Bank teller hourly pay ranges from $13 to $18 in most U.S. markets

Bank tellers in the United States earn between $13 and $18 per hour on average, though the exact rate depends on your location, the bank's size, and your experience. Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo typically pay toward the higher end of that range. Credit unions and smaller regional banks may pay less. Starting tellers with no prior experience usually begin near minimum wage or slightly above it; tellers with two or more years of experience often earn $16 to $18 per hour.

Your state and city matter significantly. Tellers in high cost-of-living areas like New York, California, and Massachusetts earn more than tellers doing the same work in rural areas or the South. A teller in San Francisco might earn $19 to $21 per hour, while a teller in a smaller town in the Midwest might earn $14 to $16. The federal minimum wage sets a floor at $7.25 per hour, but most banks pay well above that, and many states have raised their minimum wage above the federal level.

Key Takeaways

  • Most bank tellers earn between $13 and $18 per hour, with variation based on location, bank size, and experience.
  • Large national banks generally pay more than credit unions and smaller regional banks for the same role.
  • Tellers with two or more years of experience typically earn $2 to $4 more per hour than those starting out.
  • High cost-of-living states and cities offer higher hourly rates than rural or lower-cost regions.
  • Many banks offer benefits beyond hourly pay, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.

How experience and tenure affect your hourly rate

A teller's first year on the job usually pays the least. Most banks start new tellers at or slightly above their state's minimum wage, often between $13 and $15 per hour depending on location. During this period, you are learning the bank's systems, cash handling procedures, and customer service standards. After your first year, raises are common—typically 50 cents to $1 per hour.

By year two or three, tellers often reach $15 to $17 per hour. Banks reward retention because training a new teller costs money and time. If you move into a lead teller or head teller role—supervising other tellers or handling more complex transactions—you may earn $17 to $20 per hour. Some banks also pay more for bilingual tellers or those who work evening or weekend shifts, though this varies by employer.

Regional differences in teller pay

The state you work in has a direct impact on your hourly wage. States with higher minimum wages—California ($16.50 as of 2024), Massachusetts ($15), New York ($15), and Washington ($16.28)—see teller pay start higher and climb faster. In these states, even entry-level tellers often earn $15 to $17 per hour. States with lower minimum wages see teller pay cluster closer to $13 to $15 per hour for new hires.

Within states, city size matters too. Tellers in major metropolitan areas earn more than those in rural counties. A teller in downtown Boston or Los Angeles earns noticeably more than a teller 50 miles away in a smaller town, even though they do the same work. This reflects both the higher cost of living in cities and the fact that larger branches in urban areas often have higher revenue and larger payroll budgets.

Bank size and type: national chains versus credit unions

Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank typically pay tellers $15 to $18 per hour, with some variation by region. These banks have standardized pay scales and often offer more comprehensive benefits packages. Mid-sized regional banks (like PNC, U.S. Bank, or Truist) usually fall in the $14 to $17 range. Credit unions, which are member-owned and often smaller, frequently pay $13 to $16 per hour for tellers, though some larger credit unions match or exceed national bank rates.

Online banks and fintech companies that handle deposits and withdrawals through ATMs or mail do not employ traditional tellers, so this comparison does not apply to them. If you are considering a teller job, the bank's size and structure directly affect what you will earn. A job posting from a national bank in your area is worth comparing side-by-side with a credit union posting, because the hourly rate can differ by $2 to $3 even in the same city.

What is included beyond the hourly wage

Bank teller compensation often includes benefits that add value beyond the hourly rate. Most banks offer health insurance (medical, dental, vision), a 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching, and paid time off—typically starting at one to two weeks per year. Some banks offer tuition reimbursement if you pursue further education, which can be significant if you plan to move into management or another career.

Shift differentials are less common for tellers than for other roles, but some banks pay slightly more for evening or Saturday shifts. Employee discounts on banking services, such as reduced fees or higher savings account interest rates, are standard. When comparing job offers, add up the full package: hourly rate plus health insurance value, retirement matching, and paid time off. A job paying $15 per hour with strong benefits may be worth more than a job paying $16 per hour with minimal benefits.

How teller pay compares to other entry-level bank jobs

Bank tellers are among the lower-paid roles in banking, but they are also entry-level positions that require no prior banking experience. Customer service representatives in banks earn similarly—$13 to $18 per hour. Loan officers, who require more training or education, typically earn $18 to $25 per hour or work on commission. Branch managers earn $40,000 to $65,000 per year (roughly $19 to $31 per hour), but they usually start as tellers or in another entry-level role and work up over several years.

If you are considering a teller job as a stepping stone, know that many banks promote from within. Tellers who show reliability, accuracy with money, and customer service skills often move into lead teller, customer service specialist, or loan officer roles within two to five years. The hourly wage of a teller reflects the entry-level nature of the job, but the role can lead to better-paying positions if you stay with the bank and pursue advancement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do bank tellers get paid weekly or biweekly?

Most banks pay tellers biweekly (every two weeks). Some larger banks offer weekly pay, and a few offer monthly pay. Check the job posting or ask during your interview—pay frequency affects your cash flow, especially if you are budgeting tightly.

Can you negotiate your starting hourly rate as a bank teller?

Limited negotiation is possible, especially if you have prior cash handling or customer service experience. Banks often have set pay scales for entry-level tellers, but if you bring relevant skills or bilingual ability, you may be able to start at the higher end of the range. It never hurts to ask, but do not expect a large increase.

Do bank tellers earn commission or bonuses?

Most tellers earn only their hourly wage with no commission. Some banks offer small bonuses for opening new accounts or meeting sales targets, but these are rare and usually modest—$25 to $100 per quarter at most. Your primary income as a teller is your hourly rate.

What is the difference between a bank teller and a head teller?

A head teller or lead teller supervises other tellers, handles more complex transactions, and trains new staff. They earn $2 to $4 more per hour than regular tellers and usually require one to two years of teller experience. This is a common promotion path for tellers who want to advance without leaving the teller line.

Do part-time bank tellers earn the same hourly rate as full-time tellers?

Yes, part-time and full-time tellers typically earn the same hourly rate. The difference is in hours worked and benefits—full-time tellers usually receive health insurance and retirement benefits, while part-time tellers may not. Confirm the benefits package when considering a part-time position.