Front desk receptionist vs front desk coordinator

The differences between front desk receptionists and front desk coordinators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a front desk receptionist and a front desk coordinator. Additionally, a front desk coordinator has an average salary of $31,667, which is higher than the $31,050 average annual salary of a front desk receptionist.

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

Front desk receptionist vs front desk coordinator overview

	Front Desk Receptionist	Front Desk Coordinator
Yearly salary	$31,050	$31,667
Hourly rate	$14.93	$15.22
Growth rate	-	-
Number of jobs	82,593	119,803
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 33%	Bachelor's Degree, 29%
Average age	42	42
Years of experience	2	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 coordinator do?

A Front-Desk Coordinator is the point of contact in a commercial establishment or building such as offices, clinics, salons, and even government agencies. The primary responsibility of a Front-Desk Coordinator is to greet and assist clients of their needs, such as filling-up registrations, appointing schedules, directing clients, and bridging information in a building. Because of these responsibilities, it is crucial to have a pleasing personality and excellent communication skills. Moreover, a Front-Desk Coordinator can also have the task of correspondence in which they are to communicate with clients through calls and emails.

Front desk receptionist vs front desk coordinator salary

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

	Front Desk Receptionist	Front Desk Coordinator
Average salary	$31,050	$31,667
Salary range	Between $24,000 And $39,000	Between $26,000 And $38,000
Highest paying City	Seattle, WA	Seattle, WA
Highest paying state	Alaska	Alaska
Best paying company	SightMD	University of California, Berkeley
Best paying industry	Government	Health Care

Differences between front desk receptionist and front desk coordinator education

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

	Front Desk Receptionist	Front Desk Coordinator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 33%	Bachelor's Degree, 29%
Most common major	Business	Health Care Administration
Most common college	-	-

Front desk receptionist vs front desk coordinator demographics

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

	Front Desk Receptionist	Front Desk Coordinator
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 15.4% Female, 84.6%	Male, 9.4% Female, 90.6%
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, 10.7% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 25.6% Asian, 6.0% White, 52.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage	6%	6%

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

File invoices, process payments, collect payments, manage all customer files, using QuickBooks.
Manage check-in and registration process for all appointments including physician appointments and medical imaging.
Manage patient data per HIPAA regulations for scheduling, registration, and verification of insurance eligibility.
Enter patient demographics into computer utilize EMR system.
Verify insurance coverage for require procedures and assist patients with alternative options for payments.
Perform clerical/receptionist duties including greeting patients, check-in, and obtaining accurate insurance/demographic information for a gynecological office.

Front desk receptionist vs front desk coordinator 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 coordinator skills

Patients, 23%
Customer Service, 10%
Check-In, 9%
Front Desk, 9%
Patient Care, 6%
Insurance Verification, 6%

Front Desk Receptionist vs. similar jobs

Front Desk Receptionist related careers

Front Desk Receptionist related jobs

Front Desk Receptionist jobs by location

Zippia Careers
Office and Administrative Industry
Front Desk Receptionist
Front Desk Receptionist vs Front Desk Coordinator

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse office and administrative jobs