Receptionist Job Description: Duties, Skills & Salary

A receptionist runs the front desk and helps visitors, callers and staff. Typical duties include:

Exact duties vary by workplace, for example a medical office, law firm, hotel or corporate office, so always read the job posting.

• Greet visitors and check them in
• Answer, screen and transfer phone calls
• Take messages and pass them on quickly
• Schedule and confirm appointments and meetings
• Manage the shared calendar and meeting room bookings
• Reply to emails and general questions
• Receive and sort mail and deliveries
• Keep the reception area clean and organized
• Do data entry, filing, copying and scanning
• Order office supplies and help other teams with administrative tasks

• Friendly, professional manner in person and on the phone
• Clear spoken and written English (other languages are a plus)
• Organization and the ability to handle many tasks at once
• Computer skills, including email and Microsoft Office or Google Workspace
• Experience with phone systems and scheduling software
• Keeping personal and company information confidential
• High school diploma or GED (many employers ask for it)
• Customer service or front desk experience (preferred, but not always required)

Receptionists work at the front desk of offices, clinics, hotels, salons, schools and many other workplaces. Many work during normal business hours, while hotel and health care front desks may need evening or weekend shifts.

The median hourly wage for receptionists was $18.27 in May 2025 ($38,010 per year), according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Your pay depends on your state, employer, industry and experience.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Receptionists, median pay May 2025 (bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/receptionists.htm).

Copy the bullets that match your real experience, and add numbers only if they are true:

• Greeted and checked in visitors and gave them a friendly first impression
• Answered and routed about [number] calls per day on a multi-line phone system
• Scheduled and confirmed appointments using [software name]
• Managed meeting room bookings and the shared office calendar
• Handled incoming mail, deliveries and courier pickups
• Kept visitor logs and office records accurate and confidential
• Supported the office team with data entry, filing and supply orders

• Is previous receptionist experience required? Not always. Customer service, retail, hospitality or office experience can transfer well.
• What is the difference between a receptionist and a front desk agent? The jobs are similar. Front desk agent is common in hotels, while receptionist is common in offices and clinics.
• What should I check before applying? Read the duties, hours, location, pay and software requirements in the job posting.

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