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.
Also called: Clerk Specialist · Front Desk Receptionist · Greeter · Information Assistant (Info Assistant) · Medical Receptionist · Member Services Representative (Member Services Rep)
Median pay (national)
$37,230
$28,280–$48,870 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
964,530
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
0%
~128,500 openings/yr
Typical entry
High school diploma or equivalent
What the numbers say
Refit analysis ·Pay for receptionists and information clerks shows a relatively narrow range: the top 10% earn $48,870 versus $28,280 at the bottom 10% — 1.7x. The median of $37,230 leaves roughly 31% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change 0% from 2024 to 2034 — slower than the 3% all-occupation average. Even so, BLS projects about 128,500 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 54 states with released data, Alaska pays the most for this role (median $44,380, +19% vs the national median), while Puerto Rico sits lowest at $21,740 — a 104% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Speaking, Active Listening, Reading Comprehension as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list. On the tools side, O*NET flags Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word as in-demand technologies for this role.
Tailor your resume to Receptionists and Information Clerks
Honest tailoring
See how your resume lines up with Receptionists and Information Clerks
Refit re-angles your real experience toward this role using the skills above — and never invents skills you don't have. A no-fabrication gate checks every change before you see it.
Free. No account needed to see your first re-fit.
Top skills employers ask for
Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.
- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Writing
- Monitoring
- Active Learning
- Learning Strategies
- Mathematics
- Science
What they actually do
Core O*NET tasks for this role.
- Greet persons entering establishment, determine nature and purpose of visit, and direct or escort them to specific destinations.
- File and maintain records.
- Collect, sort, distribute, or prepare mail, messages, or courier deliveries.
- Operate telephone switchboard to answer, screen, or forward calls, providing information, taking messages, or scheduling appointments.
- Receive payment and record receipts for services.
- Schedule appointments and maintain and update appointment calendars.
- Transmit information or documents to customers, using computer, mail, or facsimile machine.
- Hear and resolve complaints from customers or the public.
- Provide information about establishment, such as location of departments or offices, employees within the organization, or services provided.
- Perform duties, such as taking care of plants or straightening magazines to maintain lobby or reception area.
Tools & technology
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Word
- Intuit QuickBooks
- Microsoft Windows
- 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
- Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
- Data entry software
Knowledge areas
- Customer and Personal Service
- Administrative
- English Language
- Computers and Electronics
- Mathematics
- Public Safety and Security
- Administration and Management
- Telecommunications