How To Become A Receptionist Telephone Operator: What It Is and Career Path

What is a receptionist telephone operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

The average receptionist telephone operator salary is $27,595. The most common degree is a high school diploma degree with an business major. It usually takes 1-2 years of experience to become a receptionist telephone operator. Receptionist telephone operators with a Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) certification earn more money. Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 0% and produce 4,300 job opportunities across the U.S.

ScoreReceptionist Telephone OperatorUS Average

Salary

2.2

Avg. Salary $27,595

Avg. Salary $59,228

Diversity

8.9

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.89%

Asian 6.18%

Black or African American 11.39%

Hispanic or Latino 21.30%

Unknown 4.61%

White 55.63%

Gender

female 87.87%

male 12.13%

Age - 41

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 41

Stress level

7.2

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

4.7

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance

8.4

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a receptionist telephone operator

Explore receptionist telephone operator education requirements

Most common receptionist telephone operator degrees

High School Diploma

32.1 %

Bachelor's

27.7 %

Associate

21.1 %

Start to develop specific receptionist telephone operator skills

Skills	Percentages
Scheduling Appointments	24.44%
Patients	15.50%
Customer Service	11.66%
Direct Visitors	11.08%
Telephone Calls	6.07%

Complete relevant receptionist telephone operator training and internships

Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New receptionist telephone operators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a receptionist telephone operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real receptionist telephone operator resumes.

Research receptionist telephone operator duties and responsibilities

Assist office management and staff with administrative projects/responsibilities such as managing time-sensitive projects, filing, copying, and collating materials.
Perform receptionist duties and registration of patients.
Establish accurate accounts for each guest upon check-in according to their requirements and ensure guest paperwork or documentation are filed appropriately.
Work at switchboards at a variety of businesses and handle outgoing, interoffice or incoming calls.

Prepare your receptionist telephone operator resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your receptionist telephone operator resume.

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Choose from 10+ customizable receptionist telephone operator resume templates

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