What does a bank teller do? Duties, pay, education and outlook
Tellers process routine transactions, such as cashing checks and depositing money, at a bank or credit union. A high school diploma is typical, with short-term on-the-job training. BLS reports a median pay of $43,030 per year (May 2025) and projects a 13 percent decline in jobs.
At a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| SOC code | 43-3071 |
| O*NET code | 43-3071.00 |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Median annual wage | $43,030 per year (May 2025) |
| Projected growth | -13 percent (decline), 2025 to 2035 |
| Number of jobs | 339,200 (2025) |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, accessed 31 October 2026.
What does a bank teller do?
BLS says tellers count cash drawers at the start and end of each shift, accept checks, cash and other payments, answer customer questions about accounts, prepare money orders, savings bonds and traveler's checks, exchange dollars for foreign currency, order bank cards and checks for customers and record all transactions electronically.
Work environment
Tellers usually work in bank or credit union branches, mostly full time. Credit intermediation and related activities employ 96 percent.
Education, training and licensing
BLS says a high school diploma is typical, and college coursework is not usually required. Training is on the job, usually from a head teller or experienced teller. Licensing is not mentioned, and employers may require a background check.
Skills that matter
BLS lists communication, customer service, attention to detail, integrity, interpersonal and math skills as important qualities for this work.
How much does a bank teller make?
BLS reports a median annual wage of $43,030 for tellers (May 2025). The median is the wage at which half of workers earned more and half earned less. See the OOH pay tab and the OEWS data for your area. Our guide to researching pay explains how to read the figures.
Job outlook
BLS projects employment of tellers to decline 13 percent from 2025 to 2035. Even so, about 26,800 openings are projected each year on average. A shrinking occupation can still hire, but expect more competition for each opening.
How to get hired
- Emphasize cash handling accuracy and customer service, and expect a background check.
- Show results on your resume: the tools you used, the volume you handled and the outcomes, without private customer or employer details.
- If you lack experience, see the no-experience resume guide.
- Practice with the interview prep hub.
When you are ready, search jobs on LiveRec.
Related occupations
Loan officers, Customer service representatives, Receptionists, Bookkeeping, accounting and auditing clerks.
Frequently asked questions
Are bank teller jobs disappearing? BLS projects employment to decline 13 percent from 2025 to 2035, but still expects about 26,800 openings per year.
Do tellers need a degree? No. BLS says a high school diploma is typical, with training on the job from a head teller or experienced teller.
How much do tellers make? BLS reports a median annual wage of $43,030 for tellers (May 2025). Half of workers earned more and half earned less. Pay varies by employer, region and experience.
Is bank teller a good career? BLS projects a 13 percent decline from 2025 to 2035. About 26,800 openings are projected each year. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, so read the duties and work environment above.
Related guides
- What Does a Loan Officer Do? Duties, Pay, Outlook
- Customer Service Representative: Duties, Pay, Outlook
- What Does a Receptionist Do? Duties, Pay, Outlook
- What Does a Bookkeeper Do? Duties, Pay and Outlook
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Tellers: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/tellers.htm (accessed 31 October 2026)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ (accessed 31 October 2026)
- O*NET OnLine, 43-3071.00: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/43-3071.00 (accessed 31 October 2026)
This is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change and your situation may differ. Consult a licensed attorney or qualified adviser.