Front desk lead vs front desk receptionist

The differences between front desk leads and front desk receptionists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a front desk receptionist has an average salary of $31,050, which is higher than the $29,851 average annual salary of a front desk lead.

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

Front desk lead vs front desk receptionist overview

	Front Desk Lead	Front Desk Receptionist
Yearly salary	$29,851	$31,050
Hourly rate	$14.35	$14.93
Growth rate	-	-
Number of jobs	74,010	82,593
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 39%	High School Diploma, 33%
Average age	37	42
Years of experience	-	2

What does a front desk lead do?

A front desk lead acts as the face of an organization, being the first point of contact for visitors. To be a front desk lead means you are responsible for administering and managing workers who work in the front office or reception area, as well as welcoming and taking care of visitors. As a front desk lead, you must possess good communication skills, have good composure, be friendly, be computer literate, have problem-solving skills, along with organizational skills to handle guests.

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 lead vs front desk receptionist salary

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

	Front Desk Lead	Front Desk Receptionist
Average salary	$29,851	$31,050
Salary range	Between $19,000 And $46,000	Between $24,000 And $39,000
Highest paying City	New York, NY	Seattle, WA
Highest paying state	New York	Alaska
Best paying company	Microsoft	SightMD
Best paying industry	Retail	Government

Differences between front desk lead and front desk receptionist education

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

	Front Desk Lead	Front Desk Receptionist
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 39%	High School Diploma, 33%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Front desk lead vs front desk receptionist demographics

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

	Front Desk Lead	Front Desk Receptionist
Average age	37	42
Gender ratio	Male, 28.5% Female, 71.5%	Male, 15.4% Female, 84.6%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 6.8% Hispanic or Latino, 22.3% Asian, 9.9% White, 50.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.5%	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	13%	6%

Differences between front desk lead and front desk receptionist duties and responsibilities

Front desk lead example responsibilities.

Manage VIP clientele by delivering exceptional customer service while using creative conflict resolution, when necessary.
Manage confidential information and documentation, including financial data, and credit card information and payroll checks.
Conduct in-person and telephone customer service, including guest check-in and booking reservations.
Perform PBX duties in the absence of an operator
Operate hotel PBX switchboard system and handles professional execution of guest calls, messages and amenities.
Collect co-payments when necessary and answer any necessary questions if ask by patients.

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 lead vs front desk receptionist skills

Common front desk lead skills

Reservations, 17%
Patients, 8%
Guest Service, 8%
Phone Calls, 8%
Guest Satisfaction, 5%
Booking, 5%

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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Front Desk Lead
Front Desk Lead vs Front Desk Receptionist

Updated January 8, 2025

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