Point a visitor to an office
Ask why they came, search the staff directory, and give plain directions to the office they need.
Career profile
Receptionist
Receptionists greet visitors, answer calls, and connect each person with the right staff member.
Like helping people and keeping information accurate and organized? A visitor unsure which office they want gets a few questions, then a name and directions.
A day in the life
Put calls through or take messages
If the employee is free, transfer the call, and if not, write a message with a callback number.
Edit the calendar for changed plans
When someone cancels or changes plans, edit the calendar and then tell the employee whose schedule changed.
Update a contact's phone or address
Type the new phone number or address into the database so anyone opening that entry sees current details.
Quick facts
High school diploma or equivalent
United States
$18.27 an hour
United States · May 2025
2% employment decline
United States · 2025–2035
Quick orientation
Preparation, pay & outlook
Preparation
High school diploma or equivalentYou typically learn the employer’s phone, visitor, and computer procedures on the job.
Pay
$18.27 an hourThe national median was $38,010 annually for receptionists and information clerks.
Outlook
2% employment declineAbout 105,100 openings a year are projected as workers change occupations or leave the workforce.
Fit, tradeoffs & changing tools
You might like this if…
- You enjoy talking with people throughout the day, including people you have just met.
- You listen for what someone needs and ask a clear follow-up question.
- You like keeping messages and appointments organized enough for someone else to use.
Things to weigh
- Calls and arriving visitors can compete for your attention. You still need to stay courteous when someone is frustrated.
- Some hospital and nursing-home reception jobs include evenings and weekends.
Where AI may help
Digital calendars and contact databases help you keep appointments and visitor information organized. Websites and apps also handle some customer interactions.
What people still lead
You work through unclear requests and difficult conversations, then connect the person with someone who can help.
What we can’t predict yet
How much reception moves to self-service will vary by workplace. As routine interactions become automated, some employers may combine reception with other office duties.
Pay in context
Earnings
The national median was $18.27 an hour, or $38,010 annually, in May 2025. These figures cover receptionists and information clerks; they are not a starting-pay promise.
The pay spread
The lowest-paid 10% earned under $13.83 an hour; the highest-paid 10% earned over $24.01. These thresholds describe the workforce, not beginner and experienced pay grades.
Workplace type matters
Hourly medians were $19.00 in healthcare and social assistance, $18.56 in professional, scientific, and technical services, and $16.57 in personal care services. Individual employers may pay differently.
Openings despite fewer jobs overall
Employment is projected to decline 2% over 2025–2035. About 105,100 openings annually are expected from workers moving to other occupations or leaving the workforce, rather than job growth.
Getting started
Apply and learn the desk on the job
Typical initial training lasts a few days to a month.
- What the route involves
- Apply for receptionist work and learn the employer’s greeting, telephone, and computer procedures after hire.
- What it can lead to
- You learn how to handle that workplace’s visitors, calls, and records.
Build office-software experience first
- What the route involves
- Develop word-processing and spreadsheet skills through coursework or practical experience before applying.
- What it can lead to
- That preparation can help you meet employers’ preferences for candidates who already know office software.
- What to check
- Software preparation is not a universal entry requirement and does not replace learning the employer’s procedures.
A high school diploma or equivalent is typical. Employers differ in the software experience they expect, so you can apply directly or build those skills first.
After entry
Career paths
This starts where the entry routes leave off: early work, growing capability, and advancement or specialization.
Get established
Learn who handles which questions, practice the phone system, and become familiar with visitor check-in.
Handle a busy desk
Build speed without losing message details or calendar accuracy. Learn how to protect private information while helping people at the counter.
Move into broader office work
Reception experience can lead toward secretary or administrative assistant roles with more responsibility for office organization and support.
Where you can work
Healthcare front desks
Patient information and appointment records shape the work; some desks also handle billing. Hospitals and nursing homes may need reception coverage during evenings and weekends.
- Indoors
- Office
- Shift work
Corporate and government lobbies
In larger offices, reception may include issuing visitor passes and escorting guests. You need to know where visitors can go and which employee they are meeting.
- Indoors
- Office
Try it
See whether the job clicks before you commit to the path.
Make a fictional directory of four employees and their responsibilities. Ask a friend to play a visitor while handing you a pretend phone message. Route the visitor and record who should return the call. Notice whether you enjoy staying welcoming while keeping both requests straight.
Stay safe: Use made-up names and contact information.
Sources
- O*NET OnLine. 43-4171.00 — Receptionists and Information Clerks. Accessed 2026-10-02.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook: Receptionists. Accessed 2026-10-02.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Table 1.2: Occupational projections and characteristics, 2025–2035. Accessed 2026-10-02.