Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
Working effectively with people by building relationships, understanding others, and responding appropriately.
Understanding customer needs and providing helpful, professional service.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Receptionists typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and good communication skills. PayThe median hourly wage for receptionists was $18.27 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of receptionists is projected to decline 2 percent from 2025 to 2035. Despite declining employment, about 105,100 openings for receptionists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for receptionists. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of receptionists with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about receptionists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Review training, certifications, apprenticeships, or employer-based preparation that may support entry into this career.
Pay
The median hourly wage for receptionists was $18.27 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of receptionists is projected to decline 2 percent from 2025 to 2035. Despite declining employment, about 105,100 openings for receptionists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for receptionists. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of receptionists with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about receptionists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Employment of receptionists is projected to decline 2 percent from 2025 to 2035. Despite declining employment, about 105,100 openings for receptionists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for receptionists. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of receptionists with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about receptionists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Receptionists do tasks such as answering phones, receiving visitors, and providing information about their organization to the public.
Work Environment
Receptionists are employed in nearly every industry.
How to Become a Receptionist
Receptionists typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and good communication skills.
Pay
The median hourly wage for receptionists was $18.27 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of receptionists is projected to decline 2 percent from 2025 to 2035.
Despite declining employment, about 105,100 openings for receptionists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for receptionists.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of receptionists with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about receptionists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Receptionists are employed in nearly every industry.
How to Become a Receptionist
Receptionists typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and good communication skills.
Pay
The median hourly wage for receptionists was $18.27 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of receptionists is projected to decline 2 percent from 2025 to 2035.
Despite declining employment, about 105,100 openings for receptionists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for receptionists.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of receptionists with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about receptionists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for receptionists.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of receptionists with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about receptionists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about receptionists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
Explore Training Options
Review training, certifications, apprenticeships, or employer-based preparation that may support entry into this career.
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.