Employment Outlook

The employment outlook will be moderate for Receptionists (14100) in Prince Edward Island for the 2022-2024 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

• Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
• A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
• There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Advancements in technology, including automated telephone answering services, have altered the job functions of these workers. The job of switchboard operator has mostly disappeared and been replaced by automated services and receptionists. There has been a growing number of virtual reception services, which may provide jobseekers with more opportunities or the option to work from home.

Other office duties, including data entry, accounting and general office work, have been consolidated into some receptionist positions. There will be employment opportunities from turnover due to the large size of this workforce, the low entry requirements of the occupation, and the young age profile of workers. Individuals with good communication skills, as well as strong multi-tasking, data entry and computer skills, will have better opportunities.

Here are some key facts about Receptionists in Prince Edward Island:

• Approximately 550 people work in this occupation.
• Receptionists mainly work in the following sectors:
  • Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 19%
  • Hospitals (NAICS 622): 18%
  • Other retail stores (NAICS 44-45, except 445): 13%
  • Arts, entertainment and recreation (NAICS 71): 10%
  • Other services (except public administration) (NAICS 81): 9%
• The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
  • Full-time workers: 77% compared to 84% for all occupations
  • Part-time workers: 23% compared to 16% for all occupations
• 53% of receptionists work all year, while 47% work only part of the year, compared to 59% and 41% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 38 weeks compared to 41 weeks for all occupations.
• The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
  • Men: 7% compared to 51% for all occupations
  • Women: 93% compared to 49% for all occupations
• The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
  • no high school diploma: 5% compared to 11% for all occupations
  • high school diploma or equivalent: 39% compared to 28% for all occupations
  • apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 10% compared to 11% for all occupations
  • college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor’s: 31% compared to 25% for all occupations
  • bachelor’s degree: 11% compared to 17% for all occupations
  • university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupati

Source: Job Bank

Prevailing Wages