Receptionist Job Overview

Receptionists create the first impression at many types of businesses. They answer phones, transfer calls, take messages, greet visitors or customers, and offer refreshments to guests. In some organizations, they also do administrative tasks such scheduling, typing, copying, filing, handling travel details, restocking kitchen supplies and sorting mail.

Receptionist Job Types

Medical receptionists work in a healthcare setting where they greet patients, collect insurance information and schedule appointments.

Corporate receptionists welcome visitors. They may also book company conference rooms, answer phones and handle secretarial work.

Beauty salon receptionists work at a front desk where they book appointments, greet and direct customers, and collect payments.

A government receptionist’s job often centers on verifying visitors’ identities. They issue temporary identification cards and call officials to let them know they have guests.

Receptionists who work in a transit facility answer passengers’ questions about departures, arrivals and local amenities.

Receptionist Education

You can typically land receptionist work with a high school diploma or GED, followed by on-the-job training. Having experience with word processing and spreadsheets will help you find receptionist employment.

Receptionist Job Market

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts receptionist jobs will grow 24 percent from 2010 to 2020 -- faster than most occupations. While some companies now go without a receptionist, most continue to have a receptionist working the front desk and greeting guests in person. Plenty of new receptionist jobs open up because it’s an entry-level position from which people move up relatively quickly. Most growth in receptionist job opportunities will happen in healthcare settings, including doctors’ and dentists’ offices and elder-care facilities, the BLS says.

Receptionist Salaries

The average receptionist salary was $26,730 in May 2011, according to the BLS. The highest mean salary was earned by receptionists working in dental offices: $30,380.