What is a Receptionist or Information Clerk?
Receptionist or Information Clerk Example Answer inquiries and provide information to the general public, customers, visitors, and other interested parties regarding activities conducted at establishment and location of departments, offices, and employees within the organization.
A Day in the Life of a Receptionist or Information Clerk
- Schedule appointments and maintain and update appointment calendars.
- Schedule space or equipment for special programs and prepare lists of participants.
- Operate telephone switchboard to answer, screen, or forward calls, providing information, taking messages, or scheduling appointments.
- Keep a current record of staff members' whereabouts and availability.
- Take orders for merchandise or materials and send them to the proper departments to be filled.
- Hear and resolve complaints from customers or the public.
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Receptionist or Information Clerk Skills
Receptionists and Information Clerks state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Types of Receptionist or Information Clerk
- Member Service Representative
- Information Assistant
- Unit Assistant
- Receptionist
- Telephone Answerer
Receptionist or Information Clerk Employment Estimates
In the United States, there were 1,053,700 jobs for Receptionist or Information Clerk in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 9.1% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 95,500 new jobs for Receptionist or Information Clerk by 2026. There will be an estimated 151,100 positions for Receptionist or Information Clerk per year.

The states with the most job growth for Receptionist or Information Clerk are Utah, Arizona, and Colorado. Watch out if you plan on working in Maine, Mississippi, or Rhode Island. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
What is the Average Salary of a Receptionist or Information Clerk
The typical yearly salary for Receptionists and Information Clerks is somewhere between $20,600 and $41,660.

Receptionists and Information Clerks who work in District of Columbia, Alaska, or Connecticut, make the highest salaries.
How much do Receptionists and Information Clerks make in different U.S. states?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $26,320 |
Alaska | $35,310 |
Arizona | $30,050 |
Arkansas | $27,200 |
California | $33,190 |
Colorado | $32,360 |
Connecticut | $34,860 |
Delaware | $27,160 |
District of Columbia | $38,290 |
Florida | $29,120 |
Georgia | $27,840 |
Hawaii | $32,870 |
Idaho | $28,900 |
Illinois | $30,210 |
Indiana | $28,520 |
Iowa | $29,410 |
Kansas | $27,540 |
Kentucky | $27,390 |
Louisiana | $24,990 |
Maine | $30,380 |
Maryland | $30,720 |
Massachusetts | $32,960 |
Michigan | $29,690 |
Minnesota | $31,150 |
Mississippi | $26,370 |
Missouri | $27,550 |
Montana | $27,450 |
Nebraska | $28,820 |
Nevada | $28,440 |
New Hampshire | $31,080 |
New Jersey | $33,120 |
New Mexico | $27,690 |
New York | $34,430 |
North Carolina | $28,410 |
North Dakota | $29,480 |
Ohio | $27,850 |
Oklahoma | $28,210 |
Oregon | $31,670 |
Pennsylvania | $28,700 |
Rhode Island | $33,670 |
South Carolina | $27,660 |
South Dakota | $27,280 |
Tennessee | $27,990 |
Texas | $27,400 |
Utah | $27,890 |
Vermont | $33,750 |
Virginia | $30,050 |
Washington | $33,990 |
West Virginia | $26,660 |
Wisconsin | $29,610 |
Wyoming | $29,000 |
What Tools & Technology do Receptionists and Information Clerks Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Receptionists and Information Clerks may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- Data entry software
- Email software
- Microsoft Windows
- Database software
- Microsoft Dynamics
- IBM Notes
- Microsoft Publisher
- Google Docs
- FileMaker Pro
- Intuit QuickBooks
- Google Drive
- Medical procedure coding software
- Blackbaud The Raiser’s Edge
- Medical condition coding software
How do I Become a Receptionist or Information Clerk?
What education or degrees do I need to become a Receptionist or Information Clerk?

What work experience do I need to become a Receptionist or Information Clerk?

Who Employs Receptionists and Information Clerks?

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

Related Careers
Those thinking about becoming a Receptionist or Information Clerk might also be interested in the following careers:
Those who work as a Receptionist or Information Clerk sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
References:
Image Credit: Jace Armstrong via public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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