Front desk receptionist vs switchboard operator, receptionist

The differences between front desk receptionists and switchboard operators, receptionist 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 switchboard operator, receptionist. Additionally, a front desk receptionist has an average salary of $31,050, which is higher than the $25,889 average annual salary of a switchboard operator, receptionist.

The top three skills for a front desk receptionist include patients, check-in and phone calls. The most important skills for a switchboard operator, receptionist are greeting visitors, data entry, and customer service.

Front desk receptionist vs switchboard operator, receptionist overview

	Front Desk Receptionist	Switchboard Operator, Receptionist
Yearly salary	$31,050	$25,889
Hourly rate	$14.93	$12.45
Growth rate	-	-
Number of jobs	82,593	95,946
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 33%	High School Diploma, 34%
Average age	42	53
Years of experience	2	2

Front desk receptionist vs switchboard operator, receptionist salary

Front desk receptionists and switchboard operators, receptionist have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Front Desk Receptionist	Switchboard Operator, Receptionist
Average salary	$31,050	$25,889
Salary range	Between $24,000 And $39,000	Between $19,000 And $33,000
Highest paying City	Seattle, WA	Spokane Valley, WA
Highest paying state	Alaska	Washington
Best paying company	SightMD	Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital
Best paying industry	Government	Finance

Differences between front desk receptionist and switchboard operator, receptionist education

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

	Front Desk Receptionist	Switchboard Operator, Receptionist
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 33%	High School Diploma, 34%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Front desk receptionist vs switchboard operator, receptionist demographics

Here are the differences between front desk receptionists' and switchboard operators, receptionist' demographics:

	Front Desk Receptionist	Switchboard Operator, Receptionist
Average age	42	53
Gender ratio	Male, 15.4% Female, 84.6%	Male, 5.8% Female, 94.2%
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, 14.6% Unknown, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 15.8% Asian, 3.8% White, 60.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage	6%	19%

Differences between front desk receptionist and switchboard operator, 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.

Switchboard operator, receptionist example responsibilities.

Assist office management and staff with administrative projects/responsibilities such as managing time-sensitive projects, filing, copying, and collating materials.
Operate an antique PBX switchboard, in charge of petty cash and responsible for receipt of incoming funds.
Operate PBX switchboard and develop procedure manuals to ensure consistency.
Assist office management and staff with administrative projects/responsibilities such as managing time-sensitive projects, filing, copying, and collating materials.
Answer switchboard calls; utilizing effective communication and listening skills.
Serve as face-of- company while receiving in-person visitors and directing incoming calls via switchboard.

Front desk receptionist vs switchboard operator, receptionist skills

Common front desk receptionist skills

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

Common switchboard operator, receptionist skills

Greeting Visitors, 16%
Data Entry, 13%
Customer Service, 12%
Front Desk, 7%
Scheduling Appointments, 5%
Telephone Calls, 4%

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 Switchboard Operator, Receptionist

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse office and administrative jobs