Front desk administration vs clerk typist

The differences between front desk administrations and clerks typist can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a front desk administration, becoming a clerk typist takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a front desk administration has an average salary of $34,479, which is higher than the $31,746 average annual salary of a clerk typist.

The top three skills for a front desk administration include patients, phone calls and customer service. The most important skills for a clerk typist are data entry, customer service, and telephone calls.

Front desk administration vs clerk typist overview

	Front Desk Administration	Clerk Typist
Yearly salary	$34,479	$31,746
Hourly rate	$16.58	$15.26
Growth rate	-5%	-5%
Number of jobs	67,462	102,211
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 45%	Associate Degree, 29%
Average age	47	47
Years of experience	6	2

What does a front desk administration do?

A front desk administration professional is responsible for performing administrative duties related to the front desk reception of an organization. This professional must assist in conferences and meetings as well as maintain inventory and costs for building and office supplies. The administration must coordinate front desk operations and maintain customer relationships by interacting with them in a professional and courteous manner. This professional must also handle phone calls and important documents by scanning and placing them in their designated files.

What does a clerk typist do?

A clerk typist is responsible for data entry procedures and document transcriptions, alongside other clerical and administrative duties as required by the employer. Clerk typists create reports and presentation materials, transcribe audio meetings, write business drafts, and send documents to appropriate office personnel or clients. A clerk-typist must show excellent organizational and time-management skills, especially with handling various typing tasks under strict deadlines and minimal supervision. They also respond and take calls from clients and customers, assisting with their inquiries and concerns.

Front desk administration vs clerk typist salary

Front desk administrations and clerks typist have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Front Desk Administration	Clerk Typist
Average salary	$34,479	$31,746
Salary range	Between $26,000 And $45,000	Between $25,000 And $39,000
Highest paying City	Seattle, WA	Saint Paul, MN
Highest paying state	Washington	Colorado
Best paying company	Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory	Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES
Best paying industry	Hospitality	Education

Differences between front desk administration and clerk typist education

There are a few differences between a front desk administration and a clerk typist in terms of educational background:

	Front Desk Administration	Clerk Typist
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 45%	Associate Degree, 29%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	California State University - Bakersfield	Western Carolina University

Front desk administration vs clerk typist demographics

Here are the differences between front desk administrations' and clerks typist' demographics:

	Front Desk Administration	Clerk Typist
Average age	47	47
Gender ratio	Male, 15.0% Female, 85.0%	Male, 8.8% Female, 91.2%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 10.3% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 18.7% Asian, 5.2% White, 60.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%	Black or African American, 10.4% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 19.7% Asian, 8.3% White, 55.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage	8%	6%

Differences between front desk administration and clerk typist duties and responsibilities

Front desk administration example responsibilities.

Use EMR software to manage patient records and files; reinforce and uphold patient confidentiality.
Used EMR software to manage patient records and files; reinforce and uphold patient confidentiality as required by HIPAA and clinic.
Access and dispense medical records in compliance with HIPPA regulations.
Process paperwork for patient's file in accordance with HIPPA laws.
Assist patients in acquiring Medicaid coverage.
Maintain patient confidentiality per HIPAA with written and verbal information.

Clerk typist example responsibilities.

Manage orthopedic accounts regarding payment posting through IDX medical systems.
Have knowledge and access to NCIC.
Gain proficiency in electronic medical records (EMR) software.
Job duties also include chart creation and maintenance, and EMR systems.
Encode the finished product and save to computer and reproduce or hard files.
Type foreclosure deeds of trust, mortgage documents, liens, judgments, and various other foreclosure documents.

Front desk administration vs clerk typist skills

Common front desk administration skills

Patients, 18%
Phone Calls, 9%
Customer Service, 9%
Front Desk Operations, 8%
Data Entry, 7%
Telephone Calls, 4%

Common clerk typist skills

Data Entry, 14%
Customer Service, 12%
Telephone Calls, 10%
Payroll, 8%
Office Equipment, 5%
Clerical Support, 5%

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Office and Administrative Industry
Front Desk Administration
Front Desk Administration vs Clerk Typist

Updated January 8, 2025

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