What does a receptionist do? Duties, pay, education and outlook
Receptionists answer phones, greet visitors, schedule appointments and give general information about an organization. A high school diploma or equivalent is typical. BLS reports a median pay of $38,010 per year (May 2025) and short-term on-the-job training. Figures are from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
At a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| SOC code | 43-4171 |
| O*NET code | 43-4171.00 |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Median annual wage | $38,010 per year (May 2025) |
| Projected growth | -2 percent (decline), 2025 to 2035 |
| Number of jobs | 947,500 (2025) |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, accessed 31 October 2026.
What does a receptionist do?
BLS says receptionists answer phones, take messages or forward calls, schedule and confirm appointments, greet and check in visitors and direct or escort them, inform employees of visitor arrivals or cancellations, enter customer information into databases, copy, file and maintain documents and handle correspondence. Duties vary by employer, and some handle billing.
Work environment
Receptionists are employed in virtually every industry. Healthcare and social assistance employ 42 percent, professional, scientific and technical services 11 percent, personal care services 7 percent and fitness and recreational sports centers 6 percent.
Education, training and licensing
BLS says a high school diploma or equivalent is typical, and software skills such as word processing and spreadsheets can help. Training is short-term and on the job.
Skills that matter
BLS lists communication, computer, customer-service, integrity, interpersonal and organizational skills as important qualities for this work.
How much does a receptionist make?
BLS reports a median annual wage of $38,010 for receptionists (May 2025). The median is the wage at which half of workers earned more and half earned less. See the OOH pay tab and the OEWS data for your area. Our guide to researching pay explains how to read the figures.
Job outlook
BLS projects employment of receptionists to decline 2 percent from 2025 to 2035. Even so, about 105,100 openings are projected each year on average. A shrinking occupation can still hire, but expect more competition for each opening.
How to get hired
- Highlight scheduling software, phone systems and the volume of calls or visitors you handled.
- Show results on your resume: the tools you used, the volume you handled and the outcomes, without private customer or employer details.
- If you lack experience, see the no-experience resume guide.
- Practice with the interview prep hub.
When you are ready, search jobs on LiveRec.
Related occupations
Administrative assistants, Customer service representatives, Medical assistants, Tellers, Bookkeeping, accounting and auditing clerks.
Frequently asked questions
Is receptionist a declining job? BLS projects employment to decline 2 percent from 2025 to 2035, but still expects about 105,100 openings per year from replacement needs.
What education do receptionists need? BLS says a high school diploma or equivalent is typical, and software skills can help.
How much do receptionists make? BLS reports a median annual wage of $38,010 for receptionists (May 2025). Half of workers earned more and half earned less. Pay varies by employer, region and experience.
Is receptionist a good career? BLS projects a 2 percent decline from 2025 to 2035. About 105,100 openings are projected each year. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, so read the duties and work environment above.
Related guides
- What Does an Administrative Assistant Do? Pay, Outlook
- Customer Service Representative: Duties, Pay, Outlook
- What Does a Medical Assistant Do? Duties, Pay, Outlook
- What Does a Bank Teller Do? Duties, Pay, Outlook
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Receptionists: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/receptionists.htm (accessed 31 October 2026)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ (accessed 31 October 2026)
- O*NET OnLine, 43-4171.00: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/43-4171.00 (accessed 31 October 2026)
This is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change and your situation may differ. Consult a licensed attorney or qualified adviser.