Receptionists and Information Clerks
Receptionists do tasks such as answering phones, receiving visitors, and providing information about their organization to the public.
Is receptionists and information clerks a good career?
It scores 20/100 and ranks #297 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- High volume of openings — about 128,500 a year
- No college degree typically required to enter
Possible tradeoffs
- Pays below the U.S. median wage ($38,010 vs $61,390)
- Slower-than-average projected growth (0.0%)
What receptionists and information clerks earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. receptionists and information clerks earn between $33,960 and $45,130 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Strongest employment concentration
Live receptionists and information clerks jobs
No live receptionists and information clerks openings yet
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- Typical education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- Short-term on-the-job training
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow little or no change through 2034.
Education
Receptionists typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and employers may prefer to hire candidates who have experience with certain computer software. Proficiency in word processing and spreadsheet applications may be particularly helpful.
Training
Most receptionists receive short-term on-the-job training, usually lasting a few days up to a month. Training typically covers procedures for greeting visitors, answering the telephone, and using the computer.
Advancement
Receptionists may advance to other administrative occupations with more responsibilities, such as secretaries and administrative assistants.
Important qualities
Communication skills. Receptionists must speak and write clearly when providing information and corresponding with customers.
Computer skills. Receptionists should be adept at using computers.
Customer-service skills. Receptionists represent the organization, so they should be courteous, professional, and helpful to customers and the public.
Integrity. Receptionists may handle confidential data, especially in medical and legal offices. They must be trustworthy and protect clients’ privacy.
Interpersonal skills. Receptionists should be comfortable interacting with people in different types of situations.
Organizational skills. Receptionists take messages, schedule appointments, and maintain employee files. They need good organizational skills to manage their diverse responsibilities.
Related occupations
How much do receptionists and information clerks make?
The national median wage is $38,010 a year, with the middle half earning between $33,960 and $45,130 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is receptionists and information clerks a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 20 of 100 and ranks #297 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change 0.0% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a receptionists and information clerk?
The typical entry-level education is high school diploma or equivalent.
Where do receptionists and information clerks earn the most?
Among states, District of Columbia pays the highest median ($49,060). Local pay for every state and metro is below.