Clerk/assistant vs office receptionist

The differences between clerks/assistant and office receptionists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a clerk/assistant and an office receptionist. Additionally, an office receptionist has an average salary of $33,554, which is higher than the $32,674 average annual salary of a clerk/assistant.

The top three skills for a clerk/assistant include customer support, telephone calls and word processing. The most important skills for an office receptionist are patients, customer service, and phone calls.

Clerk/assistant vs office receptionist overview

	Clerk/Assistant	Office Receptionist
Yearly salary	$32,674	$33,554
Hourly rate	$15.71	$16.13
Growth rate	-5%	-
Number of jobs	114,718	80,143
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 39%	Bachelor's Degree, 36%
Average age	47	42
Years of experience	2	2

What does a clerk/assistant do?

A clerk is someone who performs administrative tasks assigned by a manager or by other employees. The job includes responsibilities like dealing with correspondence, data maintenance through manual or computer systems, filing, and related general office duties. It involves typing letters, reports, and any other business-related documents. Clerks sort and respond to emails or forward them to other employees. They need to develop skills in typing, administrative duties, customer service and relations, and attention to detail.

What does an office receptionist do?

An office receptionist, or administrative assistant, performs various administrative tasks for an organization. These tasks may include answering phone calls, providing the public and customers with information, and warmly welcoming, greeting, and directing visitors or guests accordingly. Additionally, an office receptionist is responsible for maintaining security by issuing visitor badges, monitoring logbooks, and following procedures. Administrative assistants are also responsible for preparing and processing travel vouchers and other documents. Some employers prefer someone with a college or bachelor's degree, telephone skills, and excellent communication skills.

Clerk/assistant vs office receptionist salary

Clerks/assistant and office receptionists have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Clerk/Assistant	Office Receptionist
Average salary	$32,674	$33,554
Salary range	Between $25,000 And $41,000	Between $27,000 And $41,000
Highest paying City	Long Beach, CA	Minneapolis, MN
Highest paying state	Hawaii	Alaska
Best paying company	United States Courts	Dairy Farmers of America
Best paying industry	Finance	Manufacturing

Differences between clerk/assistant and office receptionist education

There are a few differences between a clerk/assistant and an office receptionist in terms of educational background:

	Clerk/Assistant	Office Receptionist
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 39%	Bachelor's Degree, 36%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	University of Pennsylvania	University of Pennsylvania

Clerk/assistant vs office receptionist demographics

Here are the differences between clerks/assistant' and office receptionists' demographics:

	Clerk/Assistant	Office Receptionist
Average age	47	42
Gender ratio	Male, 27.5% Female, 72.5%	Male, 9.5% Female, 90.5%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 10.8% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 22.7% Asian, 8.3% White, 52.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%	Black or African American, 10.3% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 22.6% Asian, 6.4% White, 55.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage	6%	6%

Differences between clerk/assistant and office receptionist duties and responsibilities

Clerk/assistant example responsibilities.

Demonstrate strong math skills in managing inmate s accounts and calmly and effectively deescalating outbursts of belligerent inmates.
Create and present PowerPoint presentations for senior level staff.
Compose a weekly PowerPoint presentation regarding company highlights.
Review payroll to ensure accuracy, compile payroll records and distribute paychecks.
Schedule radiology procedures and appointments accurately, and in a timely manner.
Demonstrate administrative and customer service expertise with responsibility for resolving payroll relate questions.

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Office receptionist example responsibilities.

Verify insurance information and manage medical records while ensuring confidentiality according to HIPAA requirements.
Answer phones, make copies, Microsoft, PowerPoint, scheduling, greet and interact with clients, filing and mailing.
Complete and audit payroll for accuracy.
Process payroll and monthly/quarterly sales tax liabilities.
Stock exam rooms, sterilize instruments and occasionally assist physician with patients.
Provide high-quality customer-service to patients by treating them respectfully and t with discretion.

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Clerk/assistant vs office receptionist skills

Common clerk/assistant skills

Customer Support, 14%
Telephone Calls, 13%
Word Processing, 11%
Payroll, 7%
Purchase Orders, 5%
Office Machines, 5%

Common office receptionist skills

Patients, 20%
Customer Service, 15%
Phone Calls, 12%
Data Entry, 9%
Front Desk, 6%
Appointment Scheduling, 5%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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