How to become a receptionists and information clerk
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.
Steps to get there
Most employers expect usually requires a high school diploma or ged, though some occupations may not..Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
What receptionists and information clerks do
- Greet persons entering establishment, determine nature and purpose of visit, and direct or escort them to specific destinations.
- File and maintain records.
- Collect, sort, distribute, or prepare mail, messages, or courier deliveries.
- Operate telephone switchboard to answer, screen, or forward calls, providing information, taking messages, or scheduling appointments.
- Receive payment and record receipts for services.
- Schedule appointments and maintain and update appointment calendars.
Skills that matter most
- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Writing
- Monitoring
- Active Learning
- Learning Strategies
Is receptionists and information clerk a good career?
On the numbers, this job is close to the average across occupations. Median pay is 25% below the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.
Where it pays most
- District of Columbia $49,060
- Alaska $44,720
- Washington $44,710
- California $44,100
- Massachusetts $43,870
Receptionists and Information Clerks salary by state and city
Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.