Receptionists
(NOC 1414)
in All Business, Finance, and AdministrationReceptionists greet people arriving at offices, hospitals and other establishments, direct visitors to appropriate person or service, answer and forward telephone calls, take messages, schedule appointments and perform other clerical duties. They are employed by hospitals, medical and dental offices and throughout the public and private sectors. Telephone operators are included in this group.
Job Outlook
Average
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Compared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “average”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is comparable to the average for all occupations in Nova Scotia. This is a fairly large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities occur fairly regularly. The number employed in this occupation is expected to grow slightly over the next few years, which should provide some additional opportunities for employment. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Receptionists may either be working full-time or part-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs are typically permanent positions.
The median employment income for 41% of Receptionists who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $32,177. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$11.55
Minimum$16.25
Median$22.75
MaximumAnnual Pay
$4,496
Minimum$21,099
Median$40,836
MaximumCompared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration
Hourly Pay
$13.00
Minimum$21.03
Median$35.90
MaximumAnnual Pay
$6,754
Minimum$36,515
Median$70,271
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Receptionists greet people arriving at offices, hospitals and other establishments, direct visitors to appropriate person or service, answer and forward telephone calls, take messages, schedule appointments and perform other clerical duties. They are employed by hospitals, medical and dental offices and throughout the public and private sectors. Telephone operators are included in this group.
Job duties
The following is a summary of the main duties for some jobs in this group:
- Receptionists greet people coming into offices and other establishments, direct them to the appropriate contacts or services, provide general information in person and by phone, and may perform clerical duties and maintain front desk security and security access lists.
- Medical and dental receptionists greet patients, schedule appointments, using manual or computerized systems, receive and record payment for services, and direct patients to appropriate areas.
- Hospital admitting clerks interview patients to obtain and process information required to provide hospital and medical services.
- Telephone operators operate telephone systems to advance and complete customers' telephone calls such as long distance, pay telephone, mobile radio/telephone and person to person calls, arrange teleconferences, provide relay phone service to persons with disabilities, and may calculate and record billing information.
- Switchboard operators operate a telephone system or switchboard to answer, screen and forward telephone calls, take messages and provide information as required, and may perform clerical duties.
- Answering service operators answer telephones and record and relay messages.
- Reception desk clerks in a variety of institutional and commercial settings direct customers to appropriate areas, record bookings, handle credit card checks, receive payment, issue receipts, arrange tour reservations and deal with emergency situations.
Sample job titles
- dental receptionist
- emergency admitting clerk
- front desk clerk (except hotel)
- hospital admitting clerk
- information desk clerk
- medical office assistant
- office receptionist
- reception clerk
- receptionist
- switchboard operator
Skills
Good communication and interpersonal skills are critical. Familiarity with computer software and other office equipment is needed and a willingness to learn and adapt to continually changing technology is also important. Your work must be accurate, and you should enjoy repetitive tasks. You should also be cooperative and able to work as part of a team.
Job requirements
- Completion of high school is usually required.
- On-the-job training may be provided.
Other considerations
Some receptionists are required to be bilingual or multilingual to perform their duties. Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
Northern
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
Northern
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Health Care and Social Assistance
Other Services
Retail Trade
Other Professional Services
Finance, Insurance, Real Estate & Leasing
What is the age of Employment?
25-34
15-24
45-54
35-44
55-64
65+
Compared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration
45-54
55-64
35-44
65+
25-34
Top levels of education
College certificate or diploma
$32,865 median annual incomeHigh school
$28,269 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$29,590 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$30,153 median annual incomeLess than high school
$18,514 median annual incomeCompared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration
College certificate or diploma
$33,837 median annual incomeHigh school
$30,074 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$39,473 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$32,871 median annual incomeLess than high school
$23,775 median annual incomeEducation & training
Adult high school/secondary diploma programs
This program is typically offered at the high school level.The Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) administers, coordinates, and supports the development and delivery of adult education programs through learning partners in Nova Scotia. Our learning partners include the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations that offer tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED, empowering Nova Scotians to achieve their learning and employment goals.
Institutions providing this program
Siège Social: 1695, Route 1
Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0
(902) 769-2114
PO Box 220
Halifax, NS B3J 2M4
(866) 679-6722
Various, NS
Various, NS
General office occupations and clerical services
This program may be offered at the college, trades, or university level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to provide basic administrative support under the supervision of office managers, administrative assistants, secretaries, and other office personnel. These programs include courses in typing, keyboarding, filing, general business correspondence, office equipment operation, and communications skills.
Institutions providing this program
6960 Mumford Road, Suite 155-1st Floor Mumford Professional Centre
Halifax, NS B3L 4P1
(902) 455-3395
222 George Street, Suite C
Sydney, NS B1P 1J3
(866) 446-5898
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.