Financial Institution Tellers, Clerks, and Related Workers

Job opportunities for bank tellers are expected to decline by 15 percent from 2023 through 2033, according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). Employment will decline because of competition from companies offering bank-like services, the increasing use of automatic teller machines (including enhanced ATMs that can perform tasks that were formerly done by tellers, such as issuing debit cards or detecting counterfeit currency), and banking by telephone, phone, and computer (in 2024, 48 percent of Americans preferred to bank by mobile app and 23 percent preferred online banking, according to the ABA). The introduction of video kiosks that allow customers to interact with tellers through webcams at ATMs (which is reducing the number of tellers needed for each bank), the declining number of bank branches, and other factors will also duel a decreasing need for tellers. Despite this prediction, opportunities should be favorable for tellers. Some job openings for tellers will come from the need to replace those who have left the field. Prospects will be best for tellers who have excellent customer service skills and are knowledgeable about a variety of financial services.

Employment for bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks is expected to decline by 5 percent from 2023 through 2033, according to the DOL. Mergers and the use of computers and automated technologies (including artificial intelligence) will contribute to reducing the number of new positions available. Due to their repetitive natures, turnover in these jobs is high. Many job openings will come from the need to find replacement workers for those who have left the field. Through 2033, employment for general office clerks is expected to decline by 6 percent, according to the DOL. The automation of office work, including electronic documents and automated phone systems, has increased organizations' productivity and reduced the need for general office clerks.

Although employment is expected to decline for all the aforementioned fields, a large number of positions will become available each year because of high turnover in these professions. The DOL reports that each year 27,300 openings for tellers; 174,900 openings for bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks; and 284,600 openings for general office clerks will become available.