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What is a security receptionist and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read

The security receptionist is like an undercover superhero. They look like unassuming receptionists, always there to answer the phone and greet visitors. But really, they are one of the first lines of defense in a building that requires security. The security receptionist protects the people they work with by monitoring visitor activity.

The day-to-day tasks of a security receptionist vary depending on the needs of the office or the flow of visitors. They may sign visitors in or out, issue badges, and accept mail deliveries. The security receptionist may also monitor CCTV footage, patrol the premises, and alert emergency services if there is an intruder.

The eagle-eyed observation skills and quick thinking required for this position usually don't come in a classroom, although about 21.4% of security receptionists do have bachelor's degrees. Instead, most learn the necessary skills for this position on the job. Sometimes, they even have to pass background checks or security clearances.

ScoreSecurity ReceptionistUS Average
Salary
2.7

Avg. Salary $34,748

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
8.6

Growth rate 3%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
10.0
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.58%

Asian 5.27%

Black or African American 12.18%

Hispanic or Latino 21.84%

Unknown 5.30%

White 53.82%

Gender

female 76.17%

male 23.83%

Age - 43
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 - 43
Stress level
8.6

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
4.9

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance
9.4

Work life balance is excellent

6.4 - fair

Security receptionist career paths

Key steps to become a security receptionist

  1. Explore security receptionist education requirements

    Most common security receptionist degrees

    High School Diploma

    31.4 %

    Bachelor's

    26.3 %

    Associate

    25.1 %
  2. Start to develop specific security receptionist skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Customer Service33.50%
    Direct Visitors18.49%
    ID16.85%
    Visitor Badges8.12%
    HR2.99%
  3. Complete relevant security receptionist training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New security receptionists 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 security receptionist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real security receptionist resumes.
  4. Obtain the necessary licensing

    Becoming a licensed security receptionist usually doesn't require a college degree. However, you don't need to pass an exam to become a licensed security receptionist in most of states. 30 states require security receptionists to have license for their work. You can see the list of states below.
    StateEducationExamLicense url
    Alabama--Licensed Personal Security Officer
    Maryland--GUARDS
    AlaskaSpecific course required-Security Guard
    ArkansasSpecific course requiredState exam requiredPrivate Security Officer (PSO)
    CaliforniaSpecific course requiredState exam requiredSecurity Guard Registration
  5. Research security receptionist duties and responsibilities

    • Issue id badges to GlaxoSmithKline visitors, contractors, and employees.
    • Perform various duties such as answering phone lines, monitoring CCTV equipment, and providing access control.
    • include access control, de-escalating mentally challenge patients, & dealing with patients' families.I am CPR & CPI certify.
    • Operate company vehicle during patrol.
  6. Apply for security receptionist jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a security receptionist job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first security receptionist job

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Average security receptionist salary

The average security receptionist salary in the United States is $34,748 per year or $17 per hour. Security receptionist salaries range between $28,000 and $42,000 per year.

Average security receptionist salary
$34,748 Yearly
$16.71 hourly

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How do security receptionists rate their job?

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Security receptionist reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2024
Pros

Good work life balance, low stress and responsibility


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A zippia user wrote a review on Jan 2022
Pros

Meeting a lot of different people have helped people in this job

Cons

The pay is not worth what you have to do sometimes


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A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2020
Pros

Yes because is a job that deal with helping people that your help and there's a wonderful happiness while working properly and helping people at the sometime.

Cons

One sometimes people will not like you but they need a help from you but to me a don't call it anything now because I know the status of the job even in a building I have work in that area as a security guard department with my license from United Arab Emirates.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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