Receptionists and Information Clerks
SOC code 43-4171 · O*NET-SOC 43-4171.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Office and administration
Bright Outlook — O*NET expects numerous job openings for this occupation
Receptionists are the first contact in offices, clinics and hotels — greeting, phones, scheduling and sign-in. The role needs a diploma and strong people skills rather than formal training, and it is a well-worn entry point into administrative careers.
Receptionists and Information Clerks pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$38,010
a year
Hourly
$18.27
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$39,460
$18.97 per hour
Middle 50%
$33,960 – $45,130
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$28,760 – $49,950
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
910,180
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $28,760
- $13.83/hr
- 25th percentile
- $33,960
- $16.33/hr
- Median percentile
- $38,010
- $18.27/hr
- 75th percentile
- $45,130
- $21.70/hr
- 90th percentile
- $49,950
- $24.01/hr
Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34
0%
Little or no change expected
1,007,200
jobs in 2024
1,007,600
projected for 2034
About 400 more jobs
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.
What do receptionists and information clerks do?
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.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Operate telephone switchboard to answer, screen, or forward calls, providing information, taking messages, or scheduling appointments.
- Greet persons entering establishment, determine nature and purpose of visit, and direct or escort them to specific destinations.
- Receive payment and record receipts for services.
- Schedule appointments and maintain and update appointment calendars.
- Analyze data to determine answers to questions from customers or members of the public.
- Calculate and quote rates for tours, stocks, insurance policies, or other products or services.
- Transmit information or documents to customers, using computer, mail, or facsimile machine.
- Hear and resolve complaints from customers or the public.
How to qualify for this work
Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 49% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Experience
- Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
Education reported by people doing this job
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)49%
- Some College Courses26%
- Post-Secondary Certificate21%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree4%
Common questions
How much does a receptionists and information clerks earn?
The national median is $38,010 a year. The full range runs from $28,760 at the 10th percentile to $49,950 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a receptionists and information clerks without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Is receptionists and information clerks in demand?
Federal projections expect employment to grow by about 0% between 2024 and 2034 — little or no change expected. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Speaking3.9/5
- Active Listening3.8/5
- Reading Comprehension3.1/5
- Critical Thinking3.1/5
- Writing3.0/5
- Monitoring2.9/5
Knowledge areas
- Customer and Personal Service4.2/5
- Administrative3.9/5
- English Language3.7/5
- Computers and Electronics3.4/5
- Mathematics2.7/5
- Public Safety and Security2.7/5
- Administration and Management2.7/5
- Telecommunications2.7/5
Transferable strengths: Service Orientation, Social Perceptiveness, Coordination, Time Management.