If you like working with people and money, a bank teller career may be for you. Bank tellers work in banks assisting customers with various types of transactions. Bank tellers need to possess good communication and math skills.
Essential Information
Bank tellers are often the first people customers see at the banks. They're commonly known for assisting customers with deposits and withdrawals, counting money and cashing checks, but they do much more. This job typically requires a high school diploma, although completion of relevant postsecondary training, such as through college classes or a certificate program, can give job-seekers an advantage.
| Required Education | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Other Requirements | On-the-job training |
| Projected Job Growth (2019-2029) | -15%* |
| Median Annual Salary (2019) | $31,230* |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Educational Requirements for Bank Tellers
Individuals interested in working as bank tellers may only need a high school diploma along with on-the-job training; however, formal training may enhance their resumes and provide better employment opportunities. While employers often wish to train their bank tellers so they're compatible with the bank's regulations, they may still prefer employees with banking experience. Strong math and accounting skills are also beneficial for this position.
Formal Training
Aspiring bank tellers may find training through individual courses or certificate programs at community or vocational colleges. Students will learn to handle and count money, identify counterfeit currency and interact with customers. They also learn about the many aspects of banking, including checking and savings accounts, cashier's checks, traveler's checks and certificates of deposit. These programs may also teach students about government laws regarding banking.
On-the-Job Training
After gaining employment, new bank tellers typically receive multiple weeks of on-the-job training. They work alongside and learn from experienced tellers, learning about the bank's regulations, check-cashing procedures and transaction equipment.
Career Summary for Bank Tellers
Bank tellers handle almost every banking transaction, including deposits and withdrawals, loan payments, savings bonds and CDs. They also answer questions regarding the bank's various services and may assist customers with their banking needs. In addition to possessing good math and communication skills, bank tellers must be detail-oriented when checking identification and cashing checks. They may also observe customers entering and leaving the bank and be required to recognize fraudulent currency or unlawful transactions.
Career and Salary Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), bank tellers are projected to see an employment decrease of -15% between 2019 and 2029 (www.bls.gov). This low growth is accredited to the advent of mobile and online banking, which allows customers to bypass tellers. Although most tellers' annual wages ranged from $23,330-$40,230, the median annual wage for bank tellers was $31,230 in May 2019.
Bank teller positions generally require only a high school diploma. There are training programs and certificate programs available for bank tellers. Most employers provide on-the-job training for new bank tellers.
