Desk Assistant

Impact: Supportive

Provides administrative support and customer service at a front desk or reception area, often in an academic, residential, or office setting. Responsibilities include greeting visitors, answering phones, managing mail, scheduling appointments, and maintaining records.

What the day looks like

People interaction
Extensive
Team vs solo
Team-oriented
Client facing
Always
Impact visibility
Moderate
Travel
None
Schedule flexibility
Rigid
Remote work
On-site Only
Typical work hours
40 hours/week
Stress level
Low

At a glance

Median salary
$35,000
Entry-level
$28,000
Senior
$45,000
Growth by 2033
2%
Demand
Stable
Freelance potential
Low
Salary growth potential
Low
Typical student debt
$15,000

Skills you'll use

Hard skills

  • Data Entry
  • Scheduling Software
  • Microsoft Office

Soft skills

  • Communication
  • Organization
  • Customer Service

Technical complexity: Low

How to get there

Minimum education
High School Diploma or GED
Licensing
No
Years to mid-career
3
Years to senior
7
Career switching
Easy

Where this career leads

How people arrive here

    Where you can go from here

      Typical progression

      1. Administrative Assistant, Office Manager, Executive Assistant

      Future outlook

      Automation probability
      40%
      AI disruption risk
      Moderate
      Demand trend
      Stable

      How people feel about it

      Overall satisfaction
      3.5/10
      Meaning
      3.5/10
      Work-life balance
      4/10
      Prestige
      3.5/10
      Social perception
      Moderate

      Similar careers