Bank Teller Jobs

The front-desk employees we first encounter when we enter the bank.

Author: Mehnaz Tarannum
Mehnaz Tarannum
Mehnaz Tarannum
Reviewed By: Abhijeet Avhale
Abhijeet Avhale
Abhijeet Avhale
Although physics being my primary background, finance is something that I've always actively pursued. This provides a very unique perspective to some financial concepts. As an author I've always tried to put in some extra effort to make that perspective visible, sometimes making it mathematically rigor or sometimes giving other stochastic processes as examples. I have a broad experience in the fields of data science, machine learning, stochastic differential equations and fundamental finance - accounting and valuation.
Last Updated:May 3, 2024

What is a Bank Teller?

Bank tellers are the front desk employees we first encounter when we enter a bank. They usually stand on the other side of the counter and serve the bank customers' needs. 

Tellers will verify the customer information and ask you what they want to do for you. They can deposit and withdraw on behalf of the customer. They can also generate money orders and certified checks according to the customer's request.

Some can exchange foreign currencies as well if needed or permitted. Bank tellers can answer queries about any customer problem or if they have any questions about bank services or products they are using or willing to use in the future. 

They will connect you to officials who can solve more complex bank transactions.

Tellers start their days by counting the cash in the drawer and end the day by counting the remaining amount of money after completing the transactions. The cash amount must match the estimated value. They are accountable for the cash kept in their drawer for the transaction.

Teller jobs are suitable for both fresh graduates and experienced officials. They can work in both commercial and government banks. They can also join any community or union for workers.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank tellers are responsible for handling customer transactions, including deposits, withdrawals, and cashing checks, at bank branches. They provide customer service, answer inquiries, and promote bank products and services.
  • Bank tellers process various types of transactions, such as cash deposits, check deposits, cash withdrawals, check cashing, money orders, and cashier's checks.
  • Customer service is a critical aspect of a bank teller's role. They greet customers, assist with account inquiries, address concerns, and provide information about bank products and services.
  • Bank tellers use computers, cash registers, and other technology systems to process transactions, access customer account information, and generate reports.

Job Responsibilities of a Bank Teller

Bank tellers' regular jobs and responsibilities have been discussed below:

  •  Counting the cash in the drawers at the very beginning of their day
  • They take debit cards, credit cards, checks, money, or any other form of method for payment
  • Answering the basic account-related questions for the customers
  • They are allowed to prepare special types of funds like traveler's checks, savings funds, money orders, etc
  • They can exchange customer's money for foreign currency if needed
  • Approve customers' orders for their bank cards or checks
  • They record all the transactions that took place during their shift electronically
  • They end the day by counting the cash in the drawer to reconcile at the beginning of the day.

Bank tellers handle all the transactions carefully and accurately to save customers' information from fraud and provide the customer's safe transactions. 

Bank Teller Salary

Bank managers supervise and monitor the transactions of the tellers carefully. Therefore, the salary of a bank teller varies based on experience level, demographic area, level of performance, etc. 

The salary range is between $24,000 and $42,000 per year, typically $11-$20 per hour. A fresh graduate usually starts with $24,000 yearly, gains experience, and is promoted to a senior position with better pay.

If you are considering starting your career as a teller, research the position thoroughly.

Education and Skills

To be a bank teller, one must have a minimum high school degree or GRE. But with an associate's or bachelor's degree, one can advance and become a loan officer, bank manager, etc. Banking is a good choice where someone can start their career.

  • If you are a college student thinking of starting a career with bank teller jobs, then take coursework in finance, accounting, and economics. Supervisors or senior tellers give most of the training during office time.
  • Tellers need to gain training in customer service and pay detailed attention to the customer needs to ensure customer satisfaction. Customer service is the critical role a teller should focus on. If customer service is not for you, being a teller is not a good choice.

Though proper training is given after joining the job, you still need basic knowledge and skills for the desired job. 

Doing some free coursework and learning about customer service is a great idea to start with. Though prior experience is not required, prior customer service knowledge is valued.

  • Basic accounting knowledge is needed in this particular job. Though all the calculations are done by computer, tellers still need to carry out basic calculations to ensure the correct estimation. 
  • Attention to detail is very important in this matter. Handling money and making transactions is crucial work. It needs to be done carefully so that customer information is safe and doesn’t lead to a security breach.
  • Knowledge of financial software is needed. They must be able to use specialized financial software. Though training is provided on the job, knowing the software beforehand is a plus point.
  • Written and verbal communication must be professional and clear. Tellers need to communicate as they handle customers. They must also communicate clearly with coworkers and customers and be able to explain policies and procedures.

Bank Teller Job Trends

Bank teller jobs are declining over time. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for these types is decreasing. In addition, with the increase in digital banking, customers prefer to perform basic banking via online apps instead of going to the bank. As a result, the need for bank tellers in the branches is decreasing.

Despite the decline in job demand, many people are still interested in teller jobs. Based on their performance, employees may get promotions and higher positions like loan officers, banking personnel, managers, etc. That’s why most fresh graduates are still interested in these jobs to start their careers.

Similar jobs, such as bookkeeping clerks, cashiers, etc., can be considered. These jobs have similar salaries and requirements. So, if you are applying for teller jobs, you can consider applying for bookkeeping and cashier jobs. 

Teller jobs are full-time jobs. Most of these employees are required to work 40 hours per week in the bank branches. Now we can think about how we will search for these jobs. It has been discussed in detail below:

  • These vacancies are available online, such as LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, etc. You can also apply in person.
  • You can watch videos and read articles on how to prepare for an interview, as well as practice interviews with friends and family.
  • Wearing professional attire is important. Business casual in cool-toned colors is very important.
  • Now it is time to face the interview. Highlight your strongest skills related to banking. Be confident and good luck!