Bank tellers are the employees of a financial institution that have the most frequent regular contact with clients. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the demand for bank tellers is likely to increase by 13 percent through 2016, resulting in 82,000 new jobs.

Function

The primary function of bank tellers is to accept deposits, cash checks, make withdrawals from customers' bank accounts and accept payments on loans. Tellers also answer routine questions, such as balance inquiries and whether specific transactions have cleared.

Features

Bank tellers also sell monetary instruments like cashiers or official checks, money orders and travelers checks. At some banks, they also accept payments for utilities. Tellers may operate drive-through windows for customers, process night deposits left in the bank's drop box and replenish cash and process transactions made through the ATM.

Time Frame

Most bank tellers work 40 hours per week, though some work part-time. Banks are generally not open on holidays, Sundays or in the evenings. However, convenience branches in grocery and chain stores may require tellers to work extended hours that are not typical of banking.

Requirements

Bank tellers are generally required to have a high school diploma, but cash-handling experience is beneficial because tellers are responsible for ensuring that the amount of money in their cash drawers is entirely accounted for at all times. Tellers must also be polite, professional and friendly in order to provide a high level of client service.

Compensation

In November 2009, the average annual salary for a bank teller was $25,000, according to Indeed.com.

Source:

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Tellers

Indeed.com: Bank teller salaries