Front desk receptionist vs front desk clerk

The differences between front desk receptionists and front desk clerks 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 $26,669 average annual salary of a front desk clerk.

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

Front desk receptionist vs front desk clerk overview

	Front Desk Receptionist	Front Desk Clerk
Yearly salary	$31,050	$26,669
Hourly rate	$14.93	$12.82
Growth rate	-	-
Number of jobs	82,593	141,042
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 33%	High School Diploma, 35%
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 clerk do?

Front desk clerks are responsible for welcoming office guests and accommodating any questions they may have. As their designation suggests, they are usually stationed at the entrance or front of the office. They are often the first company employee that a guest encounters upon reaching the office area. Front desk clerks should be familiar with the office space and the employees of the company so that they can effectively direct guests or visitors. Front desk clerks should also have a copy of the general schedule of appointments or meetings in the office so that they can let in guests accordingly. They also often do most of the administrative or clerical activities needed by the front office. They should have great interpersonal skills, patience, and communication skills.

Front desk receptionist vs front desk clerk salary

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

	Front Desk Receptionist	Front Desk Clerk
Average salary	$31,050	$26,669
Salary range	Between $24,000 And $39,000	Between $21,000 And $33,000
Highest paying City	Seattle, WA	San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state	Alaska	Hawaii
Best paying company	SightMD	Hilton Grand Vacations
Best paying industry	Government	Retail

Differences between front desk receptionist and front desk clerk education

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

	Front Desk Receptionist	Front Desk Clerk
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 33%	High School Diploma, 35%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Front desk receptionist vs front desk clerk demographics

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

	Front Desk Receptionist	Front Desk Clerk
Average age	42	37
Gender ratio	Male, 15.4% Female, 84.6%	Male, 24.2% Female, 75.8%
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, 10.9% Unknown, 6.5% Hispanic or Latino, 20.3% Asian, 9.4% White, 51.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.3%
LGBT Percentage	6%	13%

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

Manage customer service issues with ease and charm and train other co workers in daily operations.
Deliver messages and run errands.
Job responsibilities consist of being a cashier, bagging groceries, assisting customers, stocking, cleaning, etc.
Cross-Train and provide back-up for PBX representatives when necessary.
Follow emergency procedures for evacuating property safely via PBX phone.
Advertise Ramada facilities by creating fliers, arranging promotions, and facilitating group reservations.

Front desk receptionist vs front desk clerk 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 clerk skills

Reservations, 36%
Customer Service, 14%
Night Audit, 4%
Computer System, 4%
Room Availability, 4%
Guest Service, 3%

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

Updated January 8, 2025

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