How to Become a Branch Manager

It takes 6 years of professional experience to become a branch manager. That is the time it takes to learn specific branch manager skills, but does not account for time spent in formal education. If you include the normal education requirements to complete a college degree, then it takes 9 to 11 years years to become a branch manager.

No, it's not hard to be a branch manager. A bank branch manager oversees the operation, administration, marketing, training, lending, and security of a local bank branch.

A branch manager is responsible for handling any customer issues, ensuring proper protocol is followed, and overseeing bank tellers. This job is not hard, but it can be stressful.

Bank managers may also have goals that must be met, specifically to generate new accounts through deposits and loans. Goals are set by executive management and expected by a specific deadline.

A bank manager is responsible for the performance of an entire department. Not every individual is cut out to manage employees. As a manager, you will deal with a myriad of personalities, demands, requests and conflicts. You must be able to interact with your staff as well as the public, making it a difficult job.

The qualifications of a branch manager are a bachelor's degree and some work experience. A bank manager also needs to have good operational awareness, strong leadership, and excellent communication skills for dealing with clients.

Most branch managers have a bachelor's degree in finance, business with an emphasis in finance, or a related field. A master's degree in a finance-related field may be preferred.

Significant previous experience is needed in both banking and in working in a supervisor role.

Overall, a branch manager should have exceptional knowledge of banking, finance, accounting, budgeting, cost accounting, and control principles. In addition to that, a branch manager should also have advanced knowledge of banking and finance best practices, laws, standards, and state/national regulations.

A branch manager is expected to be experienced at compiling and following strict budgets, as well as meeting their sales quotas. A branch manager should also have excellent computer skills, experience in financial software, Microsoft Office Suite and a strong aptitude for numbers.

A branch manager gets paid $72,650 a year. However, the range on how much a bank manager can make ranges anywhere between $52,000 a year and $101,000 a year. Factors such as company type and location impact how much a branch manager can make.

Average salary for branch managers based on the company.

• Wells Fargo: $74,655 per year (range: $53K - $117K)

• Bank of America: $73,205 per year (range: $56K - $145K)

• PNC Financial Services Group: $79,518 per year (range: $62K - $91K)

• TD: $90,002 per year (range: $70K - $127K)

• BBT: $62,047 per year (range: $56K - $88K)

• U.S. Bank: $69,066 per year (range: $47K - $90K)

• State Farm: $121,831 per year (range: $92K - $158K)

• J.P. Morgan: $93,506 per year (range: $61K - $104K)

Highest paying states for branch managers.

• New York: $134,254 a year ($64.55 an hour)

• New Jersey: $108,725 a year ($52.27 an hour)

• California: $104,576 a year ($50.28 an hour)

• Connecticut: $103,549 a year ($49.78 an hour)

• Minnesota: $102,311 a year ($49.19 an hour)

Lowest paying states for branch managers.

• Idaho: $51,571 a year ($24.79 an hour)

• Alaska: $57,657 a year ($27.72 an hour)

• Hawaii: $58,575 a year ($28.16 an hour)

• Mississippi: $60,691 a year ($29.18 an hour)

• Iowa: $62,016 a year ($29.82 an hour)

The qualifications needed to be a bank manager are a bachelor's degree, bank experience, strong leadership abilities, and excellent organizational skills.

The role of the branch manager is to ensure that sales goals are met, and office tasks are completed successfully in a timely manner.

They are also responsible for monitoring sales and creating sales reports, training and managing staff, and asking clients for feedback. As such, having a well-rounded background in business management and accounting is a big plus for prospective branch managers.

Qualifications for branch manager

• Bachelor's degree in business, accounting, management, or similar (preferred)

• Advanced degree (preferred)

• Five+ years in a management role

• Proven track record of good performance

• Firm grasp of modern management skills and tactics

• Understanding of industry laws and regulations

• A drive to reach sales and service goals

• Excellent organizational and leadership skills

• Experience with managing human resources