Front desk receptionist vs front desk associate

The differences between front desk receptionists and front desk associates 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 $27,236 average annual salary of a front desk associate.

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

Front desk receptionist vs front desk associate overview

	Front Desk Receptionist	Front Desk Associate
Yearly salary	$31,050	$27,236
Hourly rate	$14.93	$13.09
Growth rate	-	-
Number of jobs	82,593	77,432
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 33%	Bachelor's Degree, 43%
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 associate do?

Front-Desk Associates are the face of a hotel. Their duties are focused on assisting guests and attaining customer satisfaction. Aside from great communication skills, Front-Desk Associates must also have a pleasing personality and great presence of mind as guests will come to them first should there be any issues on the services provided. Moreover, among the duties of Front-Desk Associates include performing room check-ins and check-outs, accepting and arranging reservations, assigning rooms, maintain booking and payments, and communicate with the entire hotel staff to ensure quality service.

Front desk receptionist vs front desk associate salary

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

	Front Desk Receptionist	Front Desk Associate
Average salary	$31,050	$27,236
Salary range	Between $24,000 And $39,000	Between $20,000 And $35,000
Highest paying City	Seattle, WA	New York, NY
Highest paying state	Alaska	New York
Best paying company	SightMD	Wyndham Capital Mortgage
Best paying industry	Government	Hospitality

Differences between front desk receptionist and front desk associate education

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

	Front Desk Receptionist	Front Desk Associate
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 33%	Bachelor's Degree, 43%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Front desk receptionist vs front desk associate demographics

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

	Front Desk Receptionist	Front Desk Associate
Average age	42	37
Gender ratio	Male, 15.4% Female, 84.6%	Male, 31.3% Female, 68.7%
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, 10.0% Unknown, 6.7% Hispanic or Latino, 18.9% Asian, 9.3% White, 53.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.4%
LGBT Percentage	6%	13%

Differences between front desk receptionist and front desk associate 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 associate example responsibilities.

Manage customer service issues with ease and charm and train other co workers in daily operations.
Manage confidential information and documentation, including financial data, and credit card information and payroll checks.
Manage patients records by keeping all medical history, insurance and personal information update and verify abiding by HIPAA protocols.
Process reservations for business groups via opera system.
Process guest reservations, assess needs and ensure appropriate accommodations and assist guests with concierge-relate services.
Contact patients regarding unpaid and underpay accounts, verification of insurance, accounting, customer service, computer and telephone operations.

Front desk receptionist vs front desk associate 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 associate skills

Phone Calls, 21%
Math, 13%
Customer Service, 13%
Basic Math, 11%
Strong Customer Service, 10%
Cash Handling, 8%

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

Updated January 8, 2025

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