Greeter vs front desk receptionist

The differences between greeters and front desk 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 greeter and a front desk receptionist. Additionally, a front desk receptionist has an average salary of $31,050, which is higher than the $26,549 average annual salary of a greeter.

The top three skills for a greeter include cleanliness, professional appearance and customer complaints. The most important skills for a front desk receptionist are patients, check-in, and phone calls.

Greeter vs front desk receptionist overview

	Greeter	Front Desk Receptionist
Yearly salary	$26,549	$31,050
Hourly rate	$12.76	$14.93
Growth rate	-	-
Number of jobs	7,188	82,593
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 37%	High School Diploma, 33%
Average age	42	42
Years of experience	2	2

What does a greeter do?

A greeter is a person who greets and welcomes customers and clients into an establishment. Since their job mostly is to greet customers, greeters must possess a friendly and positive attitude. Greeters must be well informed about the establishment so that they can assist and answer the inquiries of customers. They may also be required to watch the entrance door and monitor the area for theft. Greeters may work in different establishments such as department stores, malls, and also churches.

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.

Greeter vs front desk receptionist salary

Greeters and front desk receptionists have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Greeter	Front Desk Receptionist
Average salary	$26,549	$31,050
Salary range	Between $20,000 And $33,000	Between $24,000 And $39,000
Highest paying City	Los Angeles, CA	Seattle, WA
Highest paying state	California	Alaska
Best paying company	Bertucci's	SightMD
Best paying industry	Hospitality	Government

Differences between greeter and front desk receptionist education

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

	Greeter	Front Desk Receptionist
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 37%	High School Diploma, 33%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Greeter vs front desk receptionist demographics

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

	Greeter	Front Desk Receptionist
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 34.6% Female, 65.4%	Male, 15.4% Female, 84.6%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 11.0% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 21.1% Asian, 6.5% White, 55.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%	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	6%	6%

Differences between greeter and front desk receptionist duties and responsibilities

Greeter example responsibilities.

Exceed customers' expectations of service including making reservations, collecting payments and providing superior customer service.
Complete all aspects of POS transactions for handsets and accessories.
Greet and seat guests, wait tables, operate POS system cash register
Perform inventory control, monitor store-wide organization and cleanliness.
Maintain restaurant cleanliness, sanitation and ensure guests comfort.
Review reservations for guest's special request and special occasions and ensure effective implementation.

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.

Greeter vs front desk receptionist skills

Common greeter skills

Cleanliness, 13%
Professional Appearance, 12%
Customer Complaints, 7%
Patients, 7%
Reservations, 7%
Customer Issues, 6%

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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Greeter vs Front Desk Receptionist

Updated January 8, 2025

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