Bank teller hourly pay ranges from about $13 to $18 per hour, depending on where you work and how long you've been in the role

The median hourly wage for a bank teller in the United States is around $15 to $16 per hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Entry-level tellers at smaller regional banks or credit unions often start near minimum wage or slightly above it—typically $13 to $14 per hour. Tellers at larger national banks or in high-cost cities like New York or San Francisco can earn $17 to $18 per hour or more, especially after a year or two on the job.

Pay varies significantly by employer, location, and your experience level. A teller working at a Chase or Bank of America branch in a major metropolitan area will usually earn more than a teller at a community bank in a rural area. Some banks also offer shift differentials—extra pay for evening or weekend hours—which can add $0.50 to $1.50 per hour to your base wage.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank tellers typically earn between $13 and $18 per hour, with the median around $15 to $16 per hour across the United States.
  • Large national banks and branches in high-cost urban areas generally pay more than smaller regional banks or rural locations.
  • Your hourly rate will likely increase after your first year as you gain experience and may increase again if you move into a lead teller or supervisory role.
  • Many banks offer benefits beyond hourly pay, including health insurance, 401(k) matching, and paid time off, which add value to the total compensation package.

How location affects what you earn

Where you work has one of the biggest impacts on your hourly wage. Tellers in states with higher costs of living—California, Massachusetts, New York, and Washington—typically earn $1 to $3 more per hour than tellers in lower-cost states. A teller in San Francisco might earn $18 to $20 per hour, while a teller in rural Mississippi or Arkansas might earn $13 to $14 per hour for the same job title at a similar-sized bank.

Within a single state, city branches pay more than suburban or rural branches. This reflects both the higher cost of living in cities and the fact that urban branches often handle more transactions and require faster-paced work. Some banks also adjust pay based on the specific branch's profitability or transaction volume, so a busy downtown location may pay more than a slower suburban one.

Pay differences between bank types and sizes

National banks like Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank typically pay more than regional or community banks. A teller at a major national bank might start at $14 to $15 per hour, while a teller at a smaller regional bank might start at $13 to $14 per hour. Credit unions often fall somewhere in the middle, though some credit unions—especially larger ones—pay competitively with national banks.

Online banks and neobanks (digital-only financial institutions) generally do not employ traditional tellers, so this comparison does not apply to them. If you are considering a career as a teller, the size and type of bank you choose will directly affect your starting pay and your earning potential over time.

How experience and promotions increase your pay

Your first year as a teller is typically the lowest-paid period. After 12 to 18 months, many banks give a raise of $0.50 to $1.00 per hour as you become faster and more reliable. After three to five years, you may earn $16 to $18 per hour or more, depending on your bank and location.

Moving into a lead teller, head teller, or customer service representative role can increase your pay by $1 to $3 per hour. Some tellers move into loan officer, branch manager, or operations roles, which pay significantly more. The path from teller to management typically takes three to seven years, and the pay increase is substantial—branch managers often earn $40,000 to $60,000 per year or more, depending on the bank and location.

Benefits and total compensation beyond hourly pay

Most banks offer benefits that add real value to your hourly wage. Health insurance (medical, dental, and vision) is standard at larger banks, though smaller banks may offer it less consistently. Many banks also offer 401(k) retirement plans with employer matching, which means the bank contributes money to your retirement savings—typically 3 to 6 percent of your salary.

Paid time off (vacation, sick days, and personal days) is common, though the amount varies. A new teller might start with 10 to 15 days per year, increasing with tenure. Some banks also offer tuition reimbursement if you pursue further education, employee discounts on banking products, and life insurance. When you calculate your total compensation, these benefits can add 15 to 25 percent to the value of your hourly wage.

Shift differentials and overtime pay

Bank tellers typically work standard business hours—Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.—but many branches also have evening and Saturday hours. Banks often pay a shift differential for evening, night, or weekend work, usually an extra $0.50 to $1.50 per hour. If you work a 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. shift, you might earn $15.50 to $17 per hour instead of the standard $15 to $16.

Overtime is less common for tellers than for some other jobs, because most teller positions are scheduled in advance and do not regularly exceed 40 hours per week. However, during busy periods (tax season, year-end) or when a coworker calls out, you may be asked to work extra hours. When you do work overtime, you are may have access to to time-and-a-half pay (1.5 times your regular hourly rate) under federal law, though some states have additional overtime rules.

What affects your starting pay as a new teller

Your starting wage depends on several factors the bank considers during hiring. Your education level matters—a high school diploma is the minimum, but some banks prefer or require some college coursework or an associate degree, which can bump your starting pay up by $0.50 to $1.00 per hour. Prior customer service or cash-handling experience also helps; if you have worked retail, food service, or another job involving money, you may start higher than someone with no work history.

The local job market also affects starting pay. In areas where many people want teller jobs, banks can offer lower starting wages. In areas where teller jobs are hard to fill, banks may offer $15 to $16 per hour to new hires just to attract candidates. Negotiating your starting wage is possible, especially if you have relevant experience or education, though many banks have set pay scales for new tellers that leave little room for negotiation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do bank tellers get paid weekly or biweekly?

Most banks pay tellers biweekly (every two weeks). Some smaller banks or credit unions may pay weekly or monthly, so confirm the pay schedule during the hiring process. Biweekly pay is standard across the banking industry.

Can you negotiate your hourly rate as a bank teller?

Negotiation is possible but limited. Many large banks have fixed pay scales for teller positions based on location and experience, leaving little room to negotiate. Smaller banks and credit unions may be more flexible. If you have relevant experience or education, mention it during the interview—it may help you start at a higher step on the pay scale.

Do bank tellers earn commission or bonuses?

Some banks offer small bonuses or incentives tied to sales goals—for example, opening a certain number of new accounts or selling credit cards. These bonuses are usually modest, $50 to $200 per quarter, and are not may provide. Most teller pay is hourly with no commission component.

What is the difference between a teller and a customer service representative at a bank?

A teller handles cash transactions and basic account services at the counter. A customer service representative (or personal banker) typically earns $1 to $2 more per hour and handles account inquiries, sales, and customer relationships from a desk or office area. The role requires more sales skills and often involves longer-term customer relationships.

Does working at a bank teller job lead to higher-paying positions?

Yes. Many tellers move into lead teller, operations, loan officer, or branch management roles within three to seven years. These positions pay $18 to $25 per hour or more, and management roles can exceed $50,000 per year. A teller position is often a starting point for a banking career rather than a permanent role.