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Receptionist Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

A Receptionist, or Front Desk Receptionist, is responsible for performing clerical tasks within an office setting to support daily operations. Their duties include answering and transferring phone calls to employees, sorting and delivering mail to employees and greeting visitors when they arrive for meetings with management or sales staff.

Receptionist duties and responsibilities

Receptionists spend most of their time answering phone calls. However, a Receptionist may also be responsible for:

  • Making appointments for all staff or for specific employees, such as executives
  • Processing bills and helping clients or customers if they have any questions about their charges
  • Organizing files for billing, customer and client records, etc.
  • Directing visitors to the correct office
  • Responding to all customer inquiries in a polite and timely manner

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Receptionist Job Description Examples

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What does a Receptionist do?

Receptionists typically work for companies across industries to assist customers and employees alike. They work closely with office staff to notify them of incoming calls, prepare outgoing mail and make copies or fax documents. Their job is to manage their office tasks while also answering calls from customers, answering questions and helping visitors locate the correct office. They may also be responsible for taking inventory of office supplies and placing orders accordingly.

Receptionist skills and qualifications

Essential skills for a Receptionist to perform well in their role include:

  • Verbal and written communication skills to interact clearly with customers, vendors and other employees
  • Organization skills to keep accurate records and find important information quickly
  • Time management skills to prioritize and complete a side variety of tasks throughout the day
  • Patience and listening skills to respond appropriate and interact positively with upset customers
  • Interpersonal skills to create a pleasant experience for all customers, such as being personable and attentive

Receptionist Salary Expectations

A Receptionist makes an average salary of $13.60 per hour. Pay rate may depend on level of experience, education and the geographical location.

Receptionist Salary Expectations

2025-10-018.0517.5230.50HOURLY
  • Common salary: 17.52 HOURLY
  • Typical salaries range from 8.05 - 30.50 HOURLY
  • Find more information on Indeed Salaries

*Indeed data – 2025-10-01

Receptionist education and training requirements

Most Receptionists need to have a minimum of a high school diploma or a GED, and some roles that would benefit from a college education may substitute on-the-job experience instead. Some community colleges and organizations offer Receptionist certificates that candidates can complete to prove their skills. A good Receptionist is someone with the personality and intelligence to represent your company and always be able to guide clients or customers where they need to go.

Receptionist experience requirements

Many companies hire Receptionists as entry-level employees, which means they’re expected to have zero to three years of experience. Receptionists who will be working with executives or with large or complex companies may be expected to have a higher degree of experience and qualifications.

Job description samples for similar positions

If our Receptionist job posting sample isn’t what you’re looking for, try these related job description samples:

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Three individuals are sitting at a table with a laptop, a disposable coffee cup, notebooks, and a phone visible. Two are facing each other, while the third’s back is to the camera. The setting appears to be a bright room with large windows.

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Frequently asked questions about Receptionists

Job Description Examples

Need help writing a job description for a specific role? Use these job description examples to create your next great job posting. Or if you’re ready to hire, post your job on Indeed.

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