Chase teller pay starts around $28,000 to $32,000 per year, depending on location and experience
A Chase teller in the United States typically earns between $28,000 and $32,000 annually as a base salary, though this varies significantly by branch location, local cost of living, and how long you've been in the role. Chase adjusts pay for high-cost areas like New York, California, and the Northeast, so a teller in Manhattan will earn more than one in a rural branch. Starting pay is usually at the lower end of that range; after two to three years, you can expect movement toward the higher end.
Beyond base salary, Chase tellers receive benefits that add real value to total compensation. These include health insurance (medical, dental, vision), a 401(k) with company match, paid time off, and access to Chase's employee banking discounts. Some branches also offer shift differentials if you work evenings or Saturdays, which can add $1 to $3 per hour. The total package—salary plus benefits—is often worth 15 to 20 percent more than the base number alone.
Key Takeaways
- Chase teller base salary ranges from $28,000 to $32,000 annually, with higher pay in expensive metro areas and lower pay in rural locations.
- Benefits including health insurance, 401(k) match, and paid time off add significant value beyond the base salary.
- Shift differentials for evening and weekend work can increase hourly pay by $1 to $3 per hour.
- Advancement to head teller or customer service roles typically comes after two to four years and includes salary increases of $2,000 to $5,000.
How location affects what you'll earn
Chase uses a geographic pay scale that reflects regional living costs. A teller in San Francisco or Boston will earn noticeably more than one in Des Moines or Albuquerque, even though the job title and duties are identical. The difference can be $3,000 to $8,000 per year depending on the metro area. Chase publishes pay bands by region, though the exact numbers are not always visible to job seekers—you typically learn the specific range only after you explore or during the offer stage.
Within a single metro area, individual branch pay can still vary slightly based on branch size and volume. A high-traffic downtown branch may pay slightly more than a suburban location in the same city. If you're considering a Chase teller role, asking about the pay band for your specific branch during the interview process is standard and expected.
What affects your starting pay and raises
Chase typically starts new tellers at the bottom of the range for their location, regardless of prior banking experience. However, if you have previous teller experience at another bank or substantial customer service background, you may negotiate a higher starting point—usually $1,000 to $2,000 above the minimum. This is worth discussing during the offer conversation; Chase has some flexibility here, especially if the branch is actively hiring.
Annual raises at Chase are usually tied to performance reviews and are not automatic. Merit increases typically range from 2 to 4 percent per year if you meet expectations. Promotions to head teller or personal banker roles come after two to four years and include raises of $2,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on the new position. Advancement depends on your performance, customer feedback, and whether your branch has an open position.
Shift work and overtime pay
Most Chase teller positions are full-time, typically 35 to 40 hours per week, though some branches hire part-time tellers for 20 to 30 hours weekly. Part-time tellers earn the same hourly rate as full-time staff but receive fewer or no benefits, depending on hours worked. Chase generally does not offer overtime pay for tellers; instead, scheduling is adjusted to keep hours within the full-time or part-time threshold.
If you work evening hours (branches that stay open until 6 or 7 p.m.) or Saturday shifts, you'll typically receive a shift differential of $1 to $3 per hour on top of your base rate. This is one of the clearest ways to increase your earnings as a teller without changing roles. Some branches also offer small bonuses tied to sales metrics—opening new accounts or signing customers up for credit products—though these are usually modest ($50 to $200 per quarter).
How Chase teller pay compares to other banks
Chase teller pay is roughly in line with other large national banks. Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank tellers earn similar ranges—$27,000 to $33,000 depending on location. Regional banks and credit unions sometimes pay slightly less ($25,000 to $29,000), while some high-cost-of-living areas see all banks paying at the higher end. The real differences emerge in benefits: Chase's 401(k) match and health insurance are competitive, though not dramatically better than competitors.
If you're comparing offers from multiple banks, focus on the total package rather than base salary alone. A lower base salary with better health insurance or a higher 401(k) match can be worth more over time. Also consider branch location and commute—a job that's 10 minutes away is worth more than one requiring an hour of travel, even if the pay is identical.
What happens to your pay if you move up
The most common advancement from teller is to head teller, a supervisory role that oversees other tellers and handles more complex transactions. Head tellers at Chase typically earn $32,000 to $40,000 annually, depending on location and branch size. This role usually requires two to three years as a teller and involves training, scheduling, and quality control responsibilities.
Another path is to move into personal banking or customer service roles, which focus on selling products and managing customer relationships rather than processing transactions. These positions often pay $30,000 to $38,000 to start, with upside based on sales performance. Some branches also have operations roles that handle back-office work; these typically pay similarly to teller roles but offer different daily work. Advancement beyond these entry-level management roles depends on your performance, willingness to relocate, and whether you pursue additional certifications or degrees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Chase tellers get paid weekly or biweekly?
Chase pays tellers biweekly (every two weeks). Pay is typically deposited directly to your bank account. Your first paycheck may be delayed slightly if you start mid-pay-period, so ask about the exact schedule during onboarding.
Can you negotiate your starting salary as a Chase teller?
Yes, within limits. If you have prior teller or customer service experience, you can ask for a higher starting point—usually $1,000 to $2,000 above the minimum for your location. Chase has some flexibility, especially if the branch is hiring urgently. The worst they can say is no.
Does Chase offer bonuses for tellers?
Some branches offer small bonuses tied to sales metrics—opening accounts, credit card sign-ups, or other products—typically $50 to $200 per quarter. Not all branches have these programs, so ask during the interview. Bonuses are not may provide and depend on branch performance.
What's the difference between full-time and part-time teller pay at Chase?
Full-time and part-time tellers earn the same hourly rate. The difference is in hours and benefits: full-time tellers (35–40 hours) receive health insurance, 401(k), and paid time off; part-time tellers (20–30 hours) typically receive limited or no benefits, depending on hours worked.
How often do Chase tellers get raises?
Annual merit raises are typically 2 to 4 percent if you meet performance expectations, though they are not automatic. Larger increases come with promotions to head teller or other roles after two to four years. The exact timing and amount depend on your branch's budget and your individual performance.