Career comparison
Intake Interviewer vs. Receptionist
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Intake interviewers earn more at the median ($45,920 vs. $38,010), while receptionists usually get to work faster (1–2 weeks on the job of training). Intake interviewers interview people to collect information for forms, surveys or services. Receptionists greet visitors, answer phones and keep the front desk running smoothly.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Intake Interviewer | Receptionist | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $45,920 ($22.08/hr) | $38,010 ($18.27/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $33,900 – $62,810 | $28,760 – $49,950 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | -10.4% (a projected decline) | -1.7% (a projected decline) |
| Openings per year | 13,200 | 105,100 |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | A few weeks on the job | 1–2 weeks on the job |
| Key credential | CHAA | Microsoft Office Specialist |
| Work setting | Interviewers work at hospital desks, call centers and agency offices.. | Receptionists work in offices, clinics, salons, hotels, dealerships, schools and other organizations, usually at a front desk. |
What each job does
Intake Interviewer
- Interview clients or patients
- Complete forms
- Verify identity and insurance
- Enter data
- Answer questions
Receptionist
- 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
How they’re similar
Both careers involve working with people, helping others, and indoor work. Both are part of the business & office field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose intake interviewer if…
- I’m friendly
- I’m accurate
- I stay calm
Choose receptionist if…
- I like meeting people
- I have a friendly, professional manner
- I can handle phones and visitors at once
Still torn? Take the Intake Interviewer fit quiz and the Receptionist fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, intake interviewer or receptionist?
Intake Interviewers earn more at the median: $45,920 versus $38,010 for receptionists, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Receptionists typically train faster (1–2 weeks on the job) than intake interviewers (A few weeks on the job).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects receptionists to grow -1.7% from 2025–35, compared with -10.4% for intake interviewers.