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Customer service clerk vs receptionist/customer service

The differences between customer service clerks and receptionist/customer services can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both a customer service clerk and a receptionist/customer service. Additionally, a customer service clerk has an average salary of $33,566, which is higher than the $30,604 average annual salary of a receptionist/customer service.

The top three skills for a customer service clerk include customer service, basic math and front end. The most important skills for a receptionist/customer service are customer service, phone calls, and data entry.

Customer service clerk vs receptionist/customer service overview

Customer Service ClerkReceptionist/Customer Service
Yearly salary$33,566$30,604
Hourly rate$16.14$14.71
Growth rate-4%-4%
Number of jobs361,383216,587
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 32%High School Diploma, 35%
Average age4040
Years of experience1212

What does a customer service clerk do?

A customer service clerk is responsible for resolving client issues, giving requested information, and providing clients high-quality customer service. Customer service clerks' tasks include sharing information, responding to and recording requests, collecting payments, and resolving billing disputes. Also, they ensure that products or services are delivered promptly to customers. Applicants to the job must be able to listen and communicate well. They must have excellent customer service skills and be able to multitask. Skills in conflict resolution and problem-solving will also give them an edge.

What does a receptionist/customer service do?

Receptionists or customer service professionals are considered as the first contact point of the clients. They usually greet and welcome guests visiting an office or organization. These are employees who serve as administrative or office support. They take responsibility for digital communication. It is their job to coordinate the front desk activities such as redirecting phone calls and distributing correspondence. They should be equipped with skills like attention to detail, dependability, and communication skills.

Customer service clerk vs receptionist/customer service salary

Customer service clerks and receptionist/customer services have different pay scales, as shown below.

Customer Service ClerkReceptionist/Customer Service
Average salary$33,566$30,604
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $42,000Between $25,000 And $37,000
Highest paying CityAnchorage, AKBillerica, MA
Highest paying stateAlaskaMinnesota
Best paying companyUnited States CourtsUline
Best paying industryRetailManufacturing

Differences between customer service clerk and receptionist/customer service education

There are a few differences between a customer service clerk and a receptionist/customer service in terms of educational background:

Customer Service ClerkReceptionist/Customer Service
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 32%High School Diploma, 35%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Customer service clerk vs receptionist/customer service demographics

Here are the differences between customer service clerks' and receptionist/customer services' demographics:

Customer Service ClerkReceptionist/Customer Service
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 33.0% Female, 67.0%Male, 8.0% Female, 92.0%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.6% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 22.3% Asian, 6.4% White, 53.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%Black or African American, 10.7% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 25.4% Asian, 6.1% White, 51.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage7%7%

Differences between customer service clerk and receptionist/customer service duties and responsibilities

Customer service clerk example responsibilities.

  • Manage cash balances and inventory stock accurately; ensure cleanliness of all work stations and guarantee excellent customer service.
  • Show excellence in providing customer service satisfaction by packing then delivering groceries to customers' vehicles.
  • Hone in on and strengthen problem solving, quick thinking, and math skills.
  • Support RSA authentication service for remote customer using VPN access, with RSA token.
  • Help clients identify and resolve issues pertaining, but not limit to, VPN configuration, web hosting and domain registration.
  • Operate cash register, processing transactions with cash, credit card, debit, check, food stamp and WIC coupons.
  • Show more

Receptionist/customer service example responsibilities.

  • Assist office management and staff with administrative projects/responsibilities such as managing time-sensitive projects, filing, copying, and collating materials.
  • Assist office management and staff with administrative projects/responsibilities such as managing time-sensitive projects, filing, copying, and collating materials.
  • Bill and collect from private pay, Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance companies.
  • Doctor authorization for treatments, understanding of Medicare and Medicaid, prior authorizations (if need).
  • Resolve problems with the buyers concerning invoices that do not match in the AS400 system.
  • Receive and apply checks into AS400 accounting database and scan checks into bank, on a daily basis.
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Customer service clerk vs receptionist/customer service skills

Common customer service clerk skills
  • Customer Service, 13%
  • Basic Math, 12%
  • Front End, 11%
  • Math, 10%
  • Cash Handling, 9%
  • Customer Inquiries, 8%
Common receptionist/customer service skills
  • Customer Service, 16%
  • Phone Calls, 15%
  • Data Entry, 14%
  • Telephone Calls, 8%
  • Front Desk, 8%
  • Scheduling Appointments, 8%

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