Bank teller hourly pay ranges from $14 to $18 in most U.S. markets, with variation based on location, employer size, and experience

A bank teller's hourly wage depends on where you work and what the local labor market will bear. Large national banks like Chase or Bank of America typically pay $15 to $17 per hour for entry-level tellers in most regions. Credit unions and smaller regional banks often pay slightly less—$14 to $16 per hour—though some credit unions in high-cost areas pay more. The federal minimum wage sets a floor at $7.25 per hour, but no major bank pays that; most start new tellers between $14 and $16.

Your actual take-home depends on hours worked. Most teller positions are full-time (35 to 40 hours per week), though some banks hire part-time tellers at 20 to 30 hours weekly. A full-time teller earning $16 per hour makes roughly $33,280 per year before taxes and deductions. Part-time work at the same rate yields about $14,560 annually for 20 hours per week.

Key Takeaways

  • Entry-level bank tellers earn between $14 and $18 per hour depending on the bank, location, and local cost of living.
  • Large national banks typically pay more than small regional banks or credit unions, though exceptions exist in competitive markets.
  • Full-time teller positions (35 to 40 hours weekly) are standard, though part-time roles at 20 to 30 hours per week are also common.
  • Experience, certifications, and advancement to head teller or supervisor roles can increase hourly pay by $2 to $5 per hour.

How location affects what you earn

A teller in San Francisco or New York City earns more per hour than one in rural Mississippi or Kansas, because the cost of living is higher and banks compete harder for workers. In expensive metros, entry-level tellers often start at $17 to $19 per hour. In lower-cost regions, $13 to $15 is more common. This is not a rule set by any central body—it reflects what each local bank branch needs to pay to hire and keep people.

State minimum wage also matters. California's minimum wage is $16.50 per hour (as of 2024), so banks there cannot pay less. Federal minimum wage is $7.25, but states like Massachusetts ($15), New York ($15), and Illinois ($14) have set their own floors higher. A bank in a state with a higher minimum wage will typically pay tellers more than a bank in a state with the federal minimum.

Bank size and employer type shape your pay

The largest banks—Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank—tend to pay $15.50 to $17.50 per hour for new tellers. They have standardized pay scales across regions and can afford higher wages because they process high transaction volumes and have deep profit margins. Regional banks with 50 to 500 branches often pay $14.50 to $16 per hour. Very small independent banks and credit unions may pay $13.50 to $15 per hour, though some credit unions in wealthy areas or with strong membership bases pay competitively with large banks.

Credit unions are worth examining separately. They are member-owned cooperatives, not shareholder-owned corporations, so their pay structure can differ. Some credit unions pay less than banks because they operate on tighter margins. Others pay more because they prioritize member service and employee retention. The only way to know is to check the specific credit union's posted job listings or call their HR department.

What experience and advancement do to your hourly rate

A teller with one to two years of experience typically earns $0.50 to $1.50 more per hour than a new hire. After three to five years, you might earn $17 to $19 per hour if you stay in the teller role. Some tellers move into head teller positions, which supervise other tellers and handle more complex transactions. Head tellers earn $18 to $22 per hour. Advancement to branch operations manager or assistant manager roles can push pay to $20 to $28 per hour, though these are no longer teller positions.

Certifications also matter. Some banks offer or require tellers to earn a Certificate in Banking through the American Bankers Association or a similar body. Tellers who hold this certification sometimes receive a $0.50 to $1 per hour raise. Bilingual tellers (especially Spanish-English in the U.S.) often earn $0.75 to $1.50 more per hour because the skill is in demand at many branches.

Benefits and total compensation beyond hourly pay

Hourly wage is only part of what you earn. Most full-time bank tellers receive health insurance (medical, dental, vision), a 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching, and paid time off. The value of these benefits varies by bank but typically adds $4 to $8 per hour in equivalent value. A teller earning $16 per hour with $6 per hour in benefits is receiving roughly $22 per hour in total compensation.

Part-time tellers usually do not receive benefits, though some banks offer limited health coverage or a 401(k) match to part-time staff. Paid time off for part-time tellers is rare. This is a significant difference in total compensation between full-time and part-time roles, even if the hourly rate is the same.

How teller pay compares to other entry-level banking roles

Bank tellers earn less per hour than loan officers, mortgage processors, or compliance analysts, who typically start at $18 to $25 per hour. They earn roughly the same as customer service representatives in other industries, though banking customer service sometimes pays slightly more. Tellers earn more than retail cashiers (typically $13 to $15 per hour) but less than electricians or plumbers, who start at $18 to $25 per hour as apprentices.

The teller role is often an entry point into banking careers. Many people work as tellers for two to four years, then move into lending, operations, or management roles with higher pay. If you are considering a teller job, think of it as a stepping stone with a learning curve, not a permanent wage ceiling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do bank tellers get paid more if they work nights or weekends?

Most banks do not pay shift differentials for evening or weekend work. A teller working 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. earns the same hourly rate as one working 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Some banks offer slightly higher pay for branches that are open extended hours, but this is built into the base rate, not added as a premium. Ask during the interview if the branch has evening or weekend hours and what the pay is.

Can you negotiate your starting pay as a bank teller?

Limited negotiation is possible, especially if you have prior banking or customer service experience, or if you are bilingual. Banks have standardized pay ranges, but hiring managers sometimes have $0.50 to $1 per hour of flexibility within that range. It never hurts to ask, but do not expect a large increase. The bank's answer often depends on how many candidates they have and how urgently they need to fill the role.

Do bank tellers earn commission or bonuses?

Most tellers earn only their hourly wage with no commission. Some banks offer small bonuses (typically $50 to $200 per quarter) if the branch meets sales targets for credit cards, accounts, or loans. These bonuses are not may provide and depend on the branch's performance, not individual teller performance. Do not count on bonus money when calculating your expected income.

What is the difference between a bank teller and a personal banker in terms of pay?

Personal bankers (also called relationship bankers) typically earn $17 to $22 per hour plus commission on products sold. They work with customers on loans, investments, and account management rather than processing transactions. The role requires more sales skill and customer relationship building than a teller position, which is why the base pay and commission structure are higher.

Does working for a bank's call center pay differently than working at a branch?

Bank call center representatives often earn $14 to $17 per hour, similar to branch tellers. Some call centers pay slightly less because they do not require in-person customer interaction or cash handling. The work is often remote, which some people prefer. Pay depends on the specific bank and the call center's location, not whether it is remote or in-person.