Receptionist

What does a Receptionist do? – Tasks and work environment

A Receptionist is often the first person visitors meet at a company, hotel, authority, or other organization. Duties include welcoming and guiding visitors, answering phones, managing reservations, handling simple administration, and sometimes mail or invoicing. The role involves daily contact with both internal and external persons, requiring high levels of service, stress tolerance, and communication skills. Receptionists typically work in open-plan offices, reception desks, or entrances, and the work environment is characterized by a fast pace with varied tasks depending on the size and focus of the organization.

Salary development over time

Receptionist salaries have shown steady growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 28,600 SEK per month, which increased to 29 500 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has risen further to 30 600 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 7% over three years. This development reflects a general salary trend within administrative professions but is also influenced by factors such as increased demand for service skills and competition for labor in urban areas. Despite salary increases, the salary level remains stable and relatively low compared to other administrative roles, which can be explained by the fact that many positions still have low educational requirements and high competition.

Receptionist salary – a comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 30 600 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 26,400 SEK/month (men), 28,000 SEK/month (women)
• Highest salary: 33,900 SEK/month (men), 33,600 SEK/month (women)
• Hourly wage: 184 SEK/hour (average for hourly workers)
• Gender differences: Women earn 30 700 SEK, men 30 000 SEK – women earn 102% of what men do
• Regional differences: Salaries are often slightly higher in big cities, but variation across the country is relatively small

Education and qualifications

To work as a Receptionist, a high school diploma is usually required, preferably with a focus on administration, commerce, or hospitality and tourism. Many employers value experience in customer service and good language skills, especially in English. Additional qualifications can be advantageous depending on the workplace, such as IT skills or knowledge of multiple languages.

• High school diploma: Usually with specialization in administration, commerce, or hospitality/tourism (3 years)
• Courses in service and customer handling: Often advantageous, sometimes required
• Internship or traineeship: Practical experience in customer service or reception is valuable
• Language skills: Good Swedish and English required; additional languages are a plus
• IT skills: Familiarity with booking systems and office software facilitates the work

Common benefits and compensations

Receptionists are often offered collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowances, and subsidized lunches. Other common benefits include employee discounts, training opportunities, and sometimes bonus programs related to service or performance. Some employers also offer flexible working hours or part-time options.

Competition and challenges

The labor market for Receptionists is characterized nationally by an oversupply of applicants, with high competition for available positions. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate that demand is expected to decrease over the next five years, which may make it more difficult to find work in the profession in the future. Digitalization and automation of simpler administrative tasks also contribute to the disappearance or transformation of some traditional receptionist roles. To stand out in the job market, it is therefore necessary to be flexible and willing to develop new skills, such as in digital systems and customer handling.

Tips for those wanting to become a Receptionist

To succeed as a Receptionist, it is good to combine a service-oriented approach with clear communication skills and good organizational abilities. Showing engagement in every interaction and being attentive to visitors’ and colleagues’ needs builds trust and a positive environment. It is also important to be stress-resistant and capable of handling many tasks simultaneously, especially during busy periods. Improving language skills and developing digital competence increase chances on the job market. Attention to detail and being thorough with administrative routines are qualities valued by employers. Finally, a positive attitude and the ability to quickly adapt to new situations are crucial for thriving and succeeding in the role.

Key facts about Receptionists

• Education level: High school diploma, often in administration or service
• Work environment: Reception desk, office, or entrance, often high-paced
• Work form: Full-time, part-time, or hourly employment
• Demand: Oversupply of applicants, 758 job openings nationwide
• Language skills: Usually Swedish and English required

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a Receptionist can move on to roles such as administrator, office assistant, reception team leader, or specialized customer service representative. Larger organizations may offer opportunities to advance to coordinating roles or further education within HR or event planning. However, the Employment Service’s forecast indicates that demand for traditional office receptionists is expected to decline nationally, with limited job opportunities and an oversupply of applicants. Digitalization and changing work routines create new demands for flexibility and technical skills, making continuous further training important to strengthen competitiveness in the job market.

Common questions about Receptionists

• What does a Receptionist earn?
  - The average salary for a Receptionist is 30 600 SEK per month.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries for a Receptionist?
  - The highest salary is 33,900 SEK and the lowest 26,400 SEK per month, depending on experience and sector.
• What are the gender differences in Receptionist salaries?
  - Women earn on average 30 700 SEK while men earn 30 000 SEK, which means women earn 102% of men's salaries.
• What education is required to become a Receptionist?
  - Usually, a high school diploma with a focus on administration or service, along with good language skills, is required.
• Are there many job openings for Receptionists?
  - There are 758 job openings nationwide, but competition is high.
• What are the future prospects for Receptionists?
  - Demand is expected to decrease, and competition for jobs is fierce according to the Employment Service’s forecast.
• What benefits are common for Receptionists?
  - Common benefits include wellness allowances, occupational pension, and employee discounts.