Chase teller pay starts around $28,000 to $32,000 annually, with variation based on location, branch size, and your experience

Chase does not publish a single teller salary. What a teller makes depends on where the branch is located, whether it is a high-traffic urban branch or a smaller suburban one, and how long you have been in the role. A teller in New York City or San Francisco will earn more than one in a rural area, sometimes by $5,000 to $8,000 per year. Starting pay for a new teller at Chase typically falls between $28,000 and $32,000 annually, but this shifts based on local cost of living and local labor market conditions.

Chase uses a pay grade system internally. Tellers usually start at one grade and move up as they gain experience and take on additional responsibilities—handling more complex transactions, training newer staff, or managing a cash drawer with higher daily volume. After two to three years, a teller might move to a higher grade and see a raise of $2,000 to $4,000. The ceiling for a standard teller role is typically in the $38,000 to $42,000 range, though some high-cost markets push higher.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase teller starting pay ranges from $28,000 to $32,000 per year, with higher amounts in major metropolitan areas.
  • Pay increases happen through promotions within the teller grade structure, usually after two to three years of experience.
  • A teller who moves into a lead or senior teller role can earn $40,000 to $48,000 annually.
  • Hourly rates for Chase tellers typically range from $14 to $20 per hour depending on location and experience level.

How location affects what you earn

Chase adjusts pay based on the cost of living in your region. A teller in Manhattan or downtown Los Angeles will earn noticeably more than one in a smaller town in the Midwest or South. This is not a bonus—it is built into the base salary. The company uses geographic pay bands, meaning the same job title has different salary ranges depending on the branch location.

High-cost markets like California, New York, Massachusetts, and Washington state typically see teller pay at the upper end of Chase's range. Mid-tier markets—Denver, Austin, Atlanta—fall in the middle. Lower-cost regions see pay at the lower end. If you move branches, your pay may adjust up or down to match the new location's band, though this is negotiated individually and not automatic.

What happens to your pay as you gain experience

A new teller at Chase starts at the entry level within their geographic pay band. After six months to a year of solid performance, you move to the next step within that same grade. This step increase is usually $1,000 to $1,500 annually. After two to three years, if you have met performance standards and your branch has an opening, you can be promoted to a higher grade—sometimes called a "lead teller" or "senior teller" role.

A lead teller typically earns $40,000 to $48,000 per year and handles additional duties: opening and closing the branch, reconciling the vault, training new hires, and managing the teller line during peak hours. Some tellers move into operations or customer service roles instead, which can pay similarly or slightly more depending on the specific position. Without a promotion, a teller's pay growth flattens after five to seven years.

Hourly rates and how they compare to salary

Chase tellers are hourly employees, not salaried. The hourly rate typically ranges from $14 to $20 per hour depending on location and experience. A teller earning $30,000 annually works roughly 2,080 hours per year (40 hours per week), which equals about $14.42 per hour. One earning $40,000 works out to about $19.23 per hour. These are base rates and do not include overtime, which is rare in retail banking but can occur during month-end or quarter-end closings.

Chase branches are usually open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some Saturday hours. Tellers typically work a standard 40-hour week, though schedules vary by branch. Some branches ask tellers to work split shifts or evening hours if the branch stays open later. Overtime is paid at time-and-a-half but is not common unless the branch is understaffed or there is a special project.

Benefits that add to your total compensation

Chase offers benefits that increase the value of the teller role beyond base pay. Full-time tellers receive health insurance (medical, dental, vision), a 401(k) plan with company match, and paid time off. The company typically matches 50% of your 401(k) contributions up to a certain percentage of salary, which is a meaningful addition to compensation. Paid time off starts at around two weeks per year for new employees and increases with tenure.

Tellers also receive an employee discount on Chase banking products and services, which can save money on checking accounts, savings accounts, and credit cards. Some branches offer tuition reimbursement if you pursue further education, though this is usually available after you have been employed for a certain period. Chase also has an employee stock purchase plan, allowing you to buy company stock at a discount.

How teller pay compares to other bank roles

A Chase teller earns less than a personal banker or business banker, who typically start around $35,000 to $40,000 and have more room for commission-based pay. A branch manager at Chase earns $60,000 to $85,000 depending on branch size and location. A loan officer or mortgage specialist earns $45,000 to $65,000 plus commission. Teller is an entry-level position in banking, and the pay reflects that, but it is also a common stepping stone to higher-paying roles within the bank.

Compared to tellers at other large banks, Chase pay is competitive. Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank tellers earn in a similar range—$28,000 to $42,000 depending on location and experience. Regional banks and credit unions sometimes pay slightly less, while some high-cost-market branches at major banks pay slightly more. The differences are usually within $2,000 to $3,000 annually.

What affects your individual pay within Chase's ranges

Beyond location and experience, a few other factors influence what you earn. Your branch's size and transaction volume matter—a high-traffic downtown branch might pay more than a small suburban one, even in the same city. Your performance rating affects raises and promotions; a teller with consistent high marks and low error rates moves up faster than one with average performance. Whether you cross-sell products (opening accounts, selling credit cards) can also influence your pay trajectory, as some branches tie bonuses or raises to sales metrics.

Your willingness to take on additional responsibilities—training, opening or closing duties, handling complex transactions—can accelerate your move to a lead teller role. Some tellers negotiate their starting pay based on prior banking experience or relevant certifications, though this is less common at the teller level than at higher positions. Once hired, your pay is largely determined by the pay grade structure and your progression through it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Chase tellers get paid weekly or biweekly?

Chase pays tellers biweekly. Your paycheck arrives every two weeks, and you can set up direct deposit to your bank account. Some tellers use Chase's mobile app to view their pay stub and earnings information.

Can a Chase teller earn commission or bonuses?

Most Chase tellers earn a base hourly wage with no commission. Some branches offer small bonuses tied to branch performance or customer satisfaction metrics, but these are not may provide and vary by location. Lead tellers may have slightly different bonus structures.

What is the difference between a teller and a lead teller in pay?

A lead teller typically earns $8,000 to $12,000 more per year than a standard teller and handles supervisory duties. The promotion usually comes after two to three years of strong performance and requires an opening in your branch.

Does Chase pay more for the night shift or weekend hours?

Chase does not typically offer shift differentials for evening or weekend work at the teller level. Pay is based on location and experience, not the time of day you work. Overtime is paid at time-and-a-half if you exceed 40 hours in a week, but this is uncommon.

Can you negotiate your starting pay as a Chase teller?

Limited negotiation is possible if you have prior banking experience or relevant certifications, but Chase tellers are usually hired at the standard starting rate for their geographic location. Negotiation is more common for higher-level positions like personal banker or branch manager.