Front desk receptionist vs front desk agent

The differences between front desk receptionists and front desk agents 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 $31,008 average annual salary of a front desk agent.

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

Front desk receptionist vs front desk agent overview

	Front Desk Receptionist	Front Desk Agent
Yearly salary	$31,050	$31,008
Hourly rate	$14.93	$14.91
Growth rate	-	-
Number of jobs	82,593	96,392
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 33%	Bachelor's Degree, 42%
Average age	42	37
Years of experience	2	-

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.

What does a front desk agent do?

Front desk agents are usually the first hotel employees that the guest encounters upon entering the hotel. They greet and welcome guests. They are in charge of checking and validating the guests' reservations and issuing their room keys. Front desk agents are responsible for collecting any applicable fees from the guests and ensuring that only the registered guests stay. Front desk agents also coordinate with the housekeeping team and any other team to ensure that the guests' stay is the best.

Front desk receptionist vs front desk agent salary

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

	Front Desk Receptionist	Front Desk Agent
Average salary	$31,050	$31,008
Salary range	Between $24,000 And $39,000	Between $25,000 And $37,000
Highest paying City	Seattle, WA	Seattle, WA
Highest paying state	Alaska	Washington
Best paying company	SightMD	Brookhaven National Laboratory
Best paying industry	Government	Hospitality

Differences between front desk receptionist and front desk agent education

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

	Front Desk Receptionist	Front Desk Agent
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 33%	Bachelor's Degree, 42%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Front desk receptionist vs front desk agent demographics

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

	Front Desk Receptionist	Front Desk Agent
Average age	42	37
Gender ratio	Male, 15.4% Female, 84.6%	Male, 31.2% Female, 68.8%
Race ratio	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%	Black or African American, 9.7% Unknown, 6.8% Hispanic or Latino, 22.1% Asian, 9.9% White, 50.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.5%
LGBT Percentage	6%	13%

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

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 agent example responsibilities.

Train new associates to Hyatt standards and the most efficient way to accomplish the day's tasks.
Work as front desk, PBX, and make error free reservations for a full size hotel consisting of 123 rooms.
Welcome guests into the 2nd largest Hyatt in the world.
Receive recognition for dependability and a``can-do"attitude.
Inform members and guests of current sales and promotions while accounting for an accurate POS drawer
Coordinate request for dry cleaning pickup/drop off, pet walking, housekeeping, grocery, delivery, etc.

Front desk receptionist vs front desk agent skills

Common front desk receptionist skills

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

Common front desk agent skills

Reservations, 23%
Team Work, 8%
Guest Service, 6%
Customer Service, 5%
Computer System, 4%
Guest Satisfaction, 4%

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Front Desk Receptionist vs Front Desk Agent

Updated January 8, 2025

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