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The differences between office administrators and office receptionists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both an office administrator and an office receptionist. Additionally, an office administrator has an average salary of $37,423, which is higher than the $33,554 average annual salary of an office receptionist.
The top three skills for an office administrator include customer service, patients and data entry. The most important skills for an office receptionist are patients, customer service, and phone calls.
| Office Administrator | Office Receptionist | |
| Yearly salary | $37,423 | $33,554 |
| Hourly rate | $17.99 | $16.13 |
| Growth rate | -5% | - |
| Number of jobs | 118,096 | 80,143 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 48% | Bachelor's Degree, 36% |
| Average age | 47 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
Office administrators are employees who ensure that the office is running in tip-top shape. They manage the administrative needs of the office. They answer calls directed to the official company phone, manage the inventory of supplies, take charge or purchase requisitions for needed supplies, and ensure the office equipment and fixtures are taken care of. Office administrators also manage correspondences, official memoranda, and other official company documents. They also keep track of files and records to ensure that these are properly organized. At times, office administrators also take charge of welcoming guests and accompanying them to their respective meetings.
An office receptionist, or administrative assistant, performs various administrative tasks for an organization. These tasks may include answering phone calls, providing the public and customers with information, and warmly welcoming, greeting, and directing visitors or guests accordingly. Additionally, an office receptionist is responsible for maintaining security by issuing visitor badges, monitoring logbooks, and following procedures. Administrative assistants are also responsible for preparing and processing travel vouchers and other documents. Some employers prefer someone with a college or bachelor's degree, telephone skills, and excellent communication skills.
Office administrators and office receptionists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Office Administrator | Office Receptionist | |
| Average salary | $37,423 | $33,554 |
| Salary range | Between $28,000 And $48,000 | Between $27,000 And $41,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | Minneapolis, MN |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory | Dairy Farmers of America |
| Best paying industry | Government | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between an office administrator and an office receptionist in terms of educational background:
| Office Administrator | Office Receptionist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 48% | Bachelor's Degree, 36% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Western Carolina University | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between office administrators' and office receptionists' demographics:
| Office Administrator | Office Receptionist | |
| Average age | 47 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 14.7% Female, 85.3% | Male, 9.5% Female, 90.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 10.1% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 20.5% Asian, 7.9% White, 55.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% | Black or African American, 10.3% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 22.6% Asian, 6.4% White, 55.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |