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Front end specialist vs front desk receptionist

The differences between front end specialists and front desk receptionists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become a front end specialist, becoming a front desk receptionist takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a front end specialist has an average salary of $48,996, which is higher than the $31,050 average annual salary of a front desk receptionist.

The top three skills for a front end specialist include customer issues, store opening and front end operations. The most important skills for a front desk receptionist are patients, check-in, and phone calls.

Front end specialist vs front desk receptionist overview

Front End SpecialistFront Desk Receptionist
Yearly salary$48,996$31,050
Hourly rate$23.56$14.93
Growth rate-4%-
Number of jobs91,40182,593
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 43%High School Diploma, 33%
Average age4042
Years of experience122

What does a front end specialist do?

As a front-end specialist, you must be skilled in repairing at least one of the systems or components on a vehicle, such as the brakes, suspension, or radiator. Note that your duties as a front-end specialist are not restricted to the repairs of automobiles alone. They also encompass maintaining, servicing, adjusting, and testing machines and moving parts.

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.

Front end specialist vs front desk receptionist salary

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

Front End SpecialistFront Desk Receptionist
Average salary$48,996$31,050
Salary rangeBetween $27,000 And $86,000Between $24,000 And $39,000
Highest paying City-Seattle, WA
Highest paying state-Alaska
Best paying company-SightMD
Best paying industry-Government

Differences between front end specialist and front desk receptionist education

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

Front End SpecialistFront Desk Receptionist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 43%High School Diploma, 33%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Front end specialist vs front desk receptionist demographics

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

Front End SpecialistFront Desk Receptionist
Average age4042
Gender ratioMale, 33.8% Female, 66.2%Male, 15.4% Female, 84.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.2% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 16.8% Asian, 6.8% White, 60.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%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%
LGBT Percentage7%6%

Differences between front end specialist and front desk receptionist duties and responsibilities

Front end specialist example responsibilities.

  • Achieve traffic tracking and SEO with multiple satellite web sites.
  • Assist in training new associates, specifically how to utilize the POS system and front end procedures.
  • Maintain POS systems - install and removal of equipment, troubleshooting with aid of help desk and on own.
  • Conduct research using online federal regulations, review Medicare and Medicaid policy and guidelines to complete an accurate and well-support decision.
  • Assist associates in the layaway department when need.

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.
  • Show more

Front end specialist vs front desk receptionist skills

Common front end specialist skills
  • Customer Issues, 42%
  • Store Opening, 13%
  • Front End Operations, 9%
  • Service Desk, 5%
  • Phone Calls, 5%
  • Customer Complaints, 3%
Common front desk receptionist skills
  • Patients, 23%
  • Check-In, 12%
  • Phone Calls, 10%
  • Reservations, 10%
  • Customer Service, 10%
  • Appointment Scheduling, 5%

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