Introduction
If you’ve ever walked through a Macy’s department store, you’ve probably noticed the cashiers stationed at registers throughout the sales floor. But what’s it actually like to be one of them? Whether you’re considering Macy’s as your first job or looking for a flexible part-time gig, the cashier role is one of the most common entry points into the company.
This guide is based on a comprehensive review of dozens of real employee experiences shared across job review sites, forums, and social media — not a single person’s opinion, but a balanced summary of what actual workers report.
Macy’s is one of America’s oldest and most iconic department store chains, operating hundreds of locations nationwide. The cashier position is a frontline retail role that puts you face-to-face with customers every shift. Here’s everything you need to know before applying.
What You’ll Actually Do
As a Macy’s cashier, your primary responsibility is processing customer transactions at the register. But the role extends well beyond scanning items and handing out receipts. On a typical shift, you’ll ring up purchases using Macy’s POS system, handle cash, credit cards, and Macy’s store credit cards. You’ll also process returns and exchanges, which can be a significant portion of your workload depending on the season.
Many cashiers report that they’re expected to actively promote Macy’s Star Rewards credit card to customers. This is a big part of the job — management often sets daily or weekly credit card sign-up goals, and associates feel pressure to meet them. Beyond the register, you may be asked to help with floor recovery, folding clothes, tidying displays, and assisting customers with finding items. During busy periods like Black Friday, holiday sales, and Friends & Family events, the pace picks up dramatically.
Some cashiers are assigned to specific departments like cosmetics, jewelry, or men’s wear, while others float between areas. You’ll also handle gift wrapping during the holiday season, process online order pickups, and assist with inventory tasks when the store is quiet.
Pay & Hours
Macy’s cashiers typically earn between $12 and $16 per hour, depending on location, experience, and local minimum wage laws. In higher cost-of-living areas like New York City or San Francisco, pay can reach $17 to $18 per hour. The national average sits around $13 to $14 per hour as of 2025-2026.
Most cashier positions at Macy’s are part-time, with weekly hours ranging from 15 to 25 hours during regular periods. However, hours can fluctuate significantly. During the holiday season (October through January), many associates see their hours jump to 30-38 per week. Conversely, during slow periods like February and March, hours can drop to as few as 8-12 per week — a common frustration among employees.
For a part-time cashier working an average of 20 hours per week at $14/hour, that translates to roughly $14,560 per year before taxes. Macy’s does offer an employee discount of 20% off (with additional discount days offering up to 25% off), which many employees consider a meaningful perk, especially if you shop there regularly.
Scheduling is typically done on a weekly or biweekly basis, and many workers report inconsistent schedules. Availability on weekends and evenings is usually required, and holiday availability is often mandatory.
Pros
Employee Discount: The 20-25% employee discount is frequently cited as one of the best perks. It extends to most brands sold in-store, and there are additional discount events throughout the year.
Flexible Scheduling for Students: Many locations are willing to work around school schedules, making it a popular choice for college students and younger workers looking for part-time work.
Friendly Coworkers: Numerous reviews highlight positive relationships with fellow associates. The social environment on the sales floor tends to be collaborative and supportive, especially among cashiers.
Exposure to Retail Skills: Working at Macy’s provides valuable experience in customer service, POS systems, visual merchandising, and sales — skills that transfer well to other retail and service industry jobs.
Holiday Hiring Opportunities: Macy’s hires aggressively for the holiday season, making it relatively easy to get your foot in the door. Some seasonal hires are kept on as permanent associates.
Cons
Inconsistent Hours: This is the number one complaint among Macy’s cashiers. Hours can swing wildly from week to week, making it difficult to plan finances or maintain a consistent routine. Some associates report getting as few as 4 hours in a slow week.
Credit Card Pressure: Management pushes hard for Macy’s Star Rewards credit card sign-ups. Many cashiers report feeling stressed by daily goals and uncomfortable asking every customer to open a credit card. Failure to meet targets can lead to coaching or reduced hours.
Low Base Pay: Despite being a well-known brand, Macy’s pay rates are often at or near minimum wage for cashier positions. Many workers feel the compensation doesn’t match the workload, especially during peak seasons.
Understaffing: Multiple reviews mention being short-staffed on busy days, leading to long lines, frustrated customers, and exhausted associates. Cashiers may be expected to cover multiple departments simultaneously.
Limited Training: Several employees report that initial training is rushed or inadequate. New cashiers are sometimes put on registers after just a day or two of training, which can be overwhelming when dealing with returns, coupons, and the credit card system.
Tips for New Employees
Learn the POS System Quickly: Macy’s register system has a learning curve. Ask experienced cashiers for tips and practice during slower shifts. Understanding how to process returns, apply coupons, and handle Macy’s credit transactions will make your life much easier.
Don’t Take Credit Card Pressure Personally: Management will push for credit card sign-ups, but don’t let it stress you out. Develop a casual, low-pressure pitch that feels natural. Many experienced cashiers say that simply mentioning the savings is enough — some customers will sign up, and many won’t.
Be Strategic About Availability: If you want more hours, make yourself available for weekends, evenings, and holidays. Managers tend to reward flexible associates with better schedules. Conversely, if you need time off, communicate early and clearly.
Take Advantage of the Discount: Plan your personal shopping around extra discount days. Employees often get advance notice of upcoming sales, so you can time your purchases for maximum savings.
Build Relationships with Your Department Team: Getting to know your coworkers and managers makes the job more enjoyable and can lead to better scheduling, preferred department assignments, and even advancement opportunities.
FAQ
Is Macy’s a good first job for teenagers? Many former employees say yes, with some caveats. Macy’s provides solid retail experience and looks good on a resume. However, the inconsistent hours and credit card pressure can be stressful for first-time workers. If you can handle those aspects, it’s a decent starting point. Most locations hire at 16 or 17, depending on state laws.
Do Macy’s cashiers get commission? Regular cashiers do not earn commission. However, associates in certain departments like cosmetics or fragrances may have access to brand-specific incentives or spiffs. The main performance metric for cashiers is credit card sign-ups rather than sales volume.
How often does Macy’s give raises? Raises are typically annual and modest — often in the range of $0.25 to $0.50 per hour. Some employees report that raises are tied to performance reviews, while others say they barely keep pace with minimum wage increases. Advancement to senior cashier or sales lead roles can come with a more meaningful pay bump.
Conclusion
Working as a cashier at Macy’s is a solid option for anyone looking for a part-time retail job with a recognizable brand name. The employee discount is a genuine perk, the scheduling can work well for students, and the experience translates to other retail positions. However, the inconsistent hours, credit card sign-up pressure, and modest pay are real drawbacks that you should weigh carefully.
This role is best suited for students, people seeking supplemental income, or anyone who enjoys customer interaction and doesn’t mind the ebb and flow of retail scheduling. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and can handle the sales aspect of the job, Macy’s cashier can be a rewarding part-time position. If you’re looking for guaranteed hours and minimal sales pressure, you may want to explore other retail options.