preparation and handling of food. A majority of stores prefer clerks who can work the whole week, including during weekends.

Safeway Clerk Job Outlook

A majority of Safeway clerks work in retail, according to the National Retail Federation. In a 2010 study done by the federation, close to half of working teenagers got employed by retailers under different job positions. The study also showed that more than half of retail employees worked in service-related positions such as clerks and grocery store courtesy clerks.

Since most of the duties Safeway clerks perform revolve around money, they are sometimes referred to as store cashiers by career specialists. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics projects the employment rate of cashiers to rise by 10 percent by 2020. This growth is remarkable and represents huge prospects for those who want to earn some cash as Safeway clerks. The rise in the employment rate will be driven by the increasing economic activities in the country as well as enhanced purchasing power, particularly among millennials.

Safeway Clerk Salary

According to PayScale, Safeway clerks earn an average wage of $10.72 per hour. The salary depends on the store, location and experience. Clerks working for large stores earn as high as $15 per hour. When combined with experience, the salary can go up to $20. Those who work in cities such as Los Angeles, Chicago, New York and Las Vegas earn the highest salaries.

If you have just finished high school or looking for a quick way to earn some extra cash, you can choose to become a Safeway clerk. You do not need any degree or other academic qualifications to get a job. You only need to be physically fit to lift heavy items and stand for long hours.