I started with only 1 front desk. Couple of years later, with over 2,500 patients, I added 2nd. Compensation varies from state to state, so I would not go by what others tell you without knowing their location. For me, lead front desk is about $16/hr, 2nd front desk is $12/hr. They both have specific and common duties, and cross trained if one gets sick or on vacation. There are bonus systems for achieving goals too.