Front office manager vs front desk receptionist

The differences between front office managers and front desk receptionists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a front office manager, becoming a front desk receptionist takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a front office manager has an average salary of $52,141, which is higher than the $31,050 average annual salary of a front desk receptionist.

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

Front office manager vs front desk receptionist overview

	Front Office Manager	Front Desk Receptionist
Yearly salary	$52,141	$31,050
Hourly rate	$25.07	$14.93
Growth rate	18%	-
Number of jobs	80,983	82,593
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 48%	High School Diploma, 33%
Average age	47	42
Years of experience	6	2

What does a front office manager do?

Front office managers act as the senior person in an office setting and are responsible for keeping a professional work environment, administrative support, and staff supervision. They have varied tasks and duties, including managing accounting functions, approving office equipment and supplies, and allocating work assignments. They often use several skills to accomplish their responsibilities, including in-depth knowledge of the organization, a better understanding of the company's offerings and products, and awareness of other employees' different roles.

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 office manager vs front desk receptionist salary

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

	Front Office Manager	Front Desk Receptionist
Average salary	$52,141	$31,050
Salary range	Between $38,000 And $70,000	Between $24,000 And $39,000
Highest paying City	Washington, DC	Seattle, WA
Highest paying state	New York	Alaska
Best paying company	Nomura Securities	SightMD
Best paying industry	Hospitality	Government

Differences between front office manager and front desk receptionist education

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

	Front Office Manager	Front Desk Receptionist
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 48%	High School Diploma, 33%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	Cornell University	-

Front office manager vs front desk receptionist demographics

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

	Front Office Manager	Front Desk Receptionist
Average age	47	42
Gender ratio	Male, 32.2% Female, 67.8%	Male, 15.4% Female, 84.6%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 10.2% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 19.2% Asian, 5.4% White, 59.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%	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 Percentage	8%	6%

Differences between front office manager and front desk receptionist duties and responsibilities

Front office manager example responsibilities.

Serve as managing department head of the newly create small meetings group focusing on short-term incremental business across all Marriott brands.
Process monthly and quarterly taxes * deliver payroll weekly * manage accounts payable/receivable * schedule appointments * direct phone calls
Manage facility procedures relate to insurance and billing and solve patients' queries regarding their insurance renewal and expiry.
Direct all guest service associates, reception managers, agents and PBX with full fiscal responsibilities, including budgeting and forecasting.
Ensure that VIP reservations are appropriately block through close monitoring and proper organization.
Lead trainer for new PMS roll-out, including downtime and upgrade management.

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 office manager vs front desk receptionist skills

Common front office manager skills

Customer Service, 13%
Reservations, 11%
Guest Service, 10%
Payroll, 6%
Patients, 6%
Night Audit, 5%

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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Front Office Manager
Front Office Manager vs Front Desk Receptionist

Updated January 8, 2025

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