Tellers

Tellers process routine transactions, such as cashing checks and depositing money, at a bank or credit union.

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 money orders, savings bonds, and traveler’s checks
• 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 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.

Tellers also may recommend the bank’s products or services, such as certificates of deposit (CDs) or loans, based on a customer’s interest or financial information. If the customer is interested in any products or services, tellers refer the customer to the appropriate personnel.

Head tellers manage teller operations. In addition to doing the same tasks as those done by other tellers, they have some managerial duties, such as setting work schedules or helping other tellers. Because of their experience, head tellers may deal with difficult 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 347,400 jobs in 2024. The largest employers of tellers were as follows:

The credit intermediation and related activities industry includes banks and credit unions, where tellers are primarily employed.

Work Schedules

Most tellers work full time during regular business hours. Some work schedules that include evenings or weekends.

To enter the occupation, tellers typically need a high school diploma; they also may need to pass a background check. Once hired, they receive training on the job.

The median annual wage for tellers was $39,340 in May 2024.

Employment of tellers is projected to grow 13 percent from 2024 to 2034, decline.

About 29,800 openings for tellers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.