Receptionists and information clerks
SOC Code: 43-4171
Receptionists and information clerks carries a 76% AI exposure score (Very High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $37,230 and 0.0% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 1,007,200 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 76% AI exposure, Receptionists and information clerks sits 39 points above the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 98% of them. It is one of just 21 occupations above the 70% high-exposure line.
Where Receptionists and information clerks sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Receptionists and information clerks has ai exposure of 76%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Receptionists and information clerks vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Receptionists and information clerks is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Receptionists and information clerks (SOC 43-4171) carries an AI exposure score of 76%, placing it in the Very High automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score above 70% signals that the majority of core duties are already technically automatable, workers in these roles face the steepest near-term displacement pressure.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 1,007,200 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a 0.0% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $37,230, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Receptionists and information clerks. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Operate telephone switchboard to answer, screen, or forward calls, providing information, taking messages, or scheduling appointments.
- 2. Greet persons entering establishment, determine nature and purpose of visit, and direct or escort them to specific destinations.
- 3. Receive payment and record receipts for services.
- 4. Schedule appointments and maintain and update appointment calendars.
- 5. Analyze data to determine answers to questions from customers or members of the public.
- 6. Calculate and quote rates for tours, stocks, insurance policies, or other products or services.
- 7. Transmit information or documents to customers, using computer, mail, or facsimile machine.
- 8. Hear and resolve complaints from customers or the public.
- 9. File and maintain records.
- 10. Provide information about establishment, such as location of departments or offices, employees within the organization, or services provided.
Key Skills Required
- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Service Orientation
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Social Perceptiveness
- Writing
- Coordination
- Monitoring
- Time Management
Knowledge Areas
- Customer and Personal Service
- Administrative
- English Language
- Computers and Electronics
- Mathematics
- Public Safety and Security
- Administration and Management
- Telecommunications
- Personnel and Human Resources
- Communications and Media
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Receptionists and information clerks?
Receptionists and information clerks has an AI exposure score of 76%, indicating a very high level of automation risk. Many tasks in this role involve routine data processing and pattern recognition that current AI systems can perform.
What is the job outlook for Receptionists and information clerks?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Receptionists and information clerks is projected to grow by 0.0% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 1,007,200 workers.
What skills are needed for Receptionists and information clerks?
Key skills for Receptionists and information clerks include Speaking, Active Listening, Service Orientation, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Receptionists and information clerks earn?
The median annual wage for Receptionists and information clerks is $37,230, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Receptionists and information clerks?
The typical entry-level education for Receptionists and information clerks is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Short-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Receptionists and information clerks?
Receptionists and information clerks roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Very High automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. A majority of tasks in this occupation are susceptible to AI automation.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).