Bank Teller Salary Ranges
Bank tellers in the United States earn between roughly $24,000 and $38,000 per year, depending on location, employer size, experience, and whether the bank is in a city or rural area. The median annual salary—the point where half earn more and half earn less—sits around $31,000 to $33,000 according to recent labor data. These figures represent full-time positions; part-time tellers typically earn less on an annualized basis.
Salary varies significantly by state. Tellers in high-cost-of-living areas like New York, California, and Massachusetts tend to earn toward the higher end of the range, while those in lower-cost regions earn less. A teller in New York City may earn $36,000 to $40,000 annually, while the same role in a smaller Midwestern town might pay $26,000 to $30,000.
The type of bank also affects pay. Large national banks and credit unions often pay more than small community banks or credit unions. A teller at Chase or Bank of America typically earns more than a teller at a local credit union, though credit unions sometimes offer better benefits to offset lower base pay.
Key Takeaways
- Most bank tellers earn between $24,000 and $38,000 annually, with median pay around $31,000 to $33,000 for full-time work.
- Location matters significantly—tellers in major metropolitan areas and high-cost states earn substantially more than those in rural or lower-cost regions.
- Large national banks typically pay more than community banks or smaller credit unions, though benefits packages vary.
- Experience, certifications, and advancement into supervisory roles can increase earnings by $5,000 to $15,000 or more per year.
How Experience and Certifications Affect Earnings
A new teller with no banking experience typically starts near the bottom of the range, often between $24,000 and $27,000 annually. After two to three years in the role, earnings usually rise to $29,000 to $33,000. Tellers who stay in the position for five years or longer and develop specialized skills may reach $35,000 to $38,000.
Certain certifications can boost pay. Completing a Certified Bank Teller (CBT) exam through the American Institute of Banking adds credibility and often results in a raise of $1,000 to $3,000 per year. Some banks require or strongly encourage this certification; others treat it as optional but reward it financially.
Bilingual tellers—those fluent in English and Spanish, Mandarin, or another language—often earn $2,000 to $4,000 more annually because they can serve a wider customer base and reduce the need for translation services. Banks in areas with large immigrant populations particularly value this skill.
Moving Beyond the Teller Position
Many tellers use the role as a stepping stone to higher-paying positions within banking. A head teller or lead teller supervises other tellers and typically earns $35,000 to $45,000 per year. A teller supervisor manages a branch's teller line and may earn $40,000 to $50,000 annually.
Tellers who move into personal banker or customer service representative roles often see pay increases to $35,000 to $45,000, with the potential to earn more through sales commissions on products like credit cards and loans. Those who pursue a degree in finance or business and move into loan officer or branch manager positions can earn $50,000 to $80,000 or more, depending on the bank and location.
Benefits and Total Compensation
Base salary is only part of what tellers earn. Most full-time bank tellers receive health insurance (medical, dental, vision), a 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching, and paid time off. The value of these benefits typically adds 15 to 25 percent to the base salary. A teller earning $32,000 in salary might receive an additional $5,000 to $8,000 in benefits value annually.
Some banks offer tuition reimbursement programs that pay for college or professional certifications, which can be worth $2,000 to $5,000 per year if used. Larger banks sometimes provide employee discounts on banking products, life insurance, and other services. Credit unions occasionally offer profit-sharing or dividend payments to employees, adding a small bonus at year-end.
Part-Time and Seasonal Teller Work
Part-time tellers typically earn an hourly wage rather than a salary. Hourly rates range from $13 to $18 per hour depending on location and employer. A part-time teller working 20 hours per week would earn roughly $13,500 to $18,700 annually; one working 30 hours per week might earn $20,000 to $28,000. Part-time positions rarely include health insurance or retirement benefits, though some banks offer limited benefits after a waiting period.
Banks often hire seasonal tellers during the holiday season (November through December) and tax season (January through April). These temporary positions pay hourly rates similar to part-time work and typically last 8 to 16 weeks. Seasonal work is a common entry point for people testing whether banking is the right career.
Regional Pay Differences
| Region/State | Typical Annual Range |
|---|---|
| New York, California, Massachusetts | $36,000–$40,000 |
| Texas, Florida, Illinois | $30,000–$35,000 |
| Midwest (Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin) | $27,000–$32,000 |
| South and rural areas | $24,000–$29,000 |
These ranges reflect both cost of living and local banking market competition. In cities with multiple large banks competing for talent, salaries trend higher. In areas with fewer banks or lower population density, salaries are lower but so is the cost of housing and other expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do bank tellers get paid hourly or salary?
Full-time tellers are typically salaried employees, though some banks structure pay as hourly with may provide minimum hours. Part-time and seasonal tellers are almost always paid hourly. Ask during the interview process which structure the bank uses, as it affects how overtime and benefits are handled.
Can a bank teller earn more through commissions or bonuses?
Most tellers do not earn commissions on customer transactions. Some banks offer small bonuses for opening new accounts or selling products like credit cards, but these are usually modest—$25 to $100 per product. Supervisory roles and positions like personal banker have more commission opportunity.
What's the difference between a bank teller and a credit union teller salary?
Credit union tellers typically earn slightly less in base salary—often $1,000 to $3,000 less annually—but may receive better benefits, profit-sharing, or lower-cost financial products. The total compensation package can be comparable or better despite lower base pay.
How often do bank tellers get raises?
Most banks review teller pay annually, typically in the first quarter. Raises average 2 to 3 percent per year for tellers meeting performance standards. Promotions to head teller or supervisor roles result in larger jumps, usually 10 to 20 percent.
Is bank teller pay increasing?
Teller salaries have risen modestly over the past five years, roughly keeping pace with inflation. Banks in competitive markets or areas with labor shortages have raised pay more aggressively. Demand for tellers has declined slightly due to automation and online banking, which can limit pay growth in some regions.