Receptionists and Information Clerks

43-4171.00 Zone 2 — Some Preparation Needed

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.

Also known as: Appointment Clerk, Appointment Scheduler, Appointment Setter, Automobile Club Information Clerk (Auto Club Info Clerk), Bilingual Receptionist, Call Center Agent, Call Center Operator, Call Center Representative (Call Center Rep), ...

Annual Salary

$37,230

Median annual wage (May 2024)

$32,660 25th – 75th percentile $44,070
10th percentile $28,280
90th percentile $48,870
U.S. Employment: 964,530

Job Outlook

0%

Projected growth, 2024–2034 (Slower than average)

Annual Job Openings 128,500 per year (avg. 2024–2034)
Typical education: High school diploma or equivalent
On-the-job training: Short-term on-the-job training

What You'd Do

  • Operate telephone switchboard to answer, screen, or forward calls, providing information, taking messages, or scheduling appointments.
  • Receive payment and record receipts for services.
  • Perform administrative support tasks, such as proofreading, transcribing handwritten information, or operating calculators or computers to work with pay records, invoices, balance sheets, or other documents.
  • Greet persons entering establishment, determine nature and purpose of visit, and direct or escort them to specific destinations.
  • Hear and resolve complaints from customers or the public.
  • File and maintain records.
  • Transmit information or documents to customers, using computer, mail, or facsimile machine.
  • Schedule appointments and maintain and update appointment calendars.
  • Provide information about establishment, such as location of departments or offices, employees within the organization, or services provided.
  • Collect, sort, distribute, or prepare mail, messages, or courier deliveries.

Top Skills

Speaking 3.9
Active Listening 3.8
Service Orientation 3.6
Reading Comprehension 3.1
Critical Thinking 3.1
Social Perceptiveness 3.1
Writing 3.0
Coordination 3.0

Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)

Knowledge Areas

Customer and Personal Service 4.2
Administrative 3.9
English Language 3.7
Computers and Electronics 3.4
Mathematics 2.7
Public Safety and Security 2.7
Administration and Management 2.7
Telecommunications 2.7

Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)

Education Level Distribution

Percentage of workers in this occupation by education level

High School
49.5%
Some College
25.7%
Certificate
20.9%
Associate's
3.7%

Technology & Tools

Software and tools commonly used in this role

In-Demand Technologies

Google Docs Intuit QuickBooks Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Outlook Microsoft PowerPoint Microsoft Windows Microsoft Word

Other Tools

3M Post-it App Alpha Software Alpha Five Appointment scheduling software Automated information system software Billing software Blackbaud The Raiser's Edge Bookkeeping software Claim processing system software Corel WordPerfect Office Suite Customer relationship management CRM software Data entry software Database software Desktop publishing software Electronic calendar management software Electronic health record EHR software +7 more

Work Styles

Personality traits and work styles important for this career

2.5
Cooperation
2.5
Dependability
2.3
Social Orientation
1.9
Attention to Detail
1.9
Empathy
1.8
Self-Control
1.8
Optimism

Key Abilities

Cognitive, physical, and sensory abilities important for this role

Oral Expression 4.0
Oral Comprehension 3.9
Speech Recognition 3.9
Speech Clarity 3.8
Written Comprehension 3.6
Written Expression 3.4
Near Vision 3.1
Selective Attention 3.0

Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on this job

Working with Computers 4.6
Getting Information 4.4
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public 4.3
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates 4.1
Making Decisions and Solving Problems 3.9
Assisting and Caring for Others 3.7
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others 3.7
Communicating with People Outside the Organization 3.6

Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)

Work Environment

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work

Telephone Conversations
5.0
Contact With Others
4.9
Frequency of Decision Making
4.6
E-Mail
4.5
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
4.4
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
4.3
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
4.3
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
4.3
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
4.1
Spend Time Sitting
4.1
Freedom to Make Decisions
4.0
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
3.9

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Salary data: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024. Outlook data: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034.

This page includes information from the O*NET 30.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license.