Bank teller hourly pay ranges from $14 to $18 in most U.S. markets

Bank tellers in the United States typically earn between $14 and $18 per hour, though the exact amount depends on where you work, which bank employs you, and your experience level. Entry-level tellers at smaller regional banks or credit unions often start near the federal minimum wage or slightly above it. Tellers at large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, or Wells Fargo generally earn toward the higher end of that range, sometimes reaching $19 or $20 per hour after a year or two.

Your location matters significantly. Tellers in high-cost cities like San Francisco, New York, and Boston earn more than tellers doing the same work in rural areas or smaller towns. A teller in Manhattan might earn $18 to $22 per hour, while the same position in rural Mississippi might pay $13 to $15. State minimum wage laws also affect the floor — if your state's minimum is $15 per hour, banks in that state cannot pay less, even if the federal minimum is lower.

These figures are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data and job postings from major banks, but they change over time and vary by employer. The information here reflects general ranges rather than guarantees for any specific position or location.

Key Takeaways

  • Most bank tellers earn between $14 and $18 per hour, with entry-level positions at the lower end and experienced tellers at larger banks at the higher end.
  • Location is the strongest factor affecting pay — tellers in major metropolitan areas earn significantly more than those in rural regions.
  • Your state's minimum wage sets a floor for what any bank can pay you, and some states have raised this above the federal minimum.
  • Benefits like health insurance, 401(k) matching, and paid time off often add value beyond the hourly rate and vary by bank size and type.

How bank size and type affect your hourly wage

Large national banks typically pay more than small regional banks or credit unions. Chase and Bank of America, which operate thousands of branches nationwide, often post starting rates of $16 to $18 per hour for tellers. Smaller regional banks and credit unions may start tellers at $13 to $15 per hour. The difference reflects both the bank's revenue and the cost of living in areas where they operate — national banks have branches in expensive cities, which pushes their average pay higher.

Online banks and fintech companies that do not operate physical branches do not hire traditional tellers, so this comparison applies only to banks with teller windows. If you are considering a position at a specific bank, check their current job postings on their careers page or on job boards like Indeed or LinkedIn — these show the actual starting rate for your location.

Experience and raises: what happens after your first year

Most banks raise teller pay after six months to a year of employment. A teller who starts at $14 per hour might reach $15 or $16 after 12 months. Promotions to head teller or lead teller roles — which involve training newer staff and handling more complex transactions — typically come with raises of $1 to $3 per hour. Some tellers move into customer service representative or loan officer positions, which pay more but require additional training or certification.

Raises depend on your bank's pay structure and your performance. Some banks use automatic step increases tied to tenure; others base raises on annual reviews. Ask about this during your interview or when you receive an offer — knowing whether you will get a raise after six months or a year helps you plan your finances.

Benefits that add to your hourly earnings

Hourly pay is only part of what you earn as a bank teller. Most banks offer health insurance (medical, dental, vision), a 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching, and paid time off. Large national banks typically offer more generous benefits than small regional banks. For example, a major bank might match 50% of your 401(k) contributions up to 6% of your salary, while a smaller bank might match only 25%.

Paid time off varies widely. Some banks give tellers one week of vacation after one year; others give two weeks immediately. Sick leave and personal days are sometimes separate from vacation. Health insurance premiums also vary — some banks cover most of the cost, while others require you to pay a larger share. When comparing job offers, add the value of these benefits to your hourly rate to see the full picture of what you are earning.

How your state and city minimum wage affects teller pay

If your state or city has raised its minimum wage above the federal minimum of $7.25 per hour, banks must pay at least that higher amount. As of 2024, California's minimum wage is $16.50 per hour, Massachusetts is $15 per hour, and New York City is $15 per hour (higher in some years). Banks in these places cannot hire tellers below these rates, which means tellers in high-minimum-wage states earn more on average than tellers in states that use only the federal minimum.

This also means that if you live in a state with a high minimum wage, the starting rate for a teller job is likely to be closer to that minimum than it would be in a lower-wage state. Check your state's labor department website to find your current minimum wage, then use that as a baseline when evaluating job offers.

Comparing teller pay to other entry-level banking jobs

Bank tellers earn roughly the same as customer service representatives at banks, who typically make $14 to $18 per hour. Loan officers earn more — usually $18 to $25 per hour to start — but they typically require a bachelor's degree or significant experience. Mortgage loan officers and investment advisors earn more still, but those are not entry-level positions. If you are considering banking as a career path, teller positions are often the entry point before moving into higher-paying roles.

Some people use teller positions as a stepping stone to other industries. The customer service skills, cash handling experience, and basic financial knowledge you gain as a teller transfer to retail management, insurance sales, or administrative roles in other fields. The hourly pay is modest, but the experience can open doors.

Where to find current pay information for specific banks and locations

Job posting sites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor show current hourly rates for teller positions at specific banks in your area. Glassdoor also includes salary reviews from current and former employees, which can give you a sense of what people actually earn and what the work environment is like. Indeed's salary tool lets you filter by location and employer, so you can see how pay varies between banks in your city.

You can also call or visit a bank branch and ask to speak with a manager about teller positions and pay. Some banks post starting rates on their careers website; others do not publish this information publicly and only share it during the interview process. If you are serious about a position, asking directly is fair — employers expect this question.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do bank tellers get paid overtime?

Most bank tellers are paid hourly and are may have access to to overtime pay (time and a half) for hours worked over 40 per week, as required by federal law. Some banks limit teller hours to avoid overtime costs, so you may not work 40 hours every week. Ask about typical weekly hours and whether overtime is available when you interview.

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

A head teller or lead teller supervises other tellers, trains new staff, and handles more complex transactions. Head tellers typically earn $2 to $4 more per hour than regular tellers. This is usually a promotion after one to two years as a teller, not a separate entry-level position.

Do bank tellers earn commission or bonuses?

Some banks offer small bonuses or incentives for opening new accounts or selling financial products, but these are usually modest — $5 to $25 per product. Most teller pay is straight hourly with no commission. Ask about this during your interview if it matters to you.

Can I negotiate my starting pay as a bank teller?

Banks often have set starting rates for teller positions, but it does not hurt to ask, especially if you have relevant experience or a competing offer. If the bank says the rate is fixed, you can ask about a timeline for raises or opportunities to move into higher-paying roles sooner.

How does part-time teller pay compare to full-time?

Part-time tellers earn the same hourly rate as full-time tellers at the same bank, but they work fewer hours and typically receive fewer or no benefits. If you need flexible hours, part-time work is available, but your total earnings will be lower because you work fewer hours per week.