Life As a Receptionist or Information Clerk
Position Description 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.
List of Receptionist or Information Clerk Job Duties
- Enroll individuals to participate in programs and notify them of their acceptance.
- Transmit information or documents to customers, using computer, mail, or facsimile machine.
- Receive payment and record receipts for services.
- Perform duties, such as taking care of plants or straightening magazines to maintain lobby or reception area.
- Greet persons entering establishment, determine nature and purpose of visit, and direct or escort them to specific destinations.
- Operate telephone switchboard to answer, screen, or forward calls, providing information, taking messages, or scheduling appointments.
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Skills Needed to be a Receptionist or Information Clerk
These are the skills Receptionists and Information Clerks say are the most useful in their careers:
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Tourist Information Assistant
- Quoter
- Referral and Information Aide
- Schedule Announcer
- In-File Operator
Receptionist or Information Clerk Employment Estimates
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 1,053,700 jobs in the United States for Receptionist or Information Clerk. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 9.1% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 95,500 new jobs for Receptionist or Information Clerk by 2026. The BLS estimates 151,100 yearly job openings in this field.

The states with the most job growth for Receptionist or Information Clerk are Utah, Arizona, and Colorado. Watch out if you plan on working in Maine, Mississippi, or Rhode Island. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Average Receptionists and Information Clerks Salary
Receptionists and Information Clerks make between $20,600 and $41,660 a year.

Receptionists and Information Clerks who work in District of Columbia, Alaska, or Connecticut, make the highest salaries.
How much do Receptionists and Information Clerks make in each U.S. state?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $26,320 |
Alaska | $35,310 |
Arizona | $30,050 |
Arkansas | $27,200 |
California | $33,190 |
Colorado | $32,360 |
Connecticut | $34,860 |
Delaware | $27,160 |
District of Columbia | $38,290 |
Florida | $29,120 |
Georgia | $27,840 |
Hawaii | $32,870 |
Idaho | $28,900 |
Illinois | $30,210 |
Indiana | $28,520 |
Iowa | $29,410 |
Kansas | $27,540 |
Kentucky | $27,390 |
Louisiana | $24,990 |
Maine | $30,380 |
Maryland | $30,720 |
Massachusetts | $32,960 |
Michigan | $29,690 |
Minnesota | $31,150 |
Mississippi | $26,370 |
Missouri | $27,550 |
Montana | $27,450 |
Nebraska | $28,820 |
Nevada | $28,440 |
New Hampshire | $31,080 |
New Jersey | $33,120 |
New Mexico | $27,690 |
New York | $34,430 |
North Carolina | $28,410 |
North Dakota | $29,480 |
Ohio | $27,850 |
Oklahoma | $28,210 |
Oregon | $31,670 |
Pennsylvania | $28,700 |
Rhode Island | $33,670 |
South Carolina | $27,660 |
South Dakota | $27,280 |
Tennessee | $27,990 |
Texas | $27,400 |
Utah | $27,890 |
Vermont | $33,750 |
Virginia | $30,050 |
Washington | $33,990 |
West Virginia | $26,660 |
Wisconsin | $29,610 |
Wyoming | $29,000 |
What Tools & Technology do Receptionists and Information Clerks Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Receptionists and Information Clerks may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- Data entry software
- Email software
- Microsoft Windows
- Database software
- Microsoft Dynamics
- IBM Notes
- Microsoft Publisher
- Google Docs
- FileMaker Pro
- Intuit QuickBooks
- Google Drive
- Medical procedure coding software
- Blackbaud The Raiser’s Edge
- Medical condition coding software
How to Become a Receptionist or Information Clerk
Learn what Receptionist or Information Clerk education requirements there are.

How Long Does it Take to Become a Receptionist or Information Clerk?

Where do Receptionists and Information Clerks Work?

The table below shows the approximate number of Receptionists and Information Clerks employed by various industries.

Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those thinking about becoming a Receptionist or Information Clerk might also be interested in the following careers:
Are you already one of the many Receptionist or Information Clerk in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
Image Credit: Jace Armstrong via public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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