Receptionists and Information Clerks
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.
Also called: Appointment Clerk, Appointment Scheduler, Appointment Setter, Automobile Club Information Clerk (Auto Club Info Clerk), Bilingual Receptionist, Call Center Agent
Median pay
$38,010
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$28,760 – $49,950
People employed
910,180
Holland code
CES
Conventional · Enterprising · Social
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
- 2.Do you want to stay at 40 hours a week or less?
- 3.Do you want a job with little physical risk?
- 4.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
- 5.Do you prefer working indoors?
- 6.Are you happy talking and working with people most of the day?
- 7.Do you enjoy serving customers or the public?
- 8.Are you OK repeating the same tasks most of the day?
Receptionists and Information Clerks pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (50 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
Receptionists and Information Clerks salary in every state →
What receptionists and information clerks do
- 01Operate telephone switchboard to answer, screen, or forward calls, providing information, taking messages, or scheduling appointments.
- 02Greet persons entering establishment, determine nature and purpose of visit, and direct or escort them to specific destinations.
- 03Receive payment and record receipts for services.
- 04Schedule appointments and maintain and update appointment calendars.
- 05Analyze data to determine answers to questions from customers or members of the public.
- 06Calculate and quote rates for tours, stocks, insurance policies, or other products or services.
Skills that matter most
- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Writing
- Monitoring
Knowledge
- Customer and Personal Service
- Administrative
- English Language
- Computers and Electronics
- Mathematics
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Cooperation
- Social Orientation
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- On-the-job training: over 1 month, up to and including 3 months.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from receptionists and information clerks
- Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive93% · +25%
- Office Clerks, General93% · +18%
- Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants92% · +21%
- Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service91% · +2%
- Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants85% · +101%
Change into receptionists and information clerks
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Telephone Operators92% · $41,740
- Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service91% · $38,630
- Office Clerks, General90% · $45,010
- Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants87% · $45,930
- Cashiers84% · $32,880
Majors that lead here
- Veterinary Reception/Receptionist
- Receptionist
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.