Receptionists and Information Clerks
Receptionists and information clerks answer questions and direct inquiries from visitors, customers, and the public about an organization's services, departments, and staff. They work in offices, medical facilities, hotels, businesses, and other establishments where they serve as a first point of contact, providing information and routing people to the right department or person.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against receptionists and information clerks and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical day involves greeting visitors or customers at a front desk, answering phones and emails, and directing people to appropriate departments or staff members. Receptionists manage appointment scheduling, maintain visitor logs, and provide information about company activities and services. They may also handle simple data entry, file documents, and perform general office tasks. The work requires managing multiple inquiries throughout the day while maintaining a professional and helpful demeanor.
Who this work suits
Holland code CES. Conventional work is organized, detail-oriented work with clear procedures. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to do well in this role if you prefer structured tasks and organized systems—the hallmark of conventional interests. You also likely enjoy interacting with people and representing your organization professionally, reflecting enterprising qualities. You're detail-oriented, reliable, and comfortable being the public face of a business.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most people in this occupation hold a certificate or training program.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Information Receptionist · Veterans Health Administration · Hines, Illinois · $40701–$52915
- Information Receptionist (OA) · Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys and the Office of the U.S. Attorneys · Columbus, Ohio · $37992–$49393
- Information Receptionist - Lodging Clerk · Veterans Health Administration · Battle Creek, Michigan · $36409–$47334
- File Clerk - Health Information Management Service · Veterans Health Administration · Dallas, Texas · $39452–$51459
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $39,850 | $49,060 | $57,760 | 2,000 |
| Alaska | $38,370 | $44,720 | $50,070 | 1,530 |
| Washington | $38,980 | $44,710 | $49,110 | 26,500 |
| California | $39,050 | $44,100 | $48,690 | 82,470 |
| Massachusetts | $38,190 | $43,870 | $47,840 | 18,970 |
| New York | $37,470 | $43,080 | $49,080 | 65,010 |
| Rhode Island | $36,110 | $42,620 | $46,920 | 4,270 |
| Maine | $38,470 | $42,440 | $46,780 | 3,440 |
| Colorado | $36,510 | $42,010 | $46,860 | 11,020 |
| New Jersey | $36,600 | $41,650 | $46,980 | 42,060 |
| Hawaii | $37,770 | $41,600 | $47,840 | 3,510 |
| Wisconsin | $36,000 | $41,150 | $46,570 | 25,580 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Permit Technician (PT) — International Code Council
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
and 55 more
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against receptionists and information clerks and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 43-4171.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.