Bank Tellers

What do they do?

Bank tellers handle transactions for customers of banks and other financial institutions. They help customers by cashing checks, receiving deposits, and paying out withdrawls. In small banks, they may sort checks, keep accurate records, and prepare monthly statements. In large banks, tellers often specialize in areas such as selling savings bonds, handling foreign money, or figuring interest on savings accounts.

Work Activities

Obtain an amount of cash and verify the amount.
Receive and process checks and cash for deposit into accounts.
Withdraw money from accounts and record transactions.
May sell and cash traveler's checks, savings bonds, and cashier's checks.
May exchange foreign currency.
May accept payments on loans.
Open new accounts and close out accounts.
Sort checks and deposit slips, count cash on hand, and balance day's accounts.

Skills & Abilities

Knowledge of banking, accounting, and bookkeeping procedures.
Skills in record keeping and arithmetic.
Skills in handling money.
Skills in using business machines.
Skills in dealing with the public.

Be able to learn the cash handling and banking procedures.
Have average numerical ability.
Be able to work accurately with detail.
Have good eye-hand coordination and finger dexterity.
Be able to perform the same tasks repeatedly.
Ability to work with a variety of people.

Work settings

Environment: Work indoors.
Hours: Work 40 hours a week; may have evening and weekend hours; part-time work may be available.
Employers: Banks, savings and loans, credit unions, and other financial institutions.

Employment & wages

By 2000, it's estimated that 3,953 bank tellers will be employed in Nebraska. Growth and/or turnover create approximately 190 annual job openings.
It's estimated that 407,000 bank tellers will be employed in the U.S. by 2005.

Projected growth
Nebraska - Little change or more slowly than average, 7%
National - Decline, -27%
Nebraska annual beginning wage: $8,800 to $11,600
Nebraska annual experienced wage: $10,400 to $15,000
National annual average wage: $10,000 to $21,500

Training

Most employers prefer applicants who are high school graduates and at least 18 years old.
Most training is offered on the job.

Helpful high school subjects

High school subjects that may help prepare individuals for this occupation include business law, accounting, computer applications, speech, composition, and algebra.

Bibliography

Nebraska Career Information System: Occupations (1996-97 ed.), pp. 341-342.
Complete Guide for Occupational Exploration (1993 ed.), pp. 368-369.
Dictionary of Occupational Titles (4th ed. Revised, 1991), p. 183.
Occupational Outlook Handbook (1996-97 ed.), p. 258.

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