If you are looking for an entry-level job that opens plenty of doors for your career, consider searching for bank teller jobs.
Financial institutions offer valuable services for surrounding communities. People depend on their banks to keep their finances safe, provide loans and other services. Bank tellers are the first people clients turn to in case they need assistance with their banking activities.
Teller positions are the ideal stepping stones to take by people who want to jumpstart their career in finance. You have plenty of opportunities to move up the ladder, plus the bank teller salary is better than you think. Also, you can be promoted to a branch manager position in no time, as long as you work hard.
If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a bank teller, here are the basics on the salary, job requirements and opportunities.
How Much Does a Bank Teller Make?
“How much do bank tellers make?” is a question most people ask. After all, salary and compensation are important topics when it comes to job considerations.
A bank teller’s salary depends on different factors: experience, location and the type of bank. Some branches offer commissions for tellers who successfully open new accounts or gain credit card signups. In general, the average bank teller makes an annual salary of $27,893 ($13.41/hour). The average salary range for bank tellers is between $15,000 and $53,000 annually.
Your position in the bank also determines your salary. Salary.com lists down the annual base salaries for the following job titles:
- Teller I. $28,037
- Teller II. $31,000
- Teller III. $35,700
- Teller manager. $47,500
- Vault teller. $33,700
- Head teller. $38,600
- Branch manager I. $61,100
- Funding manager I. $81, 188
Apart from the salary, bank tellers are entitled to workplace benefits, which often include the following:
- Health and dental insurance
- 401(k) (matching included)
- Paid time off
- Health savings account
- Tuition reimbursement
- Gym membership
Which Bank Pays the Most for Tellers?
As mentioned above, where you work also determines how much you make as a bank teller. If you want a heftier bank teller salary, why not work for the following companies?
- People’s United Bank. $18.30/hour
- Frost. $18.11/hour
- Brink’s Incorporated. $44/hour
- KeyBank. $17/hour
- IBERIABANK. $16.97/hour
In terms of the highest paying cities in the United States, aspiring bank tellers can work in one of the following areas:
- Los Angeles, California. $15.00
- Atlanta, Georgia. $14.70
- Las Vegas, Nevada. $14.01
- Brooklyn, New York. $13.70
- San Antonio, Texas. $13.20
What are the Responsibilities of a Bank Teller?
The primary duty of bank tellers is to assist clients with completing monetary transactions, which include making transfers, withdrawals and deposits. Bank tellers directly work with their clients, especially when they have to answer account questions or verify client identification. At some banks, tellers double as cashiers or customer service representatives.
Other duties of bank tellers are:
- Recording transactions in customer accounts
- Issuing cashier’s checks and money orders, as well as other forms of payment.
- Counting cash drawers at the start and end of their shift
- Assisting with closing or opening bank accounts
- Suggesting services for clients and referring clients to loan officers and other banking agents
The bank teller position covers full-time and part-time hours, observing all government holidays.
What Qualifications Do I Need to Work in a Bank?
As a bank teller, you benefit from a good salary, plenty of job opportunities and networks (via satisfied clients). You also benefit from days off and the flexibility of predictable work hours.
If you want to work for a bank, here are the requirements:
High School Diploma or GED
To score a banking job, you need a high school diploma or GED. Also, you must be legally able to work in the United States. A college degree isn’t a hard requirement, but it can help you get promoted ASAP.
Bank Teller Certification
A bank teller certification validates your skills in customer service, banking operations and more. Certification isn’t required to get hired, but similar to a college degree, it could speed up your promotion to other positions.
You can earn a certification through the Independent Bankers of America, American Bankers Association and others. Candidates for certification must complete their coursework, as well as work at least six months as a bank teller.
Background Check
Banks and other financial institutions will require a background check for all interested applicants. Background checks cover consumer and criminal history. Companies use background checks to look for signs of any unethical behavior.
The Skills Needed for Bank Telling Jobs
Bank tellers serve as the representatives of the bank and always interact with clients. They exchange money and alternative forms of payment regularly, which means they have to be efficient and mindful. So, if you’re interested in becoming a bank teller, here are the skills you need to practice:
- Ability to count cash
- Customer service
- Computer skills
- Strong sense of integrity and ethics
- Attention to detail
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to multitask
Frequently Asked Questions Concerning Banking Jobs
Still interested in applying for a banking job? Knowledge is power! Empower yourself with more knowledge concerning the occupation. Here are some FAQs about becoming a bank teller.
How Long Does It Take to Be a Bank Teller?
Bank tellers receive on-the-job training that usually occurs during the first month of their employment. Under the supervision of a manager or a senior teller, new employees learn about their software, bank policies and processes. If you are taking certificate programs, your training will last a few weeks.
Do You Need a Good Credit to Be a Bank Teller?
Yes! Bank tellers process large sums of money. They also have access to investment accounts and customer loans. For this reason, many banking institutions require their bank tellers to demonstrate financial integrity. Make sure that you have a good FICO score. Also, it’s a huge plus if you don’t have liens, debts or insolvency.
How Can I Succeed in the Interview?
Employers often ask the common interview question “Why should we hire you?” This helps them see how you function in the workplace, especially under challenging circumstances. Instead of scrambling for words, prepare for your interview ahead of time by learning more about the company, reviewing your job description and practicing your answers.
If you need help, keep the acronym STAR in mind. The STAR method offers employers a full scope of how you work, as well as the value you can offer.
- Situation. Re-tell a situation where you had to resolve an issue or use critical thinking.
- Task. Identify the responsibilities you took.
- Action. Explain your actions.
- Result. Let them know what happened.
Bank teller jobs are the perfect stepping stones for people who want to start a career in finance. If you are looking into this occupation, make sure to do your research and have the necessary skills.
