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Administrative Support Personnel, Dental Office Receptionist, Medical Office Receptionist, Office Personnel, Veterinary Office Receptionist
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
| Starting | $18.44 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $20.93 |
| Top | $23.45 |
Interest in speaking to greet people and provide information in person and by phone
Interest in compiling information to schedule appointments for employers; may perform clerical duties such as filing, and collecting and distributing mail and messages; may maintain security access lists
Interest in handling equipment such as telephones and computers; and in directing clients and customers to appropriate contacts and services; and may maintain front desk security
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Duties vary from one position to another. In general, receptionists greet people entering offices, hospitals, and other establishments. They answer questions and direct visitors to appropriate people or services. They also:
In hospitals, medical clinics, and veterinary clinics, receptionists also obtain information from patients or animal owners, direct people to the appropriate treatment areas, and keep admission records.
Many receptionists work regular office hours. Evening and weekend work is required in hospitals and other establishments that are open for extended hours.
Receptionists interact with people from diverse backgrounds. Working with people and answering telephones can be hectic and stressful, especially when callers or customers are persistent or rude.
Receptionists need:
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 78 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 17, 2020 and Jul 23, 2021.
Review these skills to learn:
| Answer telephone and relay telephone calls and messages | 74 |
|---|---|
| Schedule and confirm appointments | 68 |
| Provide basic information to clients and the public | 67 |
| Obtain and process information required to provide services | 66 |
| Personal Suitability: Excellent oral communication | 60 |
| Personal Suitability: Organized | 60 |
| Operate switchboard or telephone system | 59 |
| Personal Suitability: Reliability | 59 |
| Greet people and direct them to contacts or service areas | 58 |
| Record and relay information | 57 |
Receptionists need computer experience and knowledge of general office procedures. Specific educational requirements vary a great deal depending on the employer. Most employers prefer to hire applicants who have at least a high school diploma and related training or experience in dealing with the public.
In Alberta, many colleges, technical schools, and private vocational schools offer programs related to office administration.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Receptionists are employed in:
Some positions are part time.
Automated office equipment such as computers has not changed the nature of the work (communication with people). But increasing use of voice mail and email in many offices may reduce the number of jobs in which telephone answering is a major component of the work.
Receptionists are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 1414: Receptionists. In Alberta, 76% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:
The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 1414: Receptionists occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 2.7% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 588 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Salaries vary a great deal depending on the receptionist’s qualifications and responsibilities.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $15.00 | $26.55 | $18.44 | $17.55 |
| Overall | $15.00 | $30.00 | $20.93 | $20.00 |
| Top | $15.50 | $34.00 | $23.45 | $22.50 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Oil & Gas Extraction | $48,770 |
|---|---|
| Public Administration | $45,411 |
| Construction | $43,069 |
| Wholesale Trade | $42,226 |
| Agriculture | $42,065 |
| Manufacturing | $39,260 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $39,203 |
| Utilities | $39,040 |
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $37,655 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $36,676 |
| Business, Building and Other Support Services | $36,469 |
| Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing | $36,355 |
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $34,820 |
| Educational Services | $32,627 |
| Retail Trade | $32,400 |
| Accommodation & Food Services | $26,077 |
| Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related) | $22,038 |
| Information, Culture, Recreation | $18,978 |
Updated Mar 31, 2019. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.