What is a receptionist and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
introduction image

A receptionist serves as the first point of contact for clients or visitors to a business. They greet guests, answer phones, and direct inquiries. Receptionists also perform administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, managing calendars, and processing mail. They must possess communication skills, be able to multitask efficiently, and have a welcoming demeanor. A receptionist helps create a positive first impression and ensures the smooth operation of the office.

ScoreReceptionistUS Average
Salary
2.4

Avg. Salary $30,571

Avg. Salary $59,228

Diversity
8.5
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.89%

Asian 6.08%

Black or African American 10.69%

Hispanic or Latino 23.50%

Unknown 4.47%

White 54.37%

Gender

female 91.59%

male 8.41%

Age - 41
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 41
Stress Level
7.2

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
4.7

Complexity Level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
8.4

Work Life balance is good

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a Receptionist?

Pros

  • Gain experience in handling office equipment and software

  • Potential for advancement within the company

  • Opportunity to learn about different industries and businesses

  • Chance to work in a professional setting

  • May receive employee benefits such as health insurance and vacation time

Cons

  • Dealing with difficult or unhappy customers

  • Sitting for long periods of time can be uncomfortable

  • Stressful situations may arise, such as dealing with emergencies or angry clients

  • Salary may not be as high as other positions with similar responsibilities

  • Job security may be affected by changes in technology or company policies

Receptionist career paths

Key steps to become a receptionist

  1. Explore receptionist education requirements

    Most common receptionist degrees

    High School Diploma

    33.3 %

    Bachelor's

    28.3 %

    Associate

    22.1 %
  2. Start to develop specific receptionist skills

    Skills
    ascdesc
    Percentages
    ascdesc
    Patients16.99%
    Phone Calls13.80%
    Customer Service8.91%
    Data Entry8.87%
    Telephone Calls8.39%
  3. Complete relevant receptionist training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New receptionists learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a receptionist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real receptionist resumes.
  4. Research receptionist duties and responsibilities

    • Manage invoicing with QuickBooks, taking customer calls and helping with any issues, parts and equipment delivery/pickup/ordering.
    • Manage multiple employee/resident databases utilizing an EMR system.
    • Verify insurance information and manage medical records while ensuring confidentiality according to HIPAA requirements.
    • Manage desk operations for the YMCA, organizing and documenting members' payments and collating operational documents
  5. Prepare your receptionist resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your receptionist resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a receptionist resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Receptionist Resume templates

    Build a professional Receptionist resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Receptionist resume.
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  6. Apply for receptionist jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a receptionist job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Receptionist Job

Zippi

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Average receptionist salary

The average Receptionist salary in the United States is $30,571 per year or $15 per hour. Receptionist salaries range between $24,000 and $38,000 per year.

Average Receptionist Salary
$30,571 Yearly
$14.70 hourly

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How do receptionists rate their job?

3/5

Out of 1 Receptionist reviews, 0% were positive.

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

Based On 1 Ratings

Work/Life Balance
4.0
Overall Rating
3.0
Pay / Salary
3.0
Career Growth
2.0

Receptionist reviews

profile
3.0
A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2024
Pros

Good work life balance, low stress and responsibility

Cons

Low pay, lack of progression


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on May 2019
Pros

Interacting with the public very friendly helpful in problem solving also I have patience with others

Cons

Rude customers who use profanity


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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