Why We Love It
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$134,330Potential Avg. Salary
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6.8%Job Growth Rate
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Growing DemandJob Outlook
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Working With NumbersCareer Attribute
Bank branch managers oversee all aspects of a single branch of a bank. They’re responsible for hiring and managing all branch employees, ensuring bank profitability by increasing the number of accounts held and loans approved, and encouraging customer retention through excellent customer service.
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What is a Bank Branch Manager?
The following job responsibilities are common for individuals in bank branch manager roles:
- Oversee all operations within a single branch of a bank
- Recruit, interview, hire, train, and manage all branch employees
- Market bank services and network in the community to bring in new customers
- Increase bank profitability by improving financial product sales—loans, mortgages, CDs, etc.
- Review loans before approval to ensure they present an acceptable amount of risk
A Day in the Life
Bank branch managers oversee operations at single branches of banks both large and small. They are responsible for overseeing all aspects of bank operations—from the opening of basic checking accounts to approving business startup loans. To improve bank operations, branch managers recruit, hire, and train staff members to fill a variety of roles—from teller to underwriter. They then manage all bank employees, ensuring all operations are working to improve branch perception and profitability.
One important aspect of the role of bank branch manager is to increase profitability of the branch. This is done in a variety of ways. The branch manager may work to develop new offerings based on the market in their branch’s local area, or adjust interest rates based on what other local banks are changing. They also work to market the bank within the branch’s community, bringing more visibility to the bank’s products and services, and network in the community with other business professionals.
Bank branch managers also give final approval on questionable loans, and work to make sure approved loans represent a reasonable amount of risk. When an underwriter or loan officer is unsure of the level of risk a loan would present, he/she seeks approval or rejection from the branch manager. The branch manager also oversees bank tellers and other customer service staff to ensure that all customers receive optimal service when visiting the bank for transactions, opening new accounts, or resolving issues.
Typical Work Schedule
Most bank branch managers work full-time schedules, primarily during normal business hours. However, if their branch holds weekend hours, they may need to be available to support weekend shifts as well.
Typical Employers
Bank branch managers are hired to work for all types of banks and credit unions—for both large chains and small local banks. Some of the biggest employers of bank branch managers in the U.S. include the country’s largest banking chains: Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citigroup.
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How To Become a Bank Branch Manager
To become a bank branch manager, you’ll need to first earn a bachelor’s degree in a finance- or business-related field, such as accounting, finance, or business administration. Because bank branch managers deal with finances, a thorough education in the field is necessary. If you have a bachelor’s degree in a different field but still seek to become a bank branch manager, you can pursue a master’s degree in business administration, finance, or economics to qualify for open roles after only two years.
Besides the required education, bank branch managers need to have significant amounts of professional experience working in banks. Many begin their careers as tellers and work their way into loan officer and/or underwriter positions over time before qualifying for branch manager positions. Because the banking industry is very complex and highly regulated, it takes many years of experience working in the field before you’ll be familiar enough with the regulations of the industry to run your own branch.
In addition to the right degree and banking industry experience, most employers also look for branch managers who have management experience. As you work your way up the ladder in banks aiming to eventually manage your own branch, it will be important to take on some roles that include managing employees to make sure you have the necessary requirements for bank branch manager positions when it comes to time to apply for open roles.
Bank Branch Manager Salary Data
We’ve provided you the following to learn more about this career. The salary and growth data on this page comes from recently published Bureau of Labor Statistics data while the recommendations and editorial content are based on our research.
National Anual Salary
Low Range
$84,600Average
$134,330High Range
---National Hourly Wage
Low Range
$41/hrAverage
$65/hrHigh Range
---How do Bank Branch Manager salaries stack up to other jobs across the country? Based on the latest jobs data nationwide, Bank Branch Manager's can make an average annual salary of $134,330, or $65 per hour. On the lower end, they can make $84,600 or $41 per hour, perhaps when just starting out or based on the state you live in.
Salary Rankings And Facts
#24 Nationally for All Careers
Above Average Salary Nationally
Highest Education Among Bank Branch Managers
- 2.5% Doctorate
- 18.8% Masters
- 40.8% Bachelors
- 7.1% Associates
- 19% College
- 10.7% High School
- 1% Less than High School
Job Growth Projections and Forecast
2014 Total Jobs
555,9002024 Est. Jobs
593,500Job Growth Rate
6.8%Est. New Jobs
37,600How does Bank Branch Manager job growth stack up to other jobs across the country? By 2024, there will be a change of 37,600 jobs for a total of 593,500 people employed in the career nationwide. This is a 6.8% change in growth over the next ten years, giving the career a growth rate nationwide of Above Average.
Growth Rankings And Facts
#330 Nationally for All Careers
Above Avg. Growth Nationally
What Companies Employ The Most Bank Branch Managers
| Industry | Current Jobs | New Jobs Needed | % Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Depository credit intermediation | 80,100 | 5,100 | 5% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 64,700 | 3,200 | 3% |
| Accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping, and payroll services | 24,700 | 1,300 | 1% |
