Front desk receptionist vs office receptionist

The differences between front desk receptionists and office receptionists 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 an office receptionist. Additionally, an office receptionist has an average salary of $33,554, 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 an office receptionist are patients, customer service, and phone calls.

Front desk receptionist vs office receptionist overview

	Front Desk Receptionist	Office Receptionist
Yearly salary	$31,050	$33,554
Hourly rate	$14.93	$16.13
Growth rate	-	-
Number of jobs	82,593	80,143
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 33%	Bachelor's Degree, 36%
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 an office receptionist do?

An office receptionist, or administrative assistant, performs various administrative tasks for an organization. These tasks may include answering phone calls, providing the public and customers with information, and warmly welcoming, greeting, and directing visitors or guests accordingly. Additionally, an office receptionist is responsible for maintaining security by issuing visitor badges, monitoring logbooks, and following procedures. Administrative assistants are also responsible for preparing and processing travel vouchers and other documents. Some employers prefer someone with a college or bachelor's degree, telephone skills, and excellent communication skills.

Front desk receptionist vs office receptionist salary

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

	Front Desk Receptionist	Office Receptionist
Average salary	$31,050	$33,554
Salary range	Between $24,000 And $39,000	Between $27,000 And $41,000
Highest paying City	Seattle, WA	Minneapolis, MN
Highest paying state	Alaska	Alaska
Best paying company	SightMD	Dairy Farmers of America
Best paying industry	Government	Manufacturing

Differences between front desk receptionist and office receptionist education

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

	Front Desk Receptionist	Office Receptionist
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 33%	Bachelor's Degree, 36%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	University of Pennsylvania

Front desk receptionist vs office receptionist demographics

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

	Front Desk Receptionist	Office Receptionist
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 15.4% Female, 84.6%	Male, 9.5% Female, 90.5%
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, 10.3% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 22.6% Asian, 6.4% White, 55.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage	6%	6%

Differences between front desk receptionist and office receptionist 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.

Office receptionist example responsibilities.

Verify insurance information and manage medical records while ensuring confidentiality according to HIPAA requirements.
Answer phones, make copies, Microsoft, PowerPoint, scheduling, greet and interact with clients, filing and mailing.
Complete and audit payroll for accuracy.
Process payroll and monthly/quarterly sales tax liabilities.
Stock exam rooms, sterilize instruments and occasionally assist physician with patients.
Provide high-quality customer-service to patients by treating them respectfully and t with discretion.

Front desk receptionist vs office receptionist skills

Common front desk receptionist skills

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

Common office receptionist skills

Patients, 20%
Customer Service, 15%
Phone Calls, 12%
Data Entry, 9%
Front Desk, 6%
Appointment Scheduling, 5%

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

Updated January 8, 2025

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