How to become receptionists and information clerkseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Office & Admin Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay

$38,010

25th–75th pct. $33,960–$45,130

Top pay (est.)

$64,900

Top 10% $49,950

Pay in 5 years

$42,000est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

$46,400est.

$39,900–$53,900

Outlook score

29/100

★☆☆☆☆ Weak

AI replacement risk

73%

High

Job growth (10 yr)

−1.7%

105K openings / yr

How to become receptionists and information clerks

Typical education

High school diploma or equivalent

BLS

Related experience

None

On-the-job training

Short-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Receptionists and Information Clerks

Key skills

Service Orientation

3.2

Reading Comprehension

3.1

Active Listening

3.1

Speaking

3.0

Critical Thinking

3.0

Writing

3.0

Social Perceptiveness

2.9

Coordination

2.9

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Administrative

4.5

Customer and Personal Service

3.8

Computers and Electronics

3.6

English Language

3.1

Mathematics

2.7

Communications and Media

2.4

Public Safety and Security

2.4

Education and Training

2.3

What the work involves

Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsGetting InformationOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgePerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicAssisting and Caring for OthersWorking with ComputersMaking Decisions and Solving Problems

Important abilities

Oral ExpressionOral ComprehensionSpeech RecognitionNear VisionSpeech ClarityWritten Expression

Education of workers

High school diploma

49%

Some college

26%

Post-secondary certificate

21%

Associate's degree

Training before entry

Up to 1 month

34%

1–3 months

30%

None / short demo

17%

3–6 months

12%

6–12 months

Related work experience

1–2 years

27%

3–6 months

21%

4–6 years

15%

None

12%

2–4 years

11%

6–12 months

10%

1–3 months

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as receptionists and information clerks

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	Customer Service Representatives Interact with customers to provide basic or scripted information in response to routine inquiries about products and services.	$44,770	28/100	77%
2	Office Clerks, General Perform duties too varied and diverse to be classified in any specific office clerical occupation, requiring knowledge of office systems and procedures.	$45,010	24/100	83%
3	Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive Perform routine administrative functions such as drafting correspondence, scheduling appointments, organizing and maintaining paper and electronic files, or providing information to callers.	$47,540	24/100	84%
4	First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of clerical and administrative support workers.	$69,500	40/100	80%
5	Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants Perform secretarial duties using specific knowledge of medical terminology and hospital, clinic, or laboratory procedures.	$45,930	41/100	76%
6	Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants Provide high-level administrative support by conducting research, preparing statistical reports, and handling information requests, as well as performing routine administrative functions such as preparing correspondence, receiving visitors, arranging conference calls, and scheduling meetings.	$76,590	39/100	85%

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data

Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.