Bank tellers are the most visible employees of a bank and should project an efficient, pleasant, and dependable image, both for themselves and for their employer. Tellers cash checks, handle deposits and withdrawals, sell savings bonds and travelers' checks, keep records, and handle paperwork. In the course of this work, they must be thorough and accurate in checking identification, verifying accounts and money amounts, and counting out money to customers. At the end of their working day, all transactions must balance.
Some opportunities for part-time teller work exist in larger banks. These extra tellers are used during peak banking hours and on peak banking days.
Places of employment and working conditions
Bank tellers work in all areas of the country, in communities of all sizes.
In small banks, tellers usually perform a variety of duties, while in large banks they work in one specialty area. Boredom can be a problem in some of the clerical functions, and some bank tellers object to the close supervision that is part of their working atmosphere.
Tellers stand on their feet during much of their workday; anyone who does not like to be confined to a small space might find the teller cages of some banks unpleasant.
Qualifications, education, and training
Personal qualities of honesty and integrity are necessary for a job in banking. A fondness for working with numbers, attention to detail, and the ability to work as part of a closely supervised team are essential. Tellers should have a pleasant personality and like to work with people.
A high school diploma is adequate preparation for entry-level jobs, especially if the applicant has had courses in typing, bookkeeping, office machine operation, and business arithmetic.
Tellers receive anywhere from a few days to three weeks or more of training and spend some time observing an experienced teller before handling any work on their own.
Bank training courses are available to all bank employees throughout their working years. Employees who avail themselves of these courses can advance by gaining new skills. The successful completion of specific banking courses can lead to promotion.
Potential and advancement
There are about 522,000 bank tellers. The increased use of automatic teller machines and other electronic equipment will result in relatively slow employment growth in the number of bank tellers needed. In general, there will be slow employment growth in commercial, stock, and mutual savings banks and loan associations, the major employers of tellers. However, there should be good opportunities for qualified applicants. Part-time tellers are in demand for busy periods, and the banking industry traditionally has a large turnover.
Income
The banking industry has traditionally paid lower salaries than many other industries, and this trend has not changed in recent years.
Important factors determining salaries are range of responsibilities, experience, length of service, and the location and size of the bank. The median annual salary for full-time bank tellers is $12,800, with the lowest 10 percent earning about $9,200 and the top 10 percent earning $20,300.
Additional sources of information
American Bankers Association, NW Washington, DC 20036
American League of Financial Institutions, NW Suite 201 Washington, DC
