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Front office agent vs front desk clerk

The differences between front office agents and front desk clerks can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a front office agent has an average salary of $34,773, which is higher than the $26,669 average annual salary of a front desk clerk.

The top three skills for a front office agent include reservations, hotel services and excellent guest. The most important skills for a front desk clerk are reservations, customer service, and night audit.

Front office agent vs front desk clerk overview

Front Office AgentFront Desk Clerk
Yearly salary$34,773$26,669
Hourly rate$16.72$12.82
Growth rate--
Number of jobs106,130141,042
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 54%High School Diploma, 35%
Average age3737
Years of experience--

What does a front office agent do?

Front office agents are a part of a corporation that comes in touch with clients like the marketing, sales, and repair departments. In general offices, the agents can discover more information about the customer by asking them questions, also helping the purchasers out. Agents working within the front office can also affect simple tasks, like checking out emails and printing and typing works. Front office agents used different technologies, too, like using printers, fax machines, and phones.

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 office agent vs front desk clerk salary

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

Front Office AgentFront Desk Clerk
Average salary$34,773$26,669
Salary rangeBetween $28,000 And $42,000Between $21,000 And $33,000
Highest paying City-San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state-Hawaii
Best paying company-Hilton Grand Vacations
Best paying industry-Retail

Differences between front office agent and front desk clerk education

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

Front Office AgentFront Desk Clerk
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 54%High School Diploma, 35%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Front office agent vs front desk clerk demographics

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

Front Office AgentFront Desk Clerk
Average age3737
Gender ratioMale, 39.2% Female, 60.8%Male, 24.2% Female, 75.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.5% Unknown, 7.3% Hispanic or Latino, 23.7% Asian, 11.7% White, 46.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.8%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 Percentage13%13%

Differences between front office agent and front desk clerk duties and responsibilities

Front office agent example responsibilities.

  • Used EMR software to manage patient records and files; reinforce and uphold patient confidentiality as required by HIPAA and clinic.
  • Accommodate special requests whenever possible including making same day reservations and future reservations when necessary.
  • Adhere to all cashiering procedures and act as PBX operator at designate times.
  • Enter in and record wake up call requests then deliver it to the PBX.
  • Detail group resumes insuring that all VIP's are blocked and special requests and amenities are in place.
  • Facilitate VIP treatment for frequent guests with information supply to department management.
  • Show more

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.
  • Show more

Front office agent vs front desk clerk skills

Common front office agent skills
  • Reservations, 24%
  • Hotel Services, 14%
  • Excellent Guest, 6%
  • Cleanliness, 5%
  • Hotel Reservations, 4%
  • Guest Service, 4%
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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