What Tellers Do
Tellers are responsible for accurately processing routine transactions at a bank.
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Work Environment
Most tellers work in bank branches.
How to Become a Teller
Most tellers have a high school diploma and receive about 1 month of on-the-job training. Some banks do background checks before hiring a new teller.
Pay
The median annual wage for tellers was $31,230 in May 2019.
Job Outlook
Employment of tellers is projected to decline 15 percent from 2019 to 2029. Online banking and automation technology are expected to continue replacing more job duties that tellers traditionally performed.
Tellers are responsible for accurately processing routine transactions at a bank. These transactions include cashing checks, depositing money, and collecting loan payments.
Duties
Tellers typically do the following:
- Count the cash in their drawer at the start of their shift
- Accept checks, cash, and other forms of payment from customers
- Answer questions from customers about their accounts
- Prepare specialized types of funds, such as traveler’s checks, savings bonds, and money orders
- Exchange dollars for foreign currency
- Order bank cards and checks for customers
- Record all transactions electronically throughout their shift
- Count the cash in their drawer at the end of their shift and make sure the amounts balance
Tellers are responsible for the safe and accurate handling of the money they process. When cashing a check, they must verify the customer’s identity and make sure that the account has enough money to cover the transaction. When counting cash, tellers must be careful not to make errors. If a customer is interested in financial products or services, such as certificates of deposits (CDs) and loans, tellers explain the products and services offered by the bank and refer the customer to the appropriate personnel.
In most banks, tellers record account changes using computers that give them easy access to the customer’s financial information. Tellers also can use this information when recommending a new product or service.
Head tellers manage teller operations. Besides doing the same tasks as those done by other tellers, they perform some managerial duties, such as setting work schedules or helping less experienced tellers. Because of their experience, head tellers may deal with difficult customer problems, such as errors in customer accounts. Head tellers also go to the vault (where larger amounts of money are kept) and ensure that other tellers have enough cash to cover their shift.
Tellers held about 449,000 jobs in 2019. The largest employers of tellers were as follows:
| Credit intermediation and related activities | 97% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 1 |
The depository credit intermediation industry includes commercial bank branches, where tellers are primarily employed.
Work Schedules
Most tellers work full time.
This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of tellers.
| Occupation | Job Duties | Entry-Level Education | Median Annual Pay, May 2019 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks |
Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks produce financial records for organizations and check financial records for accuracy. |
Some college, no degree | $41,230 | |
Cashiers |
Cashiers process payments from customers purchasing goods and services. |
No formal educational credential | $23,650 | |
Customer Service Representatives |
Customer service representatives interact with customers to handle complaints, process orders, and answer questions. |
High school diploma or equivalent | $34,710 | |
Information Clerks |
Information clerks perform routine clerical duties, maintain records, collect data, and provide information to customers. |
See How to Become One | $35,390 | |
Loan Officers |
Loan officers evaluate, authorize, or recommend approval of loan applications for people and businesses. |
Bachelor’s degree | $63,270 | |
Receptionists |
Receptionists do tasks such as answering phones, receiving visitors, and providing information about their organization to the public. |
High school diploma or equivalent | $30,050 |
For general information about the banking industry, visit
O*NET
Suggested citation:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Tellers,
at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/tellers.htm (visited ).
