Bank teller pay ranges from roughly $24,000 to $35,000 per year, depending on location, employer size, and experience

A bank teller's salary is not fixed across the industry. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median annual wage for bank tellers is in the low $30,000s, but this varies significantly by state, by bank size, and by whether you work full-time or part-time. A teller at a large national bank in a high-cost city will earn more than a teller at a small regional bank in a rural area. Starting pay is typically lower, and raises come with tenure and additional responsibilities.

Most bank tellers are paid hourly rather than on salary. Hourly rates typically fall between $12 and $18 per hour, though some banks in expensive markets pay more. Full-time tellers usually receive benefits—health insurance, retirement contributions, paid time off—while part-time tellers often do not. Some banks also offer bonuses tied to customer service metrics or sales targets, which can add a few hundred to a few thousand dollars annually.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank teller pay is hourly in most cases, ranging from $12 to $18 per hour depending on location and employer.
  • Full-time tellers earn roughly $24,000 to $35,000 annually, while part-time work pays proportionally less.
  • Large national banks and positions in high-cost cities tend to pay more than small regional banks and rural locations.
  • Benefits like health insurance and retirement matching are common for full-time roles but rare for part-time positions.
  • Performance bonuses for customer service or sales can add several hundred dollars per year to base pay.

How location and bank size affect what tellers earn

A teller working in New York City, San Francisco, or Boston will earn noticeably more than one in a smaller town, because the cost of living is higher and banks adjust wages accordingly. State minimum wage also matters: states with higher minimum wages (California, Massachusetts, New York) set a floor that pushes all teller wages up. A teller in a state with a $7.25 minimum wage will typically earn less than one in a state with a $15 minimum wage, all else equal.

Bank size also shapes pay. Large national banks like Bank of America, Chase, and Wells Fargo tend to pay more than community banks or credit unions, partly because they have more standardized pay scales and larger budgets. A teller at a major bank might start at $14 to $16 per hour, while a teller at a small local bank might start at $12 to $14. Credit unions sometimes pay slightly less than banks but often offer better benefits or profit-sharing arrangements.

What affects raises and advancement for tellers

Most tellers receive small annual raises—typically 2 to 3 percent—if they stay with the same employer. Raises are often tied to performance reviews, customer satisfaction scores, and accuracy in handling transactions. Some banks tie raises to sales metrics: if you open new accounts or sell credit products, you may earn a larger raise or a bonus.

Advancement to a supervisory role—head teller, customer service manager, or loan officer—usually comes after two to five years and brings a salary bump of $5,000 to $15,000 or more. Pursuing additional certifications (like a mortgage license or securities license) can also lead to higher-paying roles within the bank. However, many tellers do not advance within banking; the role is often a first job or a temporary position.

Part-time teller work and seasonal pay differences

Part-time tellers typically earn the same hourly rate as full-time tellers at the same bank, but work fewer hours—often 20 to 30 hours per week instead of 40. This means annual earnings are roughly half to three-quarters of what a full-time teller makes. Part-time positions are common at banks because customer traffic varies by time of day and day of week, and banks staff up accordingly.

Some banks hire seasonal tellers during the end of the year (October through December) or around tax season (January through April). Seasonal tellers are usually paid hourly at the same rate as regular part-time staff but receive no benefits and no may provide of continued employment after the season ends. A seasonal teller might earn $2,000 to $4,000 over a three-month period.

How benefits and bonuses add to base pay

Full-time bank tellers typically receive health insurance (medical, dental, vision), a 401(k) with employer matching, paid time off (vacation and sick days), and sometimes life insurance or disability coverage. The value of these benefits can add 15 to 25 percent to base salary. For example, a teller earning $30,000 in salary might receive an additional $4,500 to $7,500 in benefits value annually.

Performance bonuses vary widely. Some banks offer bonuses for opening a certain number of accounts per month, selling credit cards, or maintaining high customer satisfaction scores. These bonuses might range from $50 to $500 per month, or $600 to $6,000 per year. Other banks do not offer bonuses at all. A few banks offer profit-sharing or end-of-year bonuses tied to overall branch or company performance, though these are less common in the teller role.

How teller pay compares to other entry-level bank jobs

Bank tellers are among the lowest-paid positions in banking, but not the only entry-level role. Customer service representatives in bank call centers often earn similar wages ($24,000 to $32,000 annually). Loan officers and mortgage specialists earn significantly more, typically $35,000 to $50,000 or higher, but usually require more experience or education. Branch managers earn $50,000 to $80,000 or more, depending on branch size and location.

Outside banking, teller pay is comparable to retail cashiers, administrative assistants, and customer service roles in other industries. The main advantage of a bank teller position is stability—banks have lower turnover than retail, and the role offers a clear path to advancement if you want to stay in banking. The main disadvantage is that pay growth is slow without moving into a different role.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do bank tellers get paid more if they work the night shift or weekends?

Most banks do not pay shift differentials for tellers working evenings or weekends. Pay is typically the same regardless of when you work. However, some banks may offer slightly higher pay for positions that require weekend or evening availability, or they may offer bonuses for working less desirable hours. Ask during the interview process.

Can a bank teller earn more by working at multiple banks?

Technically yes, but it is uncommon. Some people work part-time at two banks to increase total hours and earnings, but this requires careful scheduling and can lead to burnout. Most banks prefer full-time or consistent part-time employees and may not hire someone who discloses they work elsewhere.

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

Bank tellers handle cash transactions and are usually stationed at a counter. Customer service representatives answer phones, help with account issues, and may work in a call center. Pay is similar, but customer service roles sometimes offer remote work options and may have slightly different advancement paths.

Do bank tellers get tips?

Tipping is not standard in banking, and many banks have policies against tellers accepting tips. Some customers do offer small tips for exceptional service, but this is rare and not expected. Do not count on tips as part of your income as a teller.

How often do bank tellers get raises?

Most banks review pay annually and grant raises once per year if performance is satisfactory. Raises are typically 2 to 3 percent of current salary. Some banks offer raises only every two years or tie raises to promotions rather than tenure. This varies by employer.