Bank teller pay varies by location, employer, and experience, but most earn between $24,000 and $35,000 per year

A bank teller's salary depends on where they work and what the bank does. A teller at a large national bank like Chase or Bank of America typically earns more than one at a small regional bank or credit union. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics tracks teller wages, and the median annual salary sits around $30,000 to $32,000, though this shifts by state and employer size. Some tellers earn closer to $24,000 at the start; others at major banks or in high-cost cities can reach $40,000 or more.

Pay also depends on whether you work full-time or part-time. Most bank tellers are full-time employees, but many banks hire part-time tellers for weekend and evening shifts. Part-time tellers usually earn an hourly wage rather than a salary, and that wage typically ranges from $13 to $18 per hour depending on location and bank. Full-time tellers usually receive a salary, benefits like health insurance, and sometimes a small bonus tied to customer service metrics or sales targets.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank teller salaries range from roughly $24,000 to $40,000 per year, with the median around $30,000 to $32,000 for full-time positions.
  • Part-time tellers typically earn $13 to $18 per hour, and the hourly rate varies significantly by state and the size of the bank.
  • Large national banks generally pay more than small regional banks or credit unions, and major metropolitan areas pay more than rural ones.
  • Most full-time teller positions include health insurance, retirement contributions, and occasional bonuses based on customer service or sales performance.

How location affects what tellers earn

State and city matter more than you might expect. Tellers in California, New York, and Massachusetts earn notably more than those in Mississippi, Arkansas, or West Virginia, partly because cost of living is higher and partly because larger banks concentrate in those states. A teller in San Francisco or Boston might earn $38,000 to $42,000 annually, while the same role in a smaller Southern city might pay $26,000 to $28,000.

Within a single state, urban tellers earn more than rural ones. A Chase branch in downtown Chicago pays differently than a Chase branch 40 miles outside the city. The difference is usually 10 to 20 percent, reflecting both local wage standards and the fact that larger branches in cities handle more transactions and customer volume, which some banks factor into compensation.

What bank size and type mean for your paycheck

The institution matters. A teller at JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, or Wells Fargo typically earns more than one at a regional bank like Truist or PNC, which in turn typically earn more than tellers at credit unions. The difference can be $3,000 to $8,000 per year for the same role. Large banks have standardized pay scales and more resources; credit unions often operate on tighter margins and pay accordingly.

Online banks and fintech companies that handle deposits and withdrawals differently sometimes hire fewer traditional tellers or none at all, so if you are considering a teller role, the type of institution shapes both the job itself and the compensation. A teller at a traditional brick-and-mortar bank does different work than a customer service representative at an online bank, and the pay reflects that.

Experience and advancement in teller roles

Your first year as a teller usually pays less than your third or fifth year. Most banks have a pay scale that increases with tenure — typically a raise every year or two, sometimes tied to performance reviews. A new teller might start at $24,000 to $26,000; after three years, the same person at the same bank might earn $29,000 to $32,000.

Advancement out of the teller role also affects long-term earnings. Many tellers move into roles like customer service supervisor, loan officer, or branch manager within five to ten years. Those positions pay $40,000 to $60,000 or more, depending on the bank and location. Some tellers stay in the role for their entire career and reach the top of the teller pay scale; others use it as a stepping stone. Banks often promote from within, so being a teller can be a path to better-paying positions if you want it.

Benefits and bonuses beyond the base salary

The salary number does not tell the whole story. Full-time tellers at most banks receive health insurance (medical, dental, vision), a 401(k) or similar retirement plan with employer matching, and paid time off. The value of those benefits can add 15 to 25 percent to the stated salary. A teller earning $30,000 in salary might have another $5,000 to $7,000 in annual benefit value.

Some banks also offer performance bonuses or incentives. These might be tied to customer service scores, sales of bank products like credit cards or savings accounts, or branch-level metrics. Bonuses are usually small — $500 to $2,000 per year — but they exist. A few banks offer tuition reimbursement or professional development funds, which can matter if you plan to advance or earn a degree while working.

Part-time and seasonal teller positions

Banks hire part-time tellers year-round, especially for evenings and weekends, and seasonally around tax season and the holidays. Part-time tellers earn an hourly wage, usually $13 to $18 per hour depending on location and bank size. A part-time teller working 20 hours per week at $15 per hour would earn roughly $15,600 per year before taxes, with no benefits unless the bank offers them to part-time staff (which is less common).

Part-time roles offer flexibility but less job security and fewer benefits. Some people use part-time teller work as a temporary job while in school or between other positions. Others work part-time at a bank while maintaining another job. The hourly wage is the main draw, and it varies enough by location that it is worth asking the specific branch what they pay before you interview.

How teller pay compares to other entry-level bank jobs

A bank teller earns roughly the same as a customer service representative at a bank call center, though the teller role usually requires being on-site and handling cash. Loan officers and mortgage specialists earn more — typically $35,000 to $50,000 starting out — but they usually need more training or education. Bank operations staff and back-office roles sometimes pay similarly to tellers, around $28,000 to $33,000, depending on the specific job.

Compared to retail cashiers or fast-food workers, tellers earn more — usually $3,000 to $8,000 more per year. Compared to administrative assistants or data entry clerks, teller pay is roughly equivalent or slightly lower, though tellers often have better benefits and job stability. The teller role is a solid entry point into banking if you want steady work with benefits and a clear path to advancement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do bank tellers get paid hourly or salary?

Full-time tellers usually receive a salary, typically $24,000 to $40,000 per year depending on location and bank size. Part-time tellers are paid hourly, usually $13 to $18 per hour. Some banks may offer a hybrid arrangement, but salary is standard for full-time positions.

What is the highest salary a bank teller can earn?

A teller with many years of experience at a large bank in a high-cost city can earn $40,000 to $45,000 annually. Beyond that, advancement to supervisor or manager roles pays significantly more. Staying in the teller role itself has a ceiling, usually in the $38,000 to $45,000 range depending on the bank.

Do bank tellers get benefits like health insurance?

Full-time tellers at most banks receive health insurance, dental and vision coverage, a 401(k) with employer matching, and paid time off. Part-time tellers rarely receive benefits unless they work enough hours to meet the bank's threshold, which varies by employer.

Does a bank teller's pay increase over time?

Yes, most banks have a pay scale that increases with tenure. A teller typically receives a raise every one to two years, moving from a starting salary of $24,000 to $26,000 up to $32,000 to $38,000 after five to ten years at the same bank.

Are there bonuses for bank tellers?

Some banks offer small performance bonuses, usually $500 to $2,000 per year, tied to customer service scores or sales of bank products. Not all banks offer bonuses, and they are typically modest compared to the base salary.