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

The median annual salary for a bank teller in the United States is around $28,000 to $30,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This means half of all tellers earn less and half earn more. A teller starting out at a small regional bank might make $24,000 to $26,000 in their first year. A teller with five years of experience at a large national bank could earn $32,000 to $35,000 or slightly higher. The actual number depends on three things: where you work geographically, the size and type of the bank, and how long you have been in the role.

Salary is not the only part of compensation. Most banks offer benefits that add real value: health insurance, retirement contributions (often a 401(k) match), paid time off, and sometimes tuition reimbursement for further education. Some banks also offer employee discounts on accounts and loans. When you are comparing job offers, the base salary plus these benefits together make up your total package.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank teller salaries typically fall between $24,000 and $35,000 per year, with the median around $28,000 to $30,000.
  • Large national banks and urban locations generally pay more than small regional banks and rural areas.
  • Experience matters: tellers with five or more years in the role earn noticeably more than those in their first year.
  • Benefits like health insurance, 401(k) matching, and paid time off add significant value beyond base salary.
  • Advancement to head teller, supervisor, or loan officer roles increases earnings substantially.

How location affects what you earn

Geography is one of the largest factors in teller pay. Tellers in high-cost metropolitan areas—New York City, San Francisco, Boston, Washington D.C.—typically earn $32,000 to $38,000 or more. Tellers in lower-cost regions—rural areas, smaller towns in the South or Midwest—often earn $22,000 to $26,000. This difference reflects both the cost of living in each area and the local competition for workers.

State matters too. California, Massachusetts, New York, and Illinois tend to pay tellers more than Mississippi, Arkansas, West Virginia, and South Dakota. However, the cost of living in those higher-paying states is also higher, so your actual purchasing power may not be as different as the raw numbers suggest. A $30,000 salary in rural Kansas stretches further than a $32,000 salary in Boston.

Bank size and type: national chains versus credit unions

Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo typically pay more than small regional or community banks. A teller at Chase in a major city might start at $26,000 to $28,000, while a teller at a small local bank might start at $23,000 to $25,000. National banks have more standardized pay scales and more room for raises as you move up.

Credit unions often pay similarly to regional banks, though some credit unions—particularly larger ones—match or exceed national bank salaries. Online banks and neobanks (digital-only banks) may pay differently because they have fewer physical branches and different staffing models. If you are considering multiple job offers, ask each employer for their full pay scale and what the typical raise schedule looks like.

How experience and promotion change your earnings

Your first year as a teller, you are learning the systems, the compliance rules, and how to handle cash and customer interactions. Most banks pay entry-level tellers at the lower end of the range. After one to two years, you typically move to a higher step on the pay scale—often a $1,000 to $2,000 annual increase. After five years, you might earn $3,000 to $5,000 more than you started.

Advancement to head teller or teller supervisor roles increases salary significantly—often to $35,000 to $45,000 or higher, depending on location and bank size. Some tellers move into loan officer, customer service manager, or operations roles, which pay more. The path from teller to management is common in banking, and many banks prefer to promote from within rather than hire from outside.

What affects your paycheck beyond base salary

Hours matter. Most teller positions are full-time (40 hours per week), but some banks hire part-time tellers at 20 to 30 hours per week. Part-time tellers earn proportionally less and often receive fewer or no benefits. If you are considering a part-time role, calculate the hourly rate and multiply by the actual hours you will work each week to see the real annual income.

Overtime is rare for tellers because banking hours are set by the branch. You work when the branch is open—typically 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, with some Saturday hours at many branches. You do not usually work evenings or nights, and overtime pay is uncommon. Some banks offer shift differentials (a small bonus for working less desirable hours), but this is not standard.

How to research salary for a specific bank or role

The Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes occupational data by state and metropolitan area, which gives you a baseline. Websites like Glassdoor, Indeed, and PayScale collect salary reports from current and former employees at specific banks. These reports show actual salaries people report, though the data can be incomplete or outdated. Read multiple reports to see the range rather than relying on a single number.

When you interview, ask the hiring manager directly: "What is the starting salary for this role?" and "What is the typical salary range for someone with two years of experience?" Legitimate employers will answer these questions. You can also ask current employees (if you know any) what they earn, though some people are uncomfortable sharing this information. Knowing the range before you interview helps you negotiate if you receive an offer.

Comparing teller work to other entry-level banking roles

Bank tellers are not the only entry point into banking. Customer service representatives at banks often earn similarly ($26,000 to $32,000), but they handle phone and email inquiries rather than in-person transactions. Loan processors earn slightly more ($28,000 to $35,000) because the role requires more technical knowledge. Operations specialists earn $27,000 to $34,000. If you are deciding between these roles, salary is one factor, but also consider the day-to-day work, the learning curve, and the advancement path.

The choice between teller and another entry-level banking role depends on what kind of work environment suits you. Tellers interact with customers all day and handle physical cash; loan processors work more with documents and systems; customer service reps work by phone or email. All three roles can lead to advancement, but the salary difference is usually small enough that your preference for the actual work should matter more than the pay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do bank tellers get paid hourly or salary?

Most bank tellers are paid a salary, not an hourly wage, even if they work part-time. Full-time tellers typically earn an annual salary. Part-time tellers may be paid hourly. Ask during the interview whether the position is salaried or hourly, because it affects how overtime and benefits are calculated.

Can you make more money as a teller by working at multiple banks?

Technically yes, but most banks have non-compete agreements that prevent you from working at another bank in the same area. These agreements vary by employer and state. If you want to increase income, advancement within your current bank or moving to a higher-paying bank in a different location is more practical than juggling multiple teller jobs.

What is the difference between a teller and a head teller salary?

A head teller typically earns $5,000 to $10,000 more per year than a regular teller, depending on the bank and location. Head tellers supervise other tellers, handle more complex transactions, and train new staff. This role is usually the first step into management and is a natural progression after two to four years as a teller.

Do bank tellers earn commission or bonuses?

Some banks offer small bonuses or incentives for opening new accounts or selling financial products, but these are typically modest—$50 to $200 per quarter at most. Commission is not a major part of teller compensation. Your base salary is the reliable income; any bonus is supplemental.

How does a teller salary compare to inflation?

Bank teller salaries have not kept pace with inflation over the past decade. The role has become more automated, which has reduced demand for tellers at some banks. However, teller positions still exist at most branches, and the salary range has remained relatively stable. When considering the role, factor in whether the salary meets your living expenses in your area.