Front desk administration vs front desk receptionist

The differences between front desk administrations and front desk receptionists 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 front desk receptionist takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a front desk administration has an average salary of $34,479, which is higher than the $31,050 average annual salary of a front desk receptionist.

The top three skills for a front desk administration include patients, phone calls and customer service. The most important skills for a front desk receptionist are patients, check-in, and phone calls.

Front desk administration vs front desk receptionist overview

	Front Desk Administration	Front Desk Receptionist
Yearly salary	$34,479	$31,050
Hourly rate	$16.58	$14.93
Growth rate	-5%	-
Number of jobs	67,462	82,593
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 45%	High School Diploma, 33%
Average age	47	42
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 front desk receptionist do?

Front desk receptionists are usually the first contact of clients or visitors in an office or building. They are responsible for welcoming and receiving guests, documenting guests' arrival and updating the visitor logbook, informing hosts and other involved employees that the guests have arrived, and directing the guests to where they should go next. They also man telephone lines, schedule appointments, receive packages or mails, and answer office visitors' questions. Front desk receptionists are expected to be personable, knowledgeable on office-related activities, and familiar with everyone.

Front desk administration vs front desk receptionist salary

Front desk administrations and front desk receptionists have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Front Desk Administration	Front Desk Receptionist
Average salary	$34,479	$31,050
Salary range	Between $26,000 And $45,000	Between $24,000 And $39,000
Highest paying City	Seattle, WA	Seattle, WA
Highest paying state	Washington	Alaska
Best paying company	Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory	SightMD
Best paying industry	Hospitality	Government

Differences between front desk administration and front desk receptionist education

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

	Front Desk Administration	Front Desk Receptionist
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 45%	High School Diploma, 33%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	California State University - Bakersfield	-

Front desk administration vs front desk receptionist demographics

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

	Front Desk Administration	Front Desk Receptionist
Average age	47	42
Gender ratio	Male, 15.0% Female, 85.0%	Male, 15.4% Female, 84.6%
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, 10.6% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 23.9% Asian, 6.4% White, 53.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage	8%	6%

Differences between front desk administration and front desk receptionist 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.

Front desk receptionist example responsibilities.

Accomplish computer work using a PMS system; OperaXpress.
Collect and distribute mail and packages, prepare FedEx shipments and manage online postage machine.
Use EMR software to manage patient records and files; reinforce and uphold patient confidentiality as required by HIPAA and clinic
Acquire knowledge of ICD-9 and CPT codes and achieve up-to-date knowledge of medical record practices, standards, and regulations.
Manage patients records by keeping all medical history, insurance and personal information update and verify abiding by HIPAA protocols.
Assist office management and staff with administrative projects/responsibilities such as managing time-sensitive projects, filing, copying, and collating materials.

Front desk administration vs front desk receptionist 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 front desk receptionist skills

Patients, 23%
Check-In, 12%
Phone Calls, 10%
Reservations, 10%
Customer Service, 10%
Appointment Scheduling, 5%

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Office and Administrative Industry
Front Desk Administration
Front Desk Administration vs Front Desk Receptionist

Updated January 8, 2025

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