Receptionist: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Designed to equip professionals with essential administrative and communication competencies, this program focuses on the critical role of frontline support in organizational operations. Students develop the skills needed to manage high-volume communication environments with efficiency, accuracy, and professionalism across diverse business settings.
- Telephone and Communication Systems Operation: Learn to manage advanced telephone switchboards, digital communication platforms, and related equipment to ensure seamless call routing and system functionality.
- Professional Call Handling and Response Protocols: Master techniques for answering calls with clarity, courtesy, and promptness, including handling urgent inquiries and directing callers appropriately.
- Information Management and Recordkeeping: Develop proficiency in maintaining accurate logs of incoming calls, visitor interactions, and correspondence using both digital and manual systems.
- Interoffice Communication and Coordination: Gain skills in relaying messages between departments, managing internal call transfers, and supporting efficient workflow across teams.
- Scheduling and Calendar Administration: Learn to organize and maintain complex appointment calendars, coordinate meetings, and manage time-sensitive administrative tasks.
- Business Correspondence and Public Relations Fundamentals: Understand core principles of professional communication, including tone, etiquette, and the role of reception in shaping organizational image.
- Customer Service Excellence in High-Pressure Environments: Build resilience and adaptability in delivering consistent, positive experiences to clients, visitors, and internal stakeholders.
Receptionist Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Receptionist Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Receptionist degrees, including Order Clerks, Customer Service Representatives and Receptionists and Information Clerks. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 3,773,880 professionals.
National Average Salaries
Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
---|---|---|---|---|
Order Clerks 43-4151 | $44,660 | $33,530 - $61,680 | 83,420 | $21.47 |
Customer Service Representatives 43-4051 | $42,830 | $30,690 - $62,730 | 2,725,930 | $20.59 |
Receptionists and Information Clerks 43-4171 | $37,230 | $28,280 - $48,870 | 964,530 | $17.90 |
Receptionist Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $33,940 in Louisiana to $48,353 in Massachusetts—a 42% difference. The highest-paying states include Massachusetts, District of Columbia, and Washington. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 3,773,880 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Receptionist by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 11 institutions offering Receptionist programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Receptionist is found at Renton Technical College (RTC) (18 graduates), Gateway Technical College (16 graduates), Spokane Community College (SCC) (12 graduates), Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC) (12 graduates), and Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC) (9 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 87 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Renton Technical College (RTC) |
Residency
Other Award
|
18 | Renton, Washington | Public | rtc.edu |
Gateway Technical College |
Other Award
|
16 | Kenosha, Wisconsin | Public | gtc.edu |
Spokane Community College (SCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
12 | Spokane, Washington | Public | scc.spokane.edu |
Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC) |
Other Award
|
12 | Eau Claire, Wisconsin | Public | cvtc.edu |
Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC) |
Residency
|
9 | Appleton, Wisconsin | Public | fvtc.edu |
South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) |
Other Award
|
6 | Olympia, Washington | Public | spscc.edu |
Nicolet Area Technical College |
Other Award
|
4 | Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Public | nicoletcollege.edu |
South Central College (SCC) |
Other Award
|
3 | North Mankato, Minnesota | Public | southcentral.edu |
Peninsula College |
Other Award
|
3 | Port Angeles, Washington | Public | pencol.edu |
The University of Montana (UM) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
2 | Missoula, Montana | Public | umt.edu |
Dickinson State University (DSU) |
Other Award
|
2 | Dickinson, North Dakota | Public | dickinsonstate.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Receptionist programs
How much can I earn with a Receptionist degree?
Salaries for Receptionist graduates vary by role and location. Order Clerks earn a median of $44,660 annually, while Customer Service Representatives earn around $42,830. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Massachusetts average $48,353 compared to $33,940 in Louisiana. Approximately 3,773,880 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Receptionist programs?
Currently 11 accredited institutions offer Receptionist degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Renton Technical College (RTC) (18 graduates), Gateway Technical College (16 graduates), and Spokane Community College (SCC) (12 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Receptionist growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 154 in 2010 to a peak of 176 in 2020, before declining slightly to 87 in 2023-24. This represents a 44% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Receptionist degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Order Clerks, Customer Service Representatives, and Receptionists and Information Clerks. Related occupations employ approximately 3,773,880 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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