Receptionists and Information Clerks
Answer inquiries and provide information to the general public, customers, visitors, and other interested parties regarding activities conducted at establishment and location of departments, offices, and employees within the organization.
Common Job Titles
- Front Desk Receptionist
- Greeter
- Office Assistant
- Receptionist
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- MindsetReconcile conflicting stakeholder needs and organizational protocols when resolving complaints or managing difficult interactions.Proficient
- MindsetEngage visitors, customers, and the general public in professional and courteous interactions at the front desk or reception area.Developing
- KnowledgeExplain organizational structure, department locations, and services to diverse audiences including internal and external stakeholders.Developing
- KnowledgeApply multi-line telephone systems and switchboards to route calls and manage multiple inquiries simultaneously.Developing
- KnowledgeOperate appointment scheduling and calendar management software to coordinate meetings and optimize resource allocation.Developing
- KnowledgeCategorize incoming inquiries and correspondence using administrative knowledge and filing systems.Developing
- MindsetRespond to customer service requests with empathy and a service-oriented approach under time pressure.Developing
- KnowledgeDemonstrate database software, CRM systems, and Microsoft Office applications to document visitor information and maintain accurate records.Developing
- KnowledgeApply security and public safety procedures while monitoring the reception area and verifying visitor credentials.Developing
- KnowledgeCoordinate administrative tasks including mail distribution, photocopying, and data entry using office equipment and managing competing priorities.Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Receptionists and Information Clerks (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
964,530
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $28,280. 25th percentile: U.S. $32,660. 50th percentile: U.S. $37,230. 75th percentile: U.S. $44,070. 90th percentile: U.S. $48,870. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $28,280 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $48,870 |
| Workers on average earn | $38,480 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Customer and Personal Service4.2/5
- Administrative3.9/5
- English Language3.7/5
- Computers and Electronics3.4/5
- Mathematics2.7/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Google Docs
- Intuit QuickBooks
- Microsoft Dynamics
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Word
Technology Skills
- 3M Post-it App
- Alpha Software Alpha Five
- Appointment scheduling software
- Automated information system software
- Billing software
- Blackbaud The Raiser's Edge
- Bookkeeping software
- Claim processing system software
Tools & Equipment
- Credit card processing machines
- Data input scanners
- Desktop computers
- Dictation equipment
- Electric typewriters
- Filing Cabinets
- Handheld calculators
- Laser facsimile machines