Receptionist salary
BLS occupation: Receptionists and Information Clerks · Office and administrative support · data for May 2025
Median salary $38,010 a year, US
Median hourly pay $18.27 an hour
Middle half earn $33,960–$45,130 25th to 75th percentile
Receptionists employed 910,180 −1.7% projected by 2035
How much does a receptionist make?
- The median receptionist salary in the US is $38,010 a year ($18.27 an hour): half of the 910,180 receptionists BLS counts earn more and half earn less. The average (mean) is $39,460.
- The middle half earn between $33,960 and $45,130. The lowest-paid 10% earn less than $28,760 and the top 10% more than $49,950.
- That is 25% less than the median for all US workers ($50,980).
- The District of Columbia pays receptionists the most (median $49,060), followed by Alaska ($44,720) and Washington ($44,710). Mississippi pays the least ($31,160).
- After adjusting for prices, the pay goes furthest in the District of Columbia, where the median is worth $44,640 in typical US prices, then North Dakota and Wisconsin.
- In 2 of the 383 metro areas with data, the median receptionist salary is enough to rent a typical home without spending more than 30% of income on rent.
- BLS projects the number of receptionists to shrink 1.7% from 2025 to 2035 (all jobs: 3.5%), with about 105,100 openings a year. The typical entry education is a high school diploma or equivalent.
official From BLS's survey of employers: what receptionists are actually paid, not job ads or self-reports. Adjusted figures are derived. How we calculate.
How does your pay compare?
Receptionist salary range
Half of receptionists earn between $33,960 and $45,130 a year
Yearly pay at each point of the range, US, May 2025. For comparison, the median for all US jobs is $50,980.
Lowest 10% earn under Yearly pay: $28,760
Lowest 25% earn under Yearly pay: $33,960
Median Yearly pay: $38,010
Top 25% earn over Yearly pay: $45,130
Top 10% earn over Yearly pay: $49,950
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
Show the numbers
| Yearly pay | |
|---|---|
| Lowest 10% earn under | $28,760 |
| Lowest 25% earn under | $33,960 |
| Median | $38,010 |
| Top 25% earn over | $45,130 |
| Top 10% earn over | $49,950 |
Receptionist salary by state
The District of Columbia pays receptionists the most; Mississippi the least
Median yearly pay by state compared with the US median ($38,010), May 2025. Blue = higher pay.
- 20%+ below US
- 10–20% below
- 3–10% below
- Within 3%
- 3–10% above
- 10–20% above
- 20%+ above US
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025.
Show the numbers
| State | Median pay |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $49,060 median |
| Alaska | $44,720 median |
| Washington | $44,710 median |
| California | $44,100 median |
| Massachusetts | $43,870 median |
| New York | $43,080 median |
| Rhode Island | $42,620 median |
| Maine | $42,440 median |
| Colorado | $42,010 median |
| New Jersey | $41,650 median |
| Hawaii | $41,600 median |
| Wisconsin | $41,150 median |
| Oregon | $40,900 median |
| Connecticut | $40,630 median |
| North Dakota | $39,530 median |
| Arizona | $38,730 median |
| Vermont | $38,370 median |
| South Dakota | $38,280 median |
| New Hampshire | $38,160 median |
| Maryland | $38,100 median |
| Nebraska | $37,860 median |
| Minnesota | $37,510 median |
| Wyoming | $37,480 median |
| Michigan | $37,470 median |
| Illinois | $37,400 median |
| Montana | $37,360 median |
| Iowa | $37,330 median |
| Virginia | $37,060 median |
| Nevada | $37,050 median |
| Utah | $36,960 median |
| Florida | $36,810 median |
| Idaho | $36,810 median |
| Pennsylvania | $36,810 median |
| Delaware | $36,310 median |
| Indiana | $36,160 median |
| Georgia | $36,100 median |
| Kansas | $36,050 median |
| Ohio | $35,920 median |
| Missouri | $35,740 median |
| South Carolina | $35,510 median |
| North Carolina | $35,440 median |
| Texas | $35,210 median |
| New Mexico | $35,140 median |
| Tennessee | $34,910 median |
| Arkansas | $34,840 median |
| Oklahoma | $34,560 median |
| Kentucky | $32,940 median |
| Louisiana | $32,750 median |
| Alabama | $32,590 median |
| West Virginia | $31,920 median |
| Mississippi | $31,160 median |
Where receptionist pay goes furthest
A salary buys more where prices are low. We divide each state's median by its price level from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, so every figure is in typical US prices. derived
Receptionists' pay goes furthest in the District of Columbia once prices are counted
Median pay ÷ the state's price level (BEA, 2024; US = 100), shown in typical US prices. Top 10 states.
US median
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025; BEA Regional Price Parities 2024. Our calculation.
Show the numbers
| Worth, in US prices | |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $44,640 |
| North Dakota | $44,436 |
| Wisconsin | $43,732 |
| Maine | $43,730 |
| Alaska | $43,689 |
| South Dakota | $43,212 |
| Iowa | $42,535 |
| Nebraska | $42,019 |
| Washington | $41,780 |
| Rhode Island | $41,670 |
Receptionist pay in every state
| State | Median a year | Hourly | Lowest 10% | Top 10% | Employed | After cost of living |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $49,060 | $23.59 | $37,050 | $64,270 | 2,000 | $44,640 |
| Alaska | $44,720 | $21.50 | $32,810 | $57,360 | 1,530 | $43,689 |
| Washington | $44,710 | $21.50 | $36,730 | $57,840 | 26,500 | $41,780 |
| California | $44,100 | $21.20 | $36,410 | $58,800 | 82,470 | $39,830 |
| Massachusetts | $43,870 | $21.09 | $35,790 | $54,270 | 18,970 | $41,482 |
| New York | $43,080 | $20.71 | $34,740 | $59,140 | 65,010 | $39,918 |
| Rhode Island | $42,620 | $20.49 | $32,940 | $50,020 | 4,270 | $41,670 |
| Maine | $42,440 | $20.40 | $35,880 | $49,140 | 3,440 | $43,730 |
| Colorado | $42,010 | $20.20 | $33,200 | $51,490 | 11,020 | $40,766 |
| New Jersey | $41,650 | $20.02 | $33,420 | $54,290 | 42,060 | $38,279 |
| Hawaii | $41,600 | $20.00 | $35,050 | $55,310 | 3,510 | $37,835 |
| Wisconsin | $41,150 | $19.78 | $29,530 | $50,030 | 25,580 | $43,732 |
| Oregon | $40,900 | $19.66 | $33,970 | $49,660 | 13,590 | $39,570 |
| Connecticut | $40,630 | $19.53 | $34,120 | $54,170 | 14,980 | $39,214 |
| North Dakota | $39,530 | $19.00 | $29,570 | $52,220 | 1,930 | $44,436 |
| Arizona | $38,730 | $18.62 | $32,130 | $47,930 | 23,220 | $38,470 |
| Vermont | $38,370 | $18.45 | $30,830 | $46,810 | 1,160 | $39,170 |
| South Dakota | $38,280 | $18.40 | $27,920 | $47,860 | 5,760 | $43,212 |
| New Hampshire | $38,160 | $18.35 | $26,800 | $53,370 | 5,320 | $36,634 |
| Maryland | $38,100 | $18.32 | $31,750 | $49,180 | 18,390 | $36,300 |
| Nebraska | $37,860 | $18.20 | $29,070 | $47,350 | 6,750 | $42,019 |
| Minnesota | $37,510 | $18.03 | $28,320 | $50,540 | 11,800 | $38,034 |
| Wyoming | $37,480 | $18.02 | $28,580 | $49,570 | 1,540 | $40,435 |
| Michigan | $37,470 | $18.01 | $29,480 | $48,280 | 25,230 | $38,943 |
| Illinois | $37,400 | $17.98 | $31,200 | $48,350 | 40,370 | $37,416 |
| Montana | $37,360 | $17.96 | $27,240 | $47,420 | 1,280 | $39,474 |
| Iowa | $37,330 | $17.95 | $26,740 | $47,610 | 4,660 | $42,535 |
| Virginia | $37,060 | $17.82 | $28,800 | $47,220 | 23,360 | $36,655 |
| Nevada | $37,050 | $17.81 | $29,340 | $47,790 | 10,650 | $37,058 |
| Utah | $36,960 | $17.77 | $27,870 | $47,210 | 12,020 | $37,385 |
| Florida | $36,810 | $17.70 | $28,850 | $46,480 | 63,280 | $35,595 |
| Idaho | $36,810 | $17.70 | $28,500 | $47,100 | 5,340 | $38,547 |
| Pennsylvania | $36,810 | $17.70 | $24,820 | $48,310 | 37,830 | $37,726 |
| Delaware | $36,310 | $17.46 | $31,200 | $47,610 | 2,880 | $36,380 |
| Indiana | $36,160 | $17.38 | $24,410 | $47,310 | 17,360 | $38,745 |
| Georgia | $36,100 | $17.36 | $24,920 | $47,190 | 26,080 | $37,490 |
| Kansas | $36,050 | $17.33 | $27,390 | $45,690 | 7,290 | $40,025 |
| Ohio | $35,920 | $17.27 | $26,070 | $46,840 | 30,850 | $38,718 |
| Missouri | $35,740 | $17.18 | $29,230 | $46,660 | 18,890 | $39,354 |
| South Carolina | $35,510 | $17.07 | $22,710 | $46,750 | 11,280 | $37,878 |
| North Carolina | $35,440 | $17.04 | $23,270 | $46,210 | 20,080 | $37,572 |
| Texas | $35,210 | $16.93 | $24,700 | $47,380 | 78,330 | $36,278 |
| New Mexico | $35,140 | $16.89 | $26,970 | $44,210 | 5,650 | $38,108 |
| Tennessee | $34,910 | $16.78 | $25,400 | $45,980 | 11,460 | $37,999 |
| Arkansas | $34,840 | $16.75 | $27,610 | $43,930 | 10,870 | $40,075 |
| Oklahoma | $34,560 | $16.62 | $24,700 | $44,760 | 9,380 | $39,343 |
| Kentucky | $32,940 | $15.84 | $23,720 | $44,270 | 9,290 | $36,535 |
| Louisiana | $32,750 | $15.75 | $21,420 | $44,410 | 12,820 | $37,129 |
| Alabama | $32,590 | $15.67 | $22,830 | $40,730 | 10,460 | $36,691 |
| West Virginia | $31,920 | $15.35 | $23,690 | $42,740 | 5,470 | $35,666 |
| Mississippi | $31,160 | $14.98 | $22,310 | $42,990 | 6,920 | $35,835 |
After cost of living = median ÷ (BEA price level ÷ 100).
Receptionist salary by city
Metro areas where BLS publishes receptionist pay: 387 of 387. Rent share = typical rent (September 2026, Zillow) × 12 ÷ the median salary; under 30% is affordable by the usual rule.
Highest-paying metro areas
- San Francisco, CA $49,450
- Fairbanks, AK $47,260
- San Jose, CA $47,130
- Napa, CA $46,850
- Barnstable, MA $45,820
- Seattle, WA $45,820
- Hanford, CA $45,650
- Santa Rosa, CA $45,550
- Vallejo, CA $45,500
- Sheboygan, WI $45,430
Where the pay goes furthest
- Sheboygan, WI $48,323
- Barnstable, MA $46,588
- Minot, ND $46,031
- Fairbanks, AK $45,791
- Racine, WI $45,237
- Grand Forks, ND $45,025
- Hanford, CA $44,926
- Oshkosh, WI $44,873
- Madison, WI $44,816
- Eau Claire, WI $44,517
All 387 metro areas
| Metro area | Median a year | Employed | After cost of living | Rent share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $49,450 | 8,510 | $42,772 | 84% |
| Fairbanks, AK | $47,260 | 160 | $45,791 | 47% |
| San Jose, CA | $47,130 | 3,990 | $42,681 | 97% |
| Napa, CA | $46,850 | 280 | $41,624 | 74% |
| Barnstable, MA | $45,820 | 670 | $46,588 | 68% |
| Seattle, WA | $45,820 | 14,260 | $41,230 | 59% |
| Hanford, CA | $45,650 | 180 | $44,926 | 51% |
| Santa Rosa, CA | $45,550 | 1,160 | $42,260 | 70% |
| Vallejo, CA | $45,500 | 720 | $41,944 | 65% |
| Sheboygan, WI | $45,430 | 610 | $48,323 | 36% |
| Sacramento, CA | $45,140 | 4,570 | $42,317 | 60% |
| Mount Vernon, WA | $45,060 | 450 | $43,985 | 58% |
| Santa Cruz, CA | $44,980 | 510 | $40,930 | 93% |
| San Luis Obispo, CA | $44,890 | 690 | $41,337 | 75% |
| Portland, ME | $44,770 | 1,730 | $43,953 | 62% |
| New York, NY | $44,690 | 74,190 | $39,702 | 95% |
| Anchorage, AK | $44,630 | 890 | $42,335 | 51% |
| Bridgeport, CT | $44,610 | 4,780 | $41,745 | 77% |
| Modesto, CA | $44,610 | 890 | $42,850 | 56% |
| San Diego, CA | $44,390 | 6,690 | $39,674 | 80% |
| Santa Maria, CA | $44,270 | 1,020 | $40,690 | 89% |
| Bremerton, WA | $44,130 | 920 | $41,787 | 56% |
| Boston, MA | $43,930 | 14,320 | $40,576 | 82% |
| Kahului, HI | $43,710 | 470 | $39,957 | 88% |
| Denver, CO | $43,680 | 5,480 | $41,292 | 52% |
| Portland, OR | $43,630 | 8,340 | $41,386 | 50% |
| Oxnard, CA | $43,610 | 1,510 | $39,454 | 81% |
| Madison, WI | $43,600 | 3,170 | $44,816 | 49% |
| Kennewick, WA | $43,530 | 1,080 | $43,496 | 47% |
| Racine, WI | $43,410 | 750 | $45,237 | 40% |
| Bellingham, WA | $43,400 | 810 | $42,000 | 54% |
| Salinas, CA | $43,300 | 620 | $39,709 | 77% |
| Los Angeles, CA | $43,280 | 35,000 | $38,110 | 81% |
| Milwaukee, WI | $42,920 | 7,200 | $44,276 | 43% |
| Olympia, WA | $42,910 | 1,070 | $41,391 | 57% |
| Kenosha, WI | $42,900 | 750 | $42,426 | – |
| New Haven, CT | $42,880 | 2,680 | $41,010 | 57% |
| Bend, OR | $42,840 | 890 | $41,349 | 62% |
| Boulder, CO | $42,800 | 980 | $40,684 | 62% |
| Stockton, CA | $42,710 | 920 | $40,642 | 68% |
| Pittsfield, MA | $41,890 | 360 | $44,046 | 50% |
| Yuba City, CA | $41,880 | 200 | $40,179 | 58% |
| Riverside, CA | $41,800 | 6,880 | $39,270 | 73% |
| Spokane, WA | $41,800 | 2,370 | $41,656 | 43% |
| Amherst-Northampton, MA | $41,770 | 410 | $41,669 | – |
| Providence, RI | $41,720 | 5,550 | $40,993 | 62% |
| Worcester, MA | $41,720 | 1,940 | $40,693 | 61% |
| Oshkosh, WI | $41,700 | 780 | $44,873 | 37% |
| El Centro, CA | $41,440 | 160 | $43,541 | 52% |
| Wenatchee, WA | $41,410 | 440 | $39,873 | 51% |
| Eau Claire, WI | $41,310 | 990 | $44,517 | 33% |
| Washington, DC | $41,240 | 17,920 | $37,875 | 70% |
| Waterbury, CT | $41,050 | 1,550 | $41,141 | – |
| Yakima, WA | $40,990 | 890 | $42,901 | 40% |
| Carson City, NV | $40,950 | 280 | $41,730 | 61% |
| Longview, WA | $40,790 | 300 | $41,817 | 42% |
| Springfield, MA | $40,770 | 1,240 | $42,442 | 58% |
| Green Bay, WI | $40,760 | 1,330 | $43,787 | 33% |
| Fort Collins, CO | $40,700 | 960 | $40,246 | 58% |
| La Crosse, WI | $40,640 | 780 | $44,285 | 40% |
| Medford, OR | $40,630 | 910 | $40,056 | 55% |
| Trenton, NJ | $40,550 | 1,980 | $39,300 | 75% |
| Fond du Lac, WI | $40,390 | 470 | $44,073 | 34% |
| Bozeman, MT | $40,370 | 190 | $39,382 | 65% |
| Appleton, WI | $40,300 | 1,170 | $43,606 | 36% |
| Chico, CA | $40,070 | 370 | $39,596 | 46% |
| Minot, ND | $40,060 | 160 | $46,031 | 38% |
| Honolulu, HI | $39,960 | 2,410 | $36,013 | 91% |
| Syracuse, NY | $39,900 | 2,340 | $41,675 | 49% |
| Flagstaff, AZ | $39,830 | 670 | $39,701 | 64% |
| Albany, NY | $39,790 | 2,650 | $39,963 | 51% |
| Bakersfield, CA | $39,690 | 1,180 | $39,341 | 55% |
| Wausau, WI | $39,670 | 790 | $42,817 | 29% |
| Redding, CA | $39,660 | 370 | $39,391 | 50% |
| Bangor, ME | $39,630 | 360 | $41,064 | 46% |
| Walla Walla, WA | $39,630 | 170 | $40,226 | 45% |
| Kingston, NY | $39,540 | 440 | $39,262 | 61% |
| Fresno, CA | $39,520 | 2,250 | $38,685 | 62% |
| Visalia, CA | $39,520 | 530 | $39,589 | 53% |
| Grants Pass, OR | $39,460 | 200 | $40,364 | 49% |
| Glens Falls, NY | $39,440 | 350 | $41,574 | 44% |
| Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY | $39,410 | 1,770 | $36,017 | 69% |
| Ithaca, NY | $39,400 | 300 | $38,135 | 61% |
| Lewiston, ME | $39,370 | 250 | $41,558 | 48% |
| Phoenix, AZ | $39,340 | 16,850 | $38,077 | 52% |
| Albany, OR | $39,300 | 280 | $38,492 | 50% |
| Ann Arbor, MI | $39,190 | 1,500 | $38,848 | 59% |
| Atlantic City, NJ | $39,160 | 1,630 | $39,613 | 63% |
| Grand Forks, ND | $39,020 | 200 | $45,025 | 35% |
| Naples, FL | $39,000 | 1,180 | $37,791 | 80% |
| Buffalo, NY | $38,960 | 3,930 | $40,649 | 45% |
| Greeley, CO | $38,960 | 370 | $38,892 | 52% |
| Merced, CA | $38,890 | 290 | $39,573 | 64% |
| Dubuque, IA | $38,830 | 200 | $44,465 | 33% |
| Hartford, CT | $38,780 | 4,140 | $37,744 | 62% |
| Iowa City, IA | $38,740 | 300 | $42,335 | 54% |
| Omaha, NE | $38,740 | 3,330 | $42,149 | 43% |
| Bismarck, ND | $38,710 | 440 | $42,527 | 40% |
| Janesville, WI | $38,630 | 640 | $41,226 | 40% |
| Sioux Falls, SD | $38,560 | 2,430 | $42,546 | 39% |
| Rochester, NY | $38,550 | 2,840 | $39,728 | 48% |
| Salem, OR | $38,510 | 1,290 | $37,154 | 51% |
| Fargo, ND | $38,500 | 700 | $42,368 | 34% |
| Vineland, NJ | $38,480 | 570 | $40,097 | 51% |
| Sioux City, IA | $38,380 | 330 | $44,394 | 40% |
| Helena, MT | $38,320 | 100 | $40,052 | 52% |
| Reno, NV | $38,290 | 1,700 | $37,906 | 65% |
| Detroit, MI | $38,220 | 11,100 | $38,106 | 48% |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $38,190 | 1,370 | $37,922 | 55% |
| Lexington Park, MD | $38,100 | 460 | $37,813 | 64% |
| Chicago, IL | $38,060 | 30,540 | $36,739 | 68% |
| Philadelphia, PA | $38,030 | 22,210 | $37,083 | 60% |
| Minneapolis, MN | $38,000 | 8,780 | $36,252 | 55% |
| Rapid City, SD | $37,990 | 1,240 | $42,609 | 46% |
| Mankato, MN | $37,950 | 190 | $41,724 | 39% |
| Des Moines, IA | $37,910 | 1,260 | $41,341 | 41% |
| Norwich, CT | $37,870 | 1,010 | $37,702 | 67% |
| Billings, MT | $37,810 | 250 | $40,427 | 44% |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $37,810 | 4,660 | $37,485 | 52% |
| Coeur d'Alene, ID | $37,780 | 580 | $38,436 | 58% |
| Prescott Valley, AZ | $37,770 | 770 | $38,441 | 60% |
| Casper, WY | $37,760 | 280 | $40,243 | 45% |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $37,690 | 500 | $42,366 | 39% |
| Baltimore, MD | $37,600 | 8,660 | $35,985 | 62% |
| Miami, FL | $37,570 | 19,850 | $32,911 | 85% |
| Allentown, PA | $37,540 | 2,610 | $37,552 | 59% |
| Atlanta, GA | $37,530 | 15,710 | $37,508 | 59% |
| Eugene, OR | $37,510 | 1,250 | $36,931 | 57% |
| Boise, ID | $37,500 | 2,280 | $38,113 | 62% |
| Battle Creek, MI | $37,480 | 280 | $41,396 | 37% |
| Rockford, IL | $37,460 | 1,000 | $40,649 | 42% |
| Cheyenne, WY | $37,450 | 290 | $38,812 | 49% |
| North Port, FL | $37,440 | 2,370 | $36,556 | 68% |
| Lewiston, ID | $37,420 | 200 | $41,049 | 47% |
| Manchester, NH | $37,410 | 1,700 | $35,407 | 69% |
| Burlington, VT | $37,400 | 440 | $37,048 | 83% |
| Grand Island, NE | $37,400 | 250 | $43,159 | 43% |
| Elmira, NY | $37,380 | 200 | $39,598 | 37% |
| Corvallis, OR | $37,360 | 280 | $35,917 | 58% |
| Lansing, MI | $37,330 | 1,070 | $39,298 | 42% |
| Midland, TX | $37,280 | 590 | $38,921 | 51% |
| Pueblo, CO | $37,270 | 260 | $40,616 | 43% |
| Grand Junction, CO | $37,250 | 420 | $39,015 | 56% |
| Charleston, SC | $37,220 | 2,160 | $36,865 | 66% |
| Harrisonburg, VA | $37,220 | 390 | $39,224 | 55% |
| Kansas City, MO | $37,210 | 6,750 | $40,208 | 49% |
| St. Cloud, MN | $37,210 | 380 | $42,462 | 39% |
| Grand Rapids, MI | $37,170 | 3,130 | $38,903 | 52% |
| Charlottesville, VA | $37,140 | 720 | $37,460 | 66% |
| Punta Gorda, FL | $37,130 | 550 | $36,936 | 60% |
| Dallas, TX | $37,060 | 21,380 | $35,949 | 54% |
| Indianapolis, IN | $37,050 | 5,830 | $38,716 | 49% |
| Lincoln, NE | $37,050 | 1,260 | $40,456 | 41% |
| Santa Fe, NM | $37,040 | 400 | $37,502 | 63% |
| Tucson, AZ | $37,040 | 2,730 | $38,227 | 48% |
| Binghamton, NY | $37,010 | 600 | $39,854 | 52% |
| Elkhart, IN | $36,970 | 440 | $40,930 | 38% |
| Midland, MI | $36,940 | 240 | $40,187 | 45% |
| Harrisburg, PA | $36,920 | 1,970 | $37,425 | 48% |
| Columbus, OH | $36,910 | 5,960 | $38,662 | 50% |
| Gainesville, GA | $36,910 | 590 | $38,144 | 55% |
| Traverse City, MI | $36,900 | 540 | $39,519 | 60% |
| Champaign, IL | $36,880 | 760 | $39,783 | 45% |
| Cape Coral, FL | $36,810 | 2,270 | $35,965 | 60% |
| Kalamazoo, MI | $36,810 | 700 | $38,813 | 42% |
| Nashville, TN | $36,810 | 4,040 | $38,209 | 59% |
| Ogden, UT | $36,810 | 2,050 | $36,682 | 53% |
| Utica, NY | $36,810 | 710 | $39,718 | 46% |
| Lancaster, PA | $36,770 | 1,730 | $37,422 | 51% |
| Provo, UT | $36,770 | 2,650 | $37,432 | 58% |
| Jacksonville, FL | $36,760 | 4,380 | $36,951 | 55% |
| Crestview, FL | $36,750 | 850 | $37,874 | 64% |
| Toledo, OH | $36,710 | 1,900 | $40,140 | 41% |
| Austin, TX | $36,690 | 7,480 | $37,414 | 52% |
| Port St. Lucie, FL | $36,680 | 1,160 | $36,597 | 76% |
| Akron, OH | $36,670 | 2,120 | $39,274 | 43% |
| Tampa, FL | $36,640 | 10,290 | $36,317 | 65% |
| Missoula, MT | $36,610 | 170 | $37,959 | 53% |
| Chambersburg, PA | $36,590 | 400 | $38,661 | 44% |
| Great Falls, MT | $36,580 | 100 | $37,772 | 47% |
| Dover, DE | $36,570 | 450 | $37,505 | 58% |
| Rochester, MN | $36,570 | 420 | $40,266 | 52% |
| Raleigh, NC | $36,550 | 3,690 | $37,236 | 55% |
| San Antonio, TX | $36,550 | 7,950 | $38,589 | 46% |
| Las Vegas, NV | $36,520 | 8,030 | $36,442 | 57% |
| Macon, GA | $36,510 | 570 | $41,241 | 40% |
| Springfield, IL | $36,500 | 670 | $39,355 | 40% |
| St. Louis, MO | $36,470 | 8,700 | $38,354 | 47% |
| Muskegon, MI | $36,460 | 320 | $39,408 | 42% |
| Sebastian, FL | $36,430 | 530 | $37,057 | 70% |
| Richmond, VA | $36,400 | 3,550 | $37,197 | 56% |
| York, PA | $36,400 | 1,160 | $37,917 | 45% |
| Michigan City, IN | $36,390 | 200 | $39,692 | 40% |
| Reading, PA | $36,390 | 1,160 | $37,492 | 51% |
| Lake Havasu City, AZ | $36,370 | 530 | $38,651 | 51% |
| Palm Bay, FL | $36,350 | 1,470 | $36,348 | 62% |
| Cleveland, OH | $36,320 | 5,700 | $38,670 | 48% |
| South Bend, IN | $36,320 | 880 | $39,113 | 42% |
| Charlotte, NC | $36,300 | 5,880 | $37,289 | 57% |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $36,300 | 6,100 | $38,343 | 48% |
| Orlando, FL | $36,290 | 7,550 | $35,783 | 64% |
| Twin Falls, ID | $36,260 | 360 | $39,367 | 52% |
| Burlington, NC | $36,230 | 300 | $38,875 | 44% |
| Flint, MI | $36,230 | 870 | $38,943 | 34% |
| Salisbury, MD | $36,210 | 330 | $37,870 | 65% |
| Odessa, TX | $36,200 | 380 | $38,553 | 52% |
| Staunton, VA | $36,200 | 300 | $39,724 | 48% |
| Davenport, IA | $36,170 | 790 | $40,604 | 33% |
| Watertown, NY | $36,160 | 230 | $41,236 | 50% |
| Jackson, MI | $36,130 | 280 | $39,366 | 39% |
| St. George, UT | $36,090 | 810 | $37,083 | 61% |
| Winchester, VA | $36,090 | 380 | $37,418 | 61% |
| Fayetteville, AR | $36,080 | 2,530 | $39,495 | 52% |
| Lebanon, PA | $36,010 | 250 | $38,632 | 48% |
| Asheville, NC | $36,000 | 750 | $37,303 | 57% |
| Sierra Vista, AZ | $36,000 | 220 | $40,339 | 43% |
| Durham, NC | $35,990 | 880 | $36,886 | 55% |
| Yuma, AZ | $35,990 | 440 | $38,822 | 47% |
| Peoria, IL | $35,970 | 1,010 | $39,427 | 39% |
| Deltona, FL | $35,790 | 1,410 | $36,018 | 59% |
| Little Rock, AR | $35,790 | 3,390 | $40,050 | 41% |
| Topeka, KS | $35,780 | 480 | $40,284 | 42% |
| Logan, UT | $35,770 | 520 | $37,289 | 48% |
| New Orleans, LA | $35,750 | 2,930 | $38,608 | 53% |
| Saginaw, MI | $35,730 | 520 | $39,311 | 35% |
| Decatur, IL | $35,690 | 260 | $40,363 | 36% |
| Pensacola, FL | $35,690 | 1,210 | $36,524 | 58% |
| Panama City, FL | $35,670 | 610 | $36,661 | 58% |
| Scranton, PA | $35,650 | 1,620 | $38,106 | 46% |
| Hagerstown, MD | $35,630 | 790 | $37,835 | 54% |
| Springfield, OH | $35,630 | 280 | $39,378 | 40% |
| Kankakee, IL | $35,620 | 310 | $36,953 | 45% |
| Knoxville, TN | $35,620 | 1,620 | $38,479 | 58% |
| Birmingham, AL | $35,610 | 3,030 | $38,857 | 47% |
| Lima, OH | $35,600 | 370 | $39,702 | 41% |
| Waterloo, IA | $35,590 | 240 | $40,881 | 34% |
| Monroe, MI | $35,580 | 280 | $38,057 | 43% |
| Columbus, IN | $35,560 | 240 | $38,235 | 47% |
| Wichita, KS | $35,540 | 1,900 | $39,957 | 41% |
| Columbia, SC | $35,530 | 1,880 | $37,934 | 53% |
| Hilton Head Island, SC | $35,510 | 650 | $36,228 | 67% |
| Greenville, SC | $35,490 | 2,030 | $38,055 | 53% |
| Virginia Beach, VA | $35,470 | 4,370 | $36,216 | 64% |
| Farmington, NM | $35,440 | 250 | $40,407 | 47% |
| Lakeland, FL | $35,430 | 1,300 | $36,473 | 61% |
| Lawrence, KS | $35,410 | 260 | $39,239 | 53% |
| Albuquerque, NM | $35,360 | 3,010 | $37,008 | 51% |
| Dayton, OH | $35,360 | 2,140 | $38,147 | 45% |
| Winston-Salem, NC | $35,360 | 1,210 | $38,417 | 52% |
| Duluth, MN | $35,350 | 550 | $39,823 | 45% |
| Gainesville, FL | $35,350 | 810 | $36,544 | 56% |
| Houston, TX | $35,350 | 17,140 | $35,841 | 56% |
| Bloomington, IL | $35,340 | 520 | $37,782 | 44% |
| Tulsa, OK | $35,310 | 2,500 | $39,579 | 47% |
| Gettysburg, PA | $35,280 | 180 | $36,989 | 47% |
| Cincinnati, OH | $35,250 | 5,560 | $36,961 | 52% |
| Fort Wayne, IN | $35,220 | 1,310 | $38,046 | 43% |
| St. Joseph, MO | $35,190 | 320 | $40,738 | 34% |
| Ames, IA | $35,170 | 170 | $39,592 | 40% |
| Lafayette, IN | $35,110 | 490 | $37,579 | 50% |
| Chattanooga, TN | $35,070 | 1,090 | $38,343 | 52% |
| Huntsville, AL | $35,060 | 1,470 | $37,670 | 47% |
| Kokomo, IN | $35,040 | 200 | $39,086 | 37% |
| Muncie, IN | $35,040 | 330 | $39,751 | 36% |
| Oklahoma City, OK | $35,040 | 4,030 | $38,758 | 47% |
| Blacksburg, VA | $34,940 | 370 | $37,687 | 57% |
| The Villages, FL | $34,940 | 240 | $40,902 | 59% |
| Spartanburg, SC | $34,920 | 690 | $38,352 | 51% |
| Pocatello, ID | $34,870 | 280 | $39,221 | 37% |
| State College, PA | $34,860 | 470 | $36,027 | 67% |
| Niles, MI | $34,850 | 330 | $37,729 | 48% |
| Rome, GA | $34,830 | 270 | $38,631 | 44% |
| Sandusky, OH | $34,830 | 280 | $39,012 | 62% |
| Idaho Falls, ID | $34,800 | 720 | $36,860 | 49% |
| Cape Girardeau, MO | $34,750 | 330 | $40,370 | 35% |
| Rocky Mount, NC | $34,720 | 190 | $39,449 | 44% |
| Goldsboro, NC | $34,710 | 150 | $39,237 | 53% |
| Weirton, WV | $34,690 | 280 | $38,967 | 28% |
| Canton, OH | $34,640 | 1,030 | $38,745 | 40% |
| Springfield, MO | $34,590 | 1,470 | $39,047 | 43% |
| Dalton, GA | $34,570 | 340 | $38,478 | 49% |
| Memphis, TN | $34,530 | 2,100 | $37,460 | 48% |
| Louisville, KY | $34,520 | 3,330 | $37,089 | 47% |
| Jefferson City, MO | $34,510 | 410 | $39,227 | 35% |
| Killeen, TX | $34,510 | 890 | $37,868 | 45% |
| Homosassa Springs, FL | $34,380 | 260 | $36,783 | 61% |
| Ocala, FL | $34,380 | 890 | $36,101 | 56% |
| Jackson, MS | $34,350 | 1,770 | $38,575 | 51% |
| Joplin, MO | $34,350 | 510 | $40,073 | 43% |
| Albany, GA | $34,340 | 310 | $39,170 | 38% |
| Athens, GA | $34,290 | 690 | $36,735 | 62% |
| Savannah, GA | $34,270 | 1,290 | $35,996 | 62% |
| Sherman, TX | $34,270 | 320 | $36,546 | 48% |
| Wilmington, NC | $34,260 | 1,210 | $35,531 | 61% |
| Roanoke, VA | $34,240 | 980 | $36,574 | 49% |
| Bloomington, IN | $34,230 | 410 | $36,000 | 61% |
| Sebring, FL | $34,190 | 210 | $36,974 | 53% |
| Youngstown, OH | $34,140 | 990 | $39,064 | 37% |
| Myrtle Beach, SC | $34,130 | 890 | $36,447 | 61% |
| Terre Haute, IN | $34,130 | 360 | $38,874 | 34% |
| Tallahassee, FL | $34,100 | 940 | $36,308 | 52% |
| Greensboro, NC | $34,070 | 1,360 | $36,688 | 50% |
| Columbia, MO | $34,020 | 730 | $38,038 | 51% |
| Fort Smith, AR | $34,000 | 630 | $39,586 | 38% |
| Brunswick, GA | $33,990 | 220 | $38,754 | 59% |
| Lexington, KY | $33,970 | 1,410 | $36,571 | 56% |
| Kingsport, TN | $33,940 | 470 | $39,261 | 47% |
| Lynchburg, VA | $33,940 | 560 | $37,980 | 46% |
| Amarillo, TX | $33,900 | 900 | $36,920 | 46% |
| Hickory, NC | $33,870 | 420 | $38,277 | 57% |
| Bay City, MI | $33,860 | 240 | $36,836 | 36% |
| Evansville, IN | $33,860 | 970 | $36,994 | 39% |
| Jackson, TN | $33,860 | 270 | $39,592 | 49% |
| Enid, OK | $33,820 | 140 | $40,133 | 40% |
| Williamsport, PA | $33,790 | 310 | $36,589 | 39% |
| Baton Rouge, LA | $33,750 | 2,610 | $37,178 | 49% |
| Greenville, NC | $33,680 | 360 | $38,099 | 52% |
| Johnstown, PA | $33,310 | 250 | $38,765 | 32% |
| Decatur, AL | $33,280 | 250 | $38,160 | 39% |
| Las Cruces, NM | $33,280 | 620 | $36,891 | 53% |
| Mansfield, OH | $33,170 | 290 | $37,323 | 32% |
| Morgantown, WV | $33,170 | 600 | $35,543 | 49% |
| Florence, SC | $33,130 | 380 | $38,180 | 55% |
| Elizabethtown, KY | $33,020 | 250 | $36,457 | 47% |
| Wichita Falls, TX | $32,940 | 420 | $36,799 | 48% |
| Charleston, WV | $32,810 | 800 | $36,983 | 44% |
| Waco, TX | $32,810 | 730 | $35,451 | 52% |
| Cleveland, TN | $32,770 | 160 | $37,205 | 52% |
| Warner Robins, GA | $32,730 | 350 | $34,897 | 55% |
| Augusta, GA | $32,690 | 1,190 | $35,570 | 54% |
| Jonesboro, AR | $32,540 | 670 | $37,892 | 46% |
| Hinesville, GA | $32,510 | 60 | $34,610 | 64% |
| Fayetteville, NC | $32,490 | 450 | $35,324 | 54% |
| Longview, TX | $32,350 | 610 | $36,151 | 43% |
| Pinehurst, NC | $32,330 | 200 | $36,599 | 69% |
| Altoona, PA | $32,240 | 370 | $36,020 | 37% |
| Gulfport, MS | $32,220 | 950 | $35,798 | 53% |
| Erie, PA | $32,210 | 890 | $35,415 | 42% |
| Hot Springs, AR | $32,210 | 400 | $37,571 | 46% |
| Hammond, LA | $32,130 | 280 | $38,042 | 49% |
| Manhattan, KS | $32,130 | 390 | $35,636 | 47% |
| Paducah, KY | $32,130 | 240 | $37,324 | 43% |
| Victoria, TX | $32,130 | 280 | $35,764 | 44% |
| Lawton, OK | $32,100 | 170 | $37,351 | 42% |
| Tyler, TX | $32,100 | 810 | $34,832 | 49% |
| Beaumont, TX | $31,960 | 900 | $35,493 | 49% |
| Shreveport, LA | $31,910 | 1,140 | $37,645 | 48% |
| Anniston, AL | $31,900 | 190 | $37,115 | 36% |
| Huntington, WV | $31,890 | 1,050 | $36,066 | 41% |
| Parkersburg, WV | $31,880 | 330 | $36,616 | 40% |
| Corpus Christi, TX | $31,810 | 1,270 | $34,326 | 54% |
| Slidell, LA | $31,760 | 1,000 | $34,251 | – |
| Bowling Green, KY | $31,750 | 390 | $35,208 | 46% |
| Daphne, AL | $31,750 | 460 | $33,530 | 64% |
| Wheeling, WV | $31,750 | 410 | $35,948 | 33% |
| Lake Charles, LA | $31,620 | 570 | $36,831 | 52% |
| Auburn, AL | $31,600 | 330 | $35,936 | 61% |
| Lubbock, TX | $31,550 | 1,130 | $34,550 | 51% |
| Alexandria, LA | $31,500 | 400 | $36,762 | 39% |
| Owensboro, KY | $31,300 | 310 | $35,323 | 47% |
| Monroe, LA | $31,250 | 600 | $37,382 | 45% |
| Columbus, GA | $31,200 | 910 | $34,940 | 52% |
| Morristown, TN | $31,200 | 150 | $36,126 | 60% |
| San Angelo, TX | $31,200 | 300 | $33,747 | 51% |
| Valdosta, GA | $31,190 | 340 | $35,334 | 51% |
| Johnson City, TN | $31,180 | 300 | $35,461 | 57% |
| College Station, TX | $31,100 | 790 | $34,194 | 58% |
| Houma, LA | $31,060 | 590 | $36,497 | 50% |
| Sumter, SC | $31,060 | 180 | $35,287 | 57% |
| Clarksville, TN | $30,960 | 450 | $34,042 | 52% |
| Montgomery, AL | $30,740 | 750 | $34,277 | 54% |
| Mobile, AL | $30,710 | 880 | $34,859 | 50% |
| Abilene, TX | $30,690 | 450 | $33,963 | 78% |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | $30,630 | 510 | $34,917 | 65% |
| Jacksonville, NC | $30,600 | 270 | $33,230 | 62% |
| Florence, AL | $30,580 | 330 | $36,054 | 42% |
| Texarkana, TX | $30,470 | 340 | $36,269 | 49% |
| Beckley, WV | $30,180 | 350 | $34,152 | 41% |
| Lafayette, LA | $30,170 | 1,180 | $34,595 | 55% |
| Dothan, AL | $30,060 | 400 | $35,857 | 48% |
| Hattiesburg, MS | $29,850 | 480 | $34,063 | 52% |
| El Paso, TX | $29,460 | 1,950 | $32,765 | 62% |
| Gadsden, AL | $29,450 | 180 | $34,383 | 44% |
| Eagle Pass, TX | $29,340 | 90 | $35,010 | 47% |
| Laredo, TX | $29,140 | 630 | $33,511 | 46% |
| Brownsville, TX | $28,720 | 1,070 | $33,405 | 63% |
| McAllen, TX | $28,530 | 1,780 | $33,215 | 47% |
What the median receptionist salary pays per paycheck
| Period | Before taxes |
|---|---|
| Year | $38,010 |
| Month | $3,168 |
| Every two weeks | $1,462 |
| Week | $731 |
| Hour | $18.27 |
Gross pay, 52 weeks a year, 2,080 hours. Hourly to salary calculator.
Becoming a receptionist: education and job outlook
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent |
|---|---|
| Work experience needed | None |
| On-the-job training | Short-term on-the-job training |
| Projected change in jobs, 2025–35 | −1.7% (all jobs: +3.5%) |
| Openings a year (average) | 105,100 |
| Self-employed | 0.7% |
official BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35. Openings include workers who retire or change jobs. What the work involves: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Similar jobs
| Job | Median a year | Typical education |
|---|---|---|
| Mail carrier | $60,550 | No formal education |
| Bookkeeper | $50,670 | Some college |
| Bank teller | $43,030 | High school diploma |
| Administrative assistant | $47,540 | High school diploma |
| Executive assistant | $76,590 | High school diploma |
| Customer service representative | $44,770 | High school diploma |
| Dispatcher | $50,340 | High school diploma |
Questions about receptionist pay
How much does a receptionist make an hour?
The median is $18.27 an hour. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $13.83 and the top 10% over $24.01.
How much does a receptionist make a month?
About $3,168 a month before taxes at the median salary of $38,010, or $1,462 every two weeks.
What state pays receptionists the most?
The District of Columbia, with a median of $49,060. Alaska ($44,720), Washington ($44,710), California ($44,100) and Massachusetts ($43,870) follow.
Where do receptionists make the most after cost of living?
The District of Columbia: its median of $49,060 is worth $44,640 at typical US prices. North Dakota, Wisconsin and Maine come next.
How much do entry-level receptionists make?
BLS does not report pay by experience. The lowest-paid 10% of receptionists earn under $28,760 a year, and the lowest-paid quarter under $33,960, which is a reasonable guide to starting pay.
What education do you need to become a receptionist?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as a high school diploma or equivalent. Work experience in a related job: none. On-the-job training: short-term on-the-job training.
Sources and limits
- Pay and employment: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation 43-4171 (Receptionists and Information Clerks). Downloaded 2026-10-24.
- OEWS counts wage and salary workers at employers, including tips and commissions but not overtime pay, bonuses that are not tied to production, or benefits. It leaves out the self-employed. BLS does not publish figures above $239,200 a year or for states and metro areas with too few workers.
- Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024 (US = 100). Rents: Zillow Observed Rent Index, September 2026; Data Provided by Zillow Group.
- Outlook and education: BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35.
- Pay is not broken down by experience, employer or specialty (for example, ER or pediatric nursing); BLS does not publish those splits.