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Desk Assistant Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Harper College

Student Aide - Health Careers

Palatine, IL · On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

Greet visitors and students at front desk * Assist students, faculty and staff with daily tasks and special projects * Perform other office duties as needed Education Requirements : In order to apply ...

Harper College

Student Aide - Health Careers

Palatine, IL · On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

Greet visitors and students at front desk * Assist students, faculty and staff with daily tasks and special projects * Perform other office duties as needed Education Requirements : In order to apply ...

DFR

Eligibility Assistant - Front Desk

Hobart, IN · On-site

$15/hr

The Eligibility Assistant staff are front desk staff who are responsible for helping collect paperwork, processing or "pushing" applications and assisting clients who are applying and/or receiving ...

DFR

Eligibility Assistant - Front Desk

Hobart, IN

$15/hr

The Eligibility Assistant staff are front desk staff who are responsible for helping collect paperwork, processing or "pushing" applications and assisting clients who are applying and/or receiving ...

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All JobsDesk JobsDesk Assistant JobsDesk Assistant Jobs in Chicago, IL

Desk Assistant information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$10

$21

$34

How much do desk assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for desk assistant in Chicago, IL is $21.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.08 and $23.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a desk assistant?

Desk assistants are support staff who help manage the front desk or reception area of an organization. Their duties typically include greeting visitors, answering phone calls, handling inquiries, sorting mail, and providing administrative support to other staff members. Desk assistants play a vital role in ensuring smooth day-to-day operations and creating a welcoming environment for guests and employees alike.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a desk assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Desk Assistant, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and basic administrative knowledge, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with office software like Microsoft Office Suite, phone systems, and scheduling tools is typically required. Excellent communication, a customer-service mindset, and the ability to multitask set outstanding Desk Assistants apart. These skills ensure efficient front-desk operations, positive visitor experiences, and effective support for office staff.

What are some common challenges faced by desk assistants, and how can they effectively manage them?

Desk Assistants often handle multiple tasks simultaneously, such as greeting visitors, managing phone calls, and coordinating schedules. One common challenge is balancing these competing priorities while maintaining a positive and professional demeanor. Effective Desk Assistants use strong organizational skills, prioritize urgent requests, and communicate clearly with both team members and visitors. Adapting quickly to changing situations and using available technology can also help manage a fast-paced environment.

What is the difference between Desk Assistant vs Receptionist?

AspectDesk AssistantReceptionist
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require basic computer skillsHigh school diploma; customer service skills often preferred
Work EnvironmentOffice, hospital, school, or hotel front deskFront desk, office reception, hotel lobby, healthcare facilities
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, healthcare, corporate offices, hospitalityHotels, healthcare, corporate offices, government buildings
Common Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

The main difference between a Desk Assistant and a Receptionist lies in their typical work environments and specific responsibilities. While both roles involve front desk duties and customer interaction, Desk Assistants often support administrative tasks in educational or healthcare settings, whereas Receptionists primarily handle guest or visitor reception in hospitality or corporate environments. Understanding these distinctions can help job seekers identify the right role for their skills and career goals.

What are the most commonly searched types of Desk jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Desk jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Desk Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Desk Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Desk Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Desk Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Desk Assistant jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Desk Assistant job openings:

Desk Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Desk Assistant job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $44,697 per year, or $21.5 per hour.

Assignment Desk Assistant (per diem)

Paramount

Chicago, IL • On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Full-time, Per diem

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Paramount Senior Living rating

5.3

Company rating: 5.3 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

We are seeking a motivated Assignment Desk Assistant to support daily newsroom operations in Chicago. This role is ideal for someone with newsroom experience who is eager to grow, learn, and contribute to breaking news and investigative reporting. The Desk Assistant will work closely with the Assignment Editor and assist with identifying stories, coordinating coverage, and supporting newsroom logistics. This is a WGA covered position.   This position is per diem.

Key Responsibilities

  • Assist the Assignment Editor and work closely with reporters, photographers, and producers to coordinate breaking news coverage and support content for broadcast, digital, and streaming platforms.
  • Monitor scanners, email, social media, and public sources for potential news stories.
  • Help generate story ideas and track leads and tips.
  • Support follow-ups on past stories and assist with research.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Preferred Skills 

  • Strong interest in news gathering and current events.
  • Good organizational skills and ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong communication skills and willingness to learn.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or a related field preferred.
  • 1-2 years of newsroom or media experience preferred.
  • Willingness to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays

Hiring Salary Range: $23 - $25 per hour

The hiring salary range for this position applies to New York, California, Colorado, Washington state, and most other geographies. Starting pay for the successful applicant depends on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to geographic location, market demands, experience, training, and education.  The benefits available for this position include medical, dental, vision, 401(k) plan, life insurance coverage, disability benefits, tuition assistance program and PTO or, if applicable,  as otherwise dictated by the appropriate Collective Bargaining Agreement. 

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