Business & Office career

Receptionist

Also called: Front Desk Receptionist · Front Office Assistant · Information Clerk · Front Desk Coordinator

What receptionists do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
What does a receptionist do?

Receptionists greet visitors, answer and route calls, schedule appointments, handle mail and provide information, serving as the first point of contact for an organization. The median pay is $38,010 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 1–2 weeks on the job, and employment is projected to grow -1.7% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

  • Median pay
    $38,010
    $18.27/hour · May 2025
  • Job growth
    -1.7%
    2025–35, a projected decline
  • Openings per year
    105,100
    Average, 2025–35
  • Typical entry education
    High school diploma or equivalent
    BLS classification
  • Time to train
    1–2 weeks on the job
    Typical program length
  • U.S. jobs
    947,500
    Employment, 2025

What receptionists do

Receptionists set the first impression. They welcome visitors and clients, check them in, answer phones, route calls and messages, schedule appointments, sort mail and deliveries, and answer questions. In offices, salons, clinics, car dealerships and schools, they keep the front desk organized and people moving.

Most receptionists have a high school diploma and learn on the job in days. Friendly communication, organization and comfort with computers matter most. The role is a common starting point for administrative, customer service and office management careers.

Typical duties

  • Greet visitors and check them in
  • Answer, screen and route phone calls
  • Schedule and confirm appointments
  • Take messages and relay information
  • Sort mail and manage deliveries
  • Maintain a clean, organized reception area
  • Handle basic data entry and filing

Work environment and schedule

Receptionists work in offices, clinics, salons, hotels, dealerships, schools and other organizations, usually at a front desk. The work is mostly seated with constant interaction.

Schedule: Most work full-time business hours. Part-time, evening and weekend shifts are common in salons, gyms and healthcare.

A day in the life

  1. Open the front desk, check voicemail and review today’s appointments.
  2. Greet clients and notify staff when visitors arrive.
  3. Answer a busy phone line and transfer calls.
  4. Schedule appointments and send confirmations.

See a full day in the life of a receptionist →

Receptionist salary

Half of receptionists earned more than $38,010 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $28,760 for the lowest 10% to $49,950 for the top 10%.

Full receptionist pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become a receptionist

  1. Finish high school or a GED
  2. Build customer service experience
  3. Learn office software
  4. Get hired as a receptionist
  5. Advance

A high school diploma is typical. Receptionists learn on the job, usually in a few days or weeks.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a receptionist →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

  • Multi-line phone systems
  • Scheduling software
  • Data entry
  • Visitor management
  • Basic office software

People skills

  • Friendliness
  • Professional communication
  • Multitasking
  • Composure

All receptionist skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Easy entry with on-the-job training
  • Steady indoor work
  • Every industry needs receptionists
  • Stepping stone to admin roles

Cons

  • Repetitive tasks
  • Handling difficult callers
  • Being tied to the desk
  • Modest pay

Certifications and licenses

  • Microsoft Office Specialist: Certification in common office software.
  • Customer service certification: Training in professional communication.
  • Medical front office training: Helpful for clinic receptionists.
  • CPR/First aid: Useful in some workplaces.

Career path

  1. Receptionist: Run the front desk.
  2. Administrative Assistant: Support teams.
  3. Office Coordinator: Coordinate office operations.
  4. Office Manager: Manage the office.

Learn the job before day one

Our Receptionist training (8 hours, $74.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as answer and transfer a business call and check in a visitor, safety and how to land your first job.

View Receptionist trainingIs this career right for me?

Administrative Assistant

Keep offices organized: calendars, communication, documents and logistics.

  • $47,540
  • Weeks to months

Hotel Front Desk Agent

Welcome hotel guests, check them in and solve problems during their stay.

  • $35,070
  • 1–2 weeks

Compare: Receptionist vs. Administrative Assistant · Receptionist vs. Customer Service Rep · Receptionist vs. Medical Admin Assistant · Receptionist vs. Front Desk Agent

Receptionist FAQ

Do receptionists need experience?

Usually not; training is short.

Is receptionist a good starting job?

Yes. It builds office and customer skills.

Can receptionists move up?

Many become administrative assistants or office managers.

How much does a receptionist make?

The median annual wage for receptionists was $38,010 ($18.27 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $28,760 and the highest 10% earned more than $49,950.

How long does it take to become a receptionist?

Most people need about 1–2 weeks on the job of training. A high school diploma is typical. Receptionists learn on the job, usually in a few days or weeks.

Do you need a degree to be a receptionist?

No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus short-term on-the-job training.

More receptionist questions →

Sources

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

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