What You Need to Know About Receptionist or Information Clerk
Career 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.
Life As a Receptionist or Information Clerk
- Hear and resolve complaints from customers or the public.
- Schedule appointments and maintain and update appointment calendars.
- File and maintain records.
- Conduct tours or deliver talks describing features of public facilities, such as a historic site or national park.
- Transmit information or documents to customers, using computer, mail, or facsimile machine.
- Process and prepare memos, correspondence, travel vouchers, or other documents.
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What a Receptionist or Information Clerk Should Know
When polled, Receptionists and Information Clerks say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
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.
Other Receptionist or Information Clerk Job Titles
- Space Scheduler
- Land Leasing Examiner
- Appointment Clerk
- Appointment Setter
- Call Center Operator
Is There Going to be Demand for Receptionists and Information Clerks?
There were about 1,053,700 jobs for Receptionist or Information Clerk in 2016 (in the United States). 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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 151,100 job openings in this field each year.
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
The salary for Receptionists and Information Clerks ranges between about $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 different U.S. states?
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 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Receptionists and Information Clerks
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 some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
You May Also Be Interested In…
Those interested in being a Receptionist or Information Clerk may also be interested in:
Those who work as a Receptionist or Information Clerk sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
References:
Image Credit: Jace Armstrong via public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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