How to become a Receptionist

Official title: Receptionists

Also called: Receptionist, Spa receptionist, Receptionist-clerk, Dental receptionist, Office receptionist, Receptionist-typist, Medical receptionist, Business receptionist, Hospital receptionist, Receptionist-secretary, Beauty salon receptionist, Dental office receptionist

Receptionists greet people arriving at offices, hospitals and other establishments, direct visitors to appropriate person or service, answer and forward telephone calls, take messages, schedule appointments and perform other clerical duties. They are employed by hospitals, medical and dental offices and other offices throughout the public and private sectors. Telephone operators are included in this group.

Main tasks

• Receptionists
• Greet people coming into offices and other establishments, direct them to the appropriate contacts or services, provide general information in person and by phone, and may perform clerical duties and maintain front desk security and security access lists
• Schedule appointments, using manual or computerized systems
• Record bookings, handle credit card checks, receive payment, issue receipts
• Hospital admitting clerks
• Interview patients to obtain and process information required to provide hospital and medical services
• Greet patients, schedule appointments, using manual or computerized systems, receive and record payment for services, and direct patients to appropriate areas
• Switchboard and answering service operators

How to become one

Completion of secondary school is usually required. On-the-job training may be provided.

See the full NOC 2021 profile

Pay · Outlook

• Median pay: $40,950 a year The middle half earn $35,100 to $48,750.
• About 144,600 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 157,500 are projected by 2033. (+8.9%)
• Projected labour market to 2033: balance.

Related jobs

• General office support workers
• Personnel clerks
• Court clerks and related court services occupations

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Receptionist?

Completion of secondary school is usually required. On-the-job training may be provided.

How much does a Receptionist earn in Canada?

Median full-time pay is $40,950 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $35,100 to $48,750.

Is a Receptionist a growing career in Canada?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 9% by 2033, from about 144,600 to about 157,500 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).

Do you need a degree to become a Receptionist?

Usually not. Only 15% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Sources

• Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
• Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
• Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
• Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03

Updated 2026-10-03