What Receptionists and Information Clerks do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Receptionists and Information Clerks this way: "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."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Operate telephone switchboard to answer, screen, or forward calls, providing information, taking messages, or scheduling appointments"; "Receive payment and record receipts for services"; "Perform administrative support tasks, such as proofreading, transcribing handwritten information, or operating calculators or computers to work with pay records, invoices, balance sheets, or other documents"; "Greet persons entering establishment, determine nature and purpose of visit, and direct or escort them to specific destinations"; "Hear and resolve complaints from customers or the public".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is high school diploma or equivalent. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is short-term on-the-job training.
Job outlook for Receptionists and Information Clerks
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 947,500 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 931,600 in 2035, a decrease of 15,900 jobs (-1.7%). That is slower than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 105,100 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 11.1% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $38,010, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Receptionists and Information Clerks earn the most
Across the 24 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $35,001 in Texas to $44,190 in Washington, a gap of $9,189 (1.26 times). 14 of those 24 states average above the BLS national median of $38,010 and 10 average at or below it.
New Jersey employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 103,190, which is 10.8% of the 958,180 counted across them. New York follows with 93,210.
Highest-paying states
Washington ($44,190), California ($44,079) and New York ($43,518) lead the ranking, while Texas ($35,001) and Georgia ($35,902) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Receptionists and Information Clerks: pay against the cost of living
We compare 33 labor markets, each represented by its most populous county. After federal, Social Security, Medicare and state taxes and the four basics (a one-bedroom rental, food, home energy and gasoline), the largest yearly margin is in Jefferson County, WV (Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV) at $14,352. The weakest market is Kings County, NY, where the basics cost $4,701 more than take-home pay.
The median wage for this occupation covers all four basics in 27 of the 33 markets and falls short in 6. A one-bedroom apartment takes between 37.0% and 90.5% of take-home pay, depending on the market.
Occupations related to Receptionists and Information Clerks
Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (43-4000) include Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs, Court, Municipal, and License Clerks, Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan and Customer Service Representatives.
Frequently asked questions about Receptionists and Information Clerks
What is the national median wage for Receptionists and Information Clerks?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $38,010. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $35,001 to $44,190.
Which state pays Receptionists and Information Clerks the most?
Washington, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $44,190. California is next at $44,079.
What is the job outlook for Receptionists and Information Clerks?
BLS projects employment to shrink by 1.7% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 105,100 openings a year.
What education do Receptionists and Information Clerks need?
The typical entry-level education is high school diploma or equivalent and short-term on-the-job training, according to BLS.
Where can Receptionists and Information Clerks afford to live best?
Among the markets covered, Jefferson County, WV leaves the largest yearly margin after taxes, rent, food, energy and gasoline: $14,352 on a median wage of $41,240.