Education:
73%
High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
9%
Some College Courses
Teller
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Job Outlook:
Decline
Education:
High school diploma or equivalent
Salary
High:
$46,350.00
Average:
$36,800.00
Hourly
Average:
$17.69
What they do:
Receive and pay out money. Keep records of money and negotiable instruments involved in a financial institution's various transactions.
On the job, you would:
- Balance currency, coin, and checks in cash drawers at ends of shifts and calculate daily transactions, using computers, calculators, or adding machines.
- Receive checks and cash for deposit, verify amounts, and check accuracy of deposit slips.
- Monitor bank vaults to ensure cash balances are correct.
Important Qualities
Customer-service skills. Tellers spend their day interacting with bank customers. They must be friendly, helpful, and patient. They must be able to understand customer needs and explain service options to their customers.
Detail oriented. Tellers must be sure not to make errors when dealing with customers’ money.
Math skills. Because they count and handle large amounts of money, tellers must be good at arithmetic.
Personality
| A3 | Your Strengths | Importance |
Characteristics of this Career |
|---|---|---|---|
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96% | Integrity - Job requires being honest and ethical. | |
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90% | Dependability - Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations. | |
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88% | Attention to Detail - Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks. | |
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88% | Self-Control - Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations. | |
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83% | Cooperation - Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude. | |
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82% | Stress Tolerance - Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations. | |
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81% | Independence - Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done. | |
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77% | Concern for Others - Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job. | |
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75% | Adaptability/Flexibility - Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace. | |
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75% | Achievement/Effort - Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks. | |
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72% | Initiative - Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges. | |
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71% | Analytical Thinking - Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems. | |
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68% | Social Orientation - Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job. | |
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67% | Persistence - Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles. | |
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67% | Leadership - Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction. | |
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59% | Innovation - Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems. |
| A3 | Your Strengths | Importance |
Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|
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95% | Conventional - Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources. | |
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61% | Enterprising - Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law. |
| A3 | Your Strengths | Importance |
Values of the Work Environment |
|---|---|---|---|
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83% | Relationships - Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service. | |
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67% | Support - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical. |
Aptitude
| A3 | Your Strengths | Importance |
Abilities | Cognitive, Physical, Personality |
|---|---|---|---|
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75% | Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences. | |
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72% | Number Facility - The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly. | |
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72% | Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand. | |
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72% | Speech Recognition - The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person. | |
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69% | Speech Clarity - The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you. | |
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66% | Problem Sensitivity - The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem. | |
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66% | Information Ordering - The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations). | |
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63% | Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer). | |
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56% | Written Comprehension - The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing. | |
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56% | Selective Attention - The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted. | |
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56% | Written Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand. | |
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53% | Deductive Reasoning - The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense. | |
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53% | Mathematical Reasoning - The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem. |
| A3 | Your Strengths | Importance |
Skills | Cognitive, Physical, Personality |
|---|---|---|---|
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52% | Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times. |
Job Details
Responsibilities
Answer telephones to direct calls or provide information.
Answer customer questions about goods or services.
Calculate financial data.
Verify accuracy of financial or transactional data.
Execute sales or other financial transactions.
Verify accuracy of financial or transactional data.
Collect deposits, payments or fees.
Verify accuracy of financial or transactional data.
Enter information into databases or software programs.
Prepare cash for deposit or disbursement.
Verify accuracy of financial or transactional data.
Verify accuracy of financial or transactional data.
Execute sales or other financial transactions.
Prepare cash for deposit or disbursement.
Execute sales or other financial transactions.
Verify accuracy of financial or transactional data.
Collect deposits, payments or fees.
Respond to customer problems or complaints.
Sell products or services.
Type documents.
Verify accuracy of financial or transactional data.
Order materials, supplies, or equipment.
File documents or records.
Collect deposits, payments or fees.
Maintain financial or account records.
Verify accuracy of financial or transactional data.
Prepare cash for deposit or disbursement.
Order materials, supplies, or equipment.
Calculate financial data.
Obtain personal or financial information about customers or applicants.
Prepare business correspondence.
Issue documentation or identification to customers or employees.
Send information, materials or documentation.
Execute sales or other financial transactions.
Calculate costs of goods or services.
Explain regulations, policies, or procedures.
Interpret financial information for others.
Prepare employee work schedules.
| A3 | Your Strengths | Importance |
Attributes & Percentage of Time Spent |
|---|---|---|---|
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99% | Contact With Others - How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it? | |
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97% | Face-to-Face Discussions - How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job? | |
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97% | Telephone - How often do you have telephone conversations in this job? | |
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96% | Electronic Mail - How often do you use electronic mail in this job? | |
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95% | Importance of Being Exact or Accurate - How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job? | |
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93% | Importance of Repeating Same Tasks - How important is repeating the same physical activities (e.g., key entry) or mental activities (e.g., checking entries in a ledger) over and over, without stopping, to performing this job? | |
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92% | Indoors, Environmentally Controlled - How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions? | |
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89% | Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions - How much does this job require making repetitive motions? | |
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88% | Work With Work Group or Team - How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job? | |
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83% | Frequency of Decision Making - How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization? | |
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79% | Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results - What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer? | |
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78% | Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls - How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls? | |
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76% | Deal With External Customers - How important is it to work with external customers or the public in this job? | |
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75% | Physical Proximity - To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks in close physical proximity to other people? | |
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73% | Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People - How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements? | |
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70% | Coordinate or Lead Others - How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job? | |
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69% | Structured versus Unstructured Work - To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals? | |
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67% | Freedom to Make Decisions - How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer? | |
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64% | Responsible for Others' Health and Safety - How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job? | |
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64% | Spend Time Standing - How much does this job require standing? | |
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63% | Time Pressure - How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines? | |
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61% | Letters and Memos - How often does the job require written letters and memos? | |
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59% | Frequency of Conflict Situations - How often are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job? | |
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58% | Level of Competition - To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures? | |
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55% | Responsibility for Outcomes and Results - How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers? | |
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55% | Consequence of Error - How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not readily correctable? | |
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53% | Spend Time Sitting - How much does this job require sitting? |
| A3 | Your Strengths | Importance |
Tasks & Values |
|---|---|---|---|
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83% | Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests. | |
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82% | Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information. | |
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80% | Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time. | |
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79% | Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards. | |
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79% | Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person. | |
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76% | Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. | |
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75% | Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data. | |
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73% | Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others. | |
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73% | Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems. | |
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72% | Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job. | |
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70% | Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events. | |
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68% | Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts. | |
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67% | Selling or Influencing Others - Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions. | |
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66% | Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form. | |
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64% | Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems. | |
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62% | Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people. | |
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62% | Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work. | |
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58% | Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients. | |
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58% | Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used. | |
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56% | Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail. | |
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55% | Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others. | |
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53% | Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity. |
What Tellers Do
Tellers verify a customer’s identity and financial information before processing a transaction.
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.
Work Environment
Tellers held about 364,100 jobs in 2022. 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.
Getting Started
How to Become a Teller
Tellers must be friendly, helpful, and patient when interacting with bank customers.
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.
Education
Tellers usually need a high school diploma or equivalent. Some tellers may take some college courses, but a degree is rarely required for a job applicant to be hired.
Training
New tellers usually receive brief on-the-job training, typically lasting about 1 month. Normally, a head teller or another experienced teller trains them. During this training, tellers learn how to balance cash drawers and verify signatures. They also learn the computer software that their bank uses and the financial products and services the bank offers.
Advancement
Experienced tellers can advance within their bank. They can become head tellers or move to other supervisory positions. Some tellers can advance to other occupations, such as loan officer. They can also move to sales positions.
Job Outlook
Employment of tellers is projected to decline 15 percent from 2022 to 2032.
Despite declining employment, about 29,000 openings for tellers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Employment
Historically, job growth for tellers was driven by the expansion of bank branches, where most tellers work. However, the number of bank branches has been in decline due to technological change. As more people use online banking tools, such as mobile check deposits, fewer bank customers will visit the teller window. This should result in decreased demand for tellers.
In addition, automation is expected to lead to fewer tellers per bank branch. For example, video kiosks that allow customers to interact with tellers through webcams at ATMs will allow tellers to service a greater number of customers from one location, reducing the number of tellers needed for each bank.
“Enhanced ATMs” are another form of automation technology. These machines are expected to perform an increasing range of customer service and clerical tasks currently done by tellers, such as issuing debit cards or detecting counterfeit currency. The use of these machines will improve teller productivity and allow workers to focus on only the most complex customer service tasks, which in turn is expected to lower demand for these workers.
Contacts for More Information
For general information about the banking industry, visit
Similar Occupations
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 2022 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
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 | $45,860 |
|
Cashiers |
Cashiers process payments from customers purchasing goods and services. |
No formal educational credential | $28,240 |
|
Customer Service Representatives |
Customer service representatives interact with customers to handle complaints, process orders, and answer questions. |
High school diploma or equivalent | $37,780 |
|
Information Clerks |
Information clerks perform routine clerical duties, maintain records, collect data, and provide information to customers. |
See How to Become One | $38,710 |
|
Loan Officers |
Loan officers evaluate, authorize, or recommend approval of loan applications. |
Bachelor's degree | $65,740 |
|
Receptionists |
Receptionists do tasks such as answering phones, receiving visitors, and providing information about their organization to the public. |
High school diploma or equivalent | $33,960 |