Receptionists and information clerks are the first point of contact for visitors and callers. You manage schedules, answer questions, and keep operations running smoothly. The role requires strong communication skills and attention to detail, and you can start with a high school diploma.
Pathly builds you a free, personalized roadmap and helps your counselor champion you along the way.
Your day involves greeting visitors, answering phones, and directing people to the right department or person. You schedule appointments, manage calendars, and handle basic administrative tasks. You'll work with computers to enter data, retrieve information, and communicate with supervisors and colleagues. You also assist callers and visitors by answering questions about services, policies, or procedures. Problem-solving is part of the job, whether you're figuring out where to route a call or handling a scheduling conflict. You may also monitor security procedures and help ensure a welcoming, organized front-desk experience.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Receptionists and Information Clerks earn a median of $38,010 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is modest. Employment is projected to grow 0 percent from 2024 to 2034, little or no change for all occupations, with about 128,500 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
Most positions require a high school diploma or equivalent. You'll benefit from familiarity with computers, office software, and phone systems, which you can develop through high school courses or on-the-job training. Some employers offer brief training programs to help you learn their specific systems and procedures. Strong speaking and listening skills matter most, along with the ability to stay organized and learn quickly. Consider taking courses in customer service, administrative support, or business communication to strengthen your foundation before applying.
Most people enter this field directly from high school or with some college coursework. If you're deciding between jumping in right away and building skills first, Pathly can map the receptionist and information clerk path that fits you with your counselor to map out a timeline that fits your situation.
You do not need a license to work as a receptionist and information clerk, but professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
You like order and systems. You're comfortable following procedures, working with details, and keeping things organized. You enjoy helping people and communicating clearly.
Reading about a career is the easy part. Turning it into a plan is where most students get stuck. Pathly takes you from curious to a clear next step, and gives your counselor the insight to champion you along the way.
Start with a quick quiz and assessments that surface your personality, your EQ, and what really motivates you, so your next steps are built around who you actually are.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).