Tellers

Tellers spend their days working directly with the public to process routine financial transactions. They handle cash, checks, and other negotiable instruments while maintaining precise records of every transaction. This role requires a strong conventional interest, meaning workers thrive in structured environments where they can evaluate information to ensure compliance with banking standards. Day-to-day tasks involve working with computers, processing information, and updating relevant financial knowledge.

To succeed, tellers must possess excellent skills in active listening, speaking, and mathematics. They need a solid understanding of customer and personal service, economics, accounting, and administrative procedures. Because they handle money, work styles like attention to detail, integrity, dependability, and cautiousness are critical. Tellers also rely on social perceptiveness and stress tolerance to resolve customer conflicts and maintain positive interpersonal relationships.

Entering this field typically requires a high school diploma. Because this occupation is classified as needing some preparation, most tellers gain the necessary skills through on-the-job training or prior work experience. While a college degree is not standard for entry, students who major in finance and financial management services often find this role to be a strong starting point for their careers.

Depending on where you plan to work, you should research local regulations, as some states list a license for this work. This role is known by various titles, including bank representative, branch teller, account representative, and cash management services teller. Gaining experience in this position can help individuals build the foundational skills needed for related financial careers, such as bookkeeping clerks or securities sales agents.

The median annual pay for tellers is $43,030. Earnings vary based on experience and location, with the lowest 10 percent of workers earning less than $34,360 and the highest 10 percent earning more than $49,680.

There are 329,480 people employed in this occupation. However, the field is experiencing a projected employment decline of -13.2 percent from 2025 to 2035. Despite this decline, the industry still expects about 26,800 job openings each year to replace workers who leave the occupation.