Information and Record Clerks

How to become a Receptionist or Information Clerk

Official title: Receptionists and Information Clerks

Also called: Clerk Specialist, Front Desk Receptionist, Greeter, Information Assistant (Info Assistant), Medical Receptionist, Member Services Representative (Member Services Rep), Office Assistant, Receptionist, Registration Clerk, Scheduler

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.

Main tasks

Operate telephone switchboard to answer, screen, or forward calls, providing information, taking messages, or scheduling appointments.
Greet persons entering establishment, determine nature and purpose of visit, and direct or escort them to specific destinations.
Receive payment and record receipts for services.
Schedule appointments and maintain and update appointment calendars.
Transmit information or documents to customers, using computer, mail, or facsimile machine.
Hear and resolve complaints from customers or the public.
File and maintain records.
Provide information about establishment, such as location of departments or offices, employees within the organization, or services provided.

How to become one

Receptionists typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and good communication skills.

Typical education to start: High school diploma or equivalent

Read the full guide from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

Median pay: $38,010 a year The middle half earn $33,960 to $45,130.
About 947,500 people work in this job now, and about 931,600 are projected by 2035. (-1.7%)
People already use generative AI for some of this work. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as medium.

Questions people ask

How do I become a Receptionist or Information Clerk?

Receptionists typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and good communication skills.

How much does a Receptionist or Information Clerk earn in the US?

Median full-time pay is $38,010 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The middle half earn $33,960 to $45,130.

Is a Receptionist or Information Clerk a growing career in the US?

Employment is projected to stay about the same by 2035: about 947,500 people now and 931,600 later (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Do you need a degree to become a Receptionist or Information Clerk?

Usually not. Only 21% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Will AI change the work of a Receptionist or Information Clerk?

People already use generative AI for some of this work. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as medium.

Sources

Microsoft Research: Working with AI: AI applicability by occupation (2025-12-22 (built on O*NET 29.0)), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment Projections (2025-35 (released 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook (2025-35 edition (published 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS); photographs excluded, retrieved 2026-10-03
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03

Updated 2026-10-03

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.