Receptionist

Your Fit

Income

$37K

Preparation

Some

Growth

0.4%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Receptionist?

A Receptionist is a professional who manages the front desk of an organization, acting as the first point of contact for visitors and clients. They perform a variety of administrative and clerical tasks to support the organization's operations and communication.

Sample job titles:

Front Desk Receptionist, Greeter, Office Assistant, Receptionist

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Receptionist.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Receptionist earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$28K per year	$33K per year	$37K per year	$44K per year	$49K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $12K below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Receptionist do?

Work environment

Receptionists typically work in the front office area of businesses, hospitals, hotels, or other organizations. Their work environment is primarily desk-based and involves interaction with the public, employees, and management. The role can include full-time, part-time, and shift work, often requiring adherence to business hours, but may also include evening or weekend shifts, especially in hospitality or healthcare settings.

Quick task list

Greets and directs visitors, clients, or patients.
Answers and routes phone calls.
Schedules appointments and manages calendars.
Handles mail and deliveries.
Performs basic administrative tasks such as filing, photocopying, and data entry.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Medical Receptionist: Specializes in managing front desk operations in healthcare settings like clinics and hospitals.
Legal Receptionist: Works in law firms, assisting with legal documentation and client communication.
Corporate Receptionist: Manages the front desk in corporate offices, handling professional business interactions.
Hospitality Receptionist: Works in hotels or resorts, focusing on guest services and reservations.
Educational Institution Receptionist: Operates in schools or universities, assisting students, staff, and visitors.

Description

Receptionists are often considered the face of an organization, playing a crucial role in creating a positive first impression. They need to possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with a diverse range of people. Organizational skills are also essential, as receptionists are responsible for managing information, scheduling, and ensuring smooth day-to-day front office operations.

The role requires adaptability and multitasking abilities, as receptionists often handle various tasks simultaneously, from answering phones to managing visitor logs. Proficiency in basic computer software, such as word processing and email, is also important. In some sectors, such as medical or legal, receptionists might need specialized knowledge to handle industry-specific tasks and terminology.

Career opportunities for receptionists can vary widely across industries, offering exposure to different professional environments. The position can serve as a stepping stone to other administrative roles, providing foundational skills in office management, customer service, and organizational communication.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Being a key part of an organization's communication and public interaction.
Opportunities to meet and assist a diverse range of people.
Developing a wide range of administrative and interpersonal skills.

You might make a good Receptionist if you are...

An excellent communicator, both verbally and in writing.
Friendly and personable, with a professional demeanor.
Organized and able to multitask effectively.
Proficient in basic computer applications.
Interested in an administrative role that involves interaction with the public.

Pros:

Interaction with a variety of people, providing a dynamic work environment.
Development of strong communication and administrative skills.
Opportunities for employment across a wide range of industries.

Cons:

Can be demanding with multitasking and managing high volumes of visitor and call traffic.
May involve repetitive tasks and require long periods of sitting.
Front-line role can sometimes involve handling difficult or challenging visitors.

How to become a Receptionist

Typical education

Most receptionist positions require a high school diploma or equivalent. Additional vocational training or certification in administrative skills can be beneficial but is not always necessary.

High school preparation

Courses:

Communication and English courses to enhance verbal and written skills.
Business Studies or Office Management to understand basic administrative functions.
Computer Science or IT classes for proficiency in office software applications.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participating in roles that involve public interaction, such as in student council or customer service positions.
Volunteering as a receptionist or administrative assistant in community organizations.
Engaging in drama or public speaking clubs to boost confidence and presentation skills.

Preparation after high school

Consider vocational training or certification programs in administrative assistance or office management.
Seek internships or entry-level positions in office settings to gain practical experience.
Attend workshops or courses focusing on customer service, business communication, and office technology.

More resources

International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) - Provides resources and certification for office and administrative professionals.
American Society of Administrative Professionals (ASAP) - Offers education and networking opportunities for administrative professionals.
OfficeTeam - A staffing agency providing insights and job listings for administrative roles.
LinkedIn Learning - Offers a variety of courses in communication, office software, and customer service skills relevant for receptionists.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.