Receptionist: Career Overview

Official government data · Updated April 2026

Receptionists earn a national median of $37,230/yr with 0% projected employment growth over 2024–2034. The role draws on expertise in Customer and Personal Service, Administrative, English Language.

Median Salary

$37,230

National · 2024

10-Year Growth

0%

Slower than average

Employed Nationally

964,530

2024 data

Typical Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Entry-level

What Employers Expect From a Receptionist

These are the competencies recruiters screen for in Receptionist candidates, ranked by importance. Your resume should demonstrate each one:

1 Speaking 2 Active Listening 3 Service Orientation 4 Reading Comprehension 5 Critical Thinking 6 Social Perceptiveness 7 Writing 8 Coordination 9 Monitoring 10 Time Management

Knowledge Areas

Core knowledge domains most important for Receptionist performance, based on verified occupational data.

Customer and Personal Service Administrative English Language Computers and Electronics Mathematics

Tools & Technologies

High-demand tools and technologies for Receptionist roles.

Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Outlook Microsoft Word Google Docs Intuit QuickBooks Microsoft Dynamics Microsoft PowerPoint Microsoft Windows

Job Outlook: 2024–2034

Employment is projected to grow 0% for Receptionist roles over the 2024–2034 decade. That's slower than average compared to the 4% average across all occupations.

Current Employment
964,530
Projected Growth
0%
Typical Education
High school diploma or equivalent

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Receptionist do?
Receptionists apply expertise in Customer and Personal Service, Administrative, English Language to perform their core responsibilities. Key competencies include Speaking, Active Listening, Service Orientation, Reading Comprehension.
How much does a Receptionist make?
The national median salary for a Receptionist is $37,230 per year based on official government wage survey data. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.
Is Receptionist a good career in 2026?
Employment for Receptionist roles is projected to grow 0% over the 2024–2034 decade — slower than average compared to all occupations. There are currently 964,530 workers in this occupation nationally.
What education do you need to become a Receptionist?
The typical entry-level education for a Receptionist is High school diploma or equivalent. Requirements vary by employer and specialization.
What skills do Receptionists need?
The most important skills for Receptionist roles based on verified occupational data: Speaking, Active Listening, Service Orientation, Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, Social Perceptiveness, Writing, Coordination, Monitoring, Time Management. Key tools and technologies include: Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, Google Docs.

Does Your Resume Cover These Skills?

Tap the skills that are currently on your resume.

Salary, employment, and skills figures sourced from official U.S. government records and occupational databases. Actual compensation and requirements vary by location, experience, and employer. Salary and employment figures from official U.S. government records. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.