Bank Teller Job Description

Your complete bank teller job description

How much do bank tellers make?

$8 to $12 per hour

Around $25,000 average salary for full-time positions

Take Note:

A clean background check is needed

Opportunities are improving for part-time tellers

Bank Teller job description: Job Summary

The rustling of money is music to most people’s ears, the responsibility of handling it is something else altogether. But if you can deal with the pressure of managing one of the most important assets in our culture, then being a bank teller is a pretty sweet job.

Minimal education is required; as long as you have a head for numbers, a high school diploma and a clean background check (you will be handling a lot of cash, after all) most employers will be willing to train you on the job. The pay might not be as cushy as some other banking professions, but the work environment is usually pleasant. Whether the temperature outside is sky-high or sub-zero, bank tellers are serving their customers while cocooned in comfort behind their ergonomic desks.

Bank teller job description: Job Skills & Requirements

• Education: high school diploma and on-the-job training.
• Attention to Detail: Was that a ten, a one, or a one hundred dollar bill that you just counted? Uh-oh… Bank tellers need to be able to process large sums accurately and quickly. If you constantly have to recount or are making errors, you aren’t going to last very long.
• Friendly attitude: People get touchy about their money. Be prepared to take on stressed, excited, angry and nervous people with calm confidence. Prior experience as a customer service representative or retail cashier can give you valuable experience for a bank teller job.

Expected Hours:

In traditional banks operating hours are typically between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. on weekdays and Saturdays. Banks are also opening branches in grocery stores and retail shops. These smaller branches often have extended hours, so bank tellers willing to work part-time and evening hours will have additional opportunities to be hired at those locations.

Dress the Part:

Bank tellers are expected to show up to work in business casual attire. Translation: wear nice slacks and a blouse or button down shirt to work, and have a suit ready to go for your interview. No jeans, t-shirts or sneakers.

Job Myth:

Bank tellers have it easy; they get paid to count money all day!

Handling money isn’t a bank teller’s job; handling money accurately while providing stellar customer service is. So maybe you like to count things, are highly organized and extremely outgoing. Great!

Now picture this: It’s lunchtime on a Tuesday and you’re processing someone’s hard-earned cash and checks. More customers stare you down intently from the line, all wondering if they’ll get back to work before their break ends. At the window next to yours someone’s kid is throwing a world-class tantrum because your fellow teller is out of complimentary lollipops, and more people just walked in the door.

If that sounds like something you can handle while being fast, accurate and friendly, you are probably a great fit for a job as a bank teller.

Career Paths:

• Head teller (Averages $28,000/year)
• Lead teller (Averages $28,000/year)
• Teller supervisor (Averages $32,00/year)

Extra Perks:

Work environment: Air conditioned, quiet, peaceful and usually sitting comfortably all day.

Resume builder: Success as a bank teller shows future employers you are trustworthy and organized.

Benefits: Most banks provide employee benefits packages.