How Much Does a Receptionist Make in the United States?
On average, Receptionists in the United States earn a month or $36,590 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
The average wage for a Receptionist is per hour.
Average Receptionist Base Salary:
Although some Receptionists can earn as little as $12.95 (10th percentile), some can earn as much as $22.77 per hour (90th percentile).
[Source: BLS]
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Being in the 90th percentile means that you are earning more than 90% of all Receptionists in the United States. Top-earning Receptionists thus make $47,361, and they are merely 10% of all Receptionists.
Being in the 10th percentile, however, means that you earn less than 90% of the group. That means that the annual salary of a Receptionist in the 10th percentile is $26,936
Annual Mean Wage of Receptionists by State
The annual wage of Receptionists differs from state to state.
States with a higher cost of living, such as New York and Hawaii, typically offer higher salaries to Receptionists to attract workers and compensate for the high costs.
Similarly, states with a lower cost of living, such as Mississippi or Iowa, might offer Receptionists lower salaries than their more expensive counterparts.
Additional factors that can influence a Receptionist’s salary include local tourism trends and economic conditions. States with a developed tourism industry can offer higher salaries to Receptionists, especially during peak tourist seasons.
You can see the breakdown of Receptionist salaries across the U.S. states below:
[BLS]
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Factors That Affect Average Receptionist Salary
Outside of the different states and geographical locations, there are additional factors that influence the average salary of a Receptionist.
These include:
Experience: Receptionists with experience, especially experience in establishments similar to the one they are applying for, can typically ask for higher salaries.
Type of establishment: Receptionists are employed in various types across many industries. Individuals working in corporate offices, healthcare facilities and educational institutions will receive different compensation based on their work and industry standards.
Industry: The type of industry can also affect a Receptionist’s salary. For example, Receptionists working in the Postal Service (Federal Government) earn more than Receptionists working in the financial industry and related services.
Skills and expertise: Receptionists with additional skills such as proficiency in multiple languages, software programs and customer service expertise can ask for higher salaries than their less skillful counterparts.
Market demand: Supply and demand in the job market can influence salary levels. In areas where Receptionist positions are in high demand but low supply, salaries may be higher.
Negotiation skills: Candidates with superior negotiation skills can ask for higher salaries. Strong negotiation skills can be the difference between receiving a salary on the lower end of the spectrum and becoming a top earner with great benefits.
Explore the top-paying industries for Receptionists below:
| Industry | Annual mean wage |
|---|---|
| Postal Service (Federal Government) | $ 67,210 |
| Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation, Water | $ 59,870 |
| Web Search Portals, Libraries, Archives, and Other Information Services | $ 51,360 |
| Securities, Commodity Contracts, and Other Financial Investments and Related Activities | $ 48,430 |
| Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution | $ 47,270 |
Receptionist Salary in Major US Cities
Among these four major U.S. cities, New York City is the top-paying city for Receptionists, followed by Los Angeles, Chicago and Miami.
Annual mean wage
$35,890
# of employees
23,320
Projected growth
17%
Annual mean wage
$42,150
# of employees
87,340
Projected growth
21%
Annual mean wage
$37,780
# of employees
33,740
Projected growth
1%
Annual mean wage
$40,850
# of employees
26,560
Projected growth
8%
[Sources: BLS]
High-Paying Cities for Receptionists
| City | Avg Salary | Avg Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA | 40,850 | 19.64 |
| Miami, FL | 35,890 | 17.25 |
| Chicago, IL | 37,780 | 18.16 |
| NYC, NY | 42,150 | 20.26 |
Average Receptionist Salary by State
Explore the table for the average Receptionist salaries in the 50 states plus the District of Columbia.
| State | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $31,464 |
| Alaska | $40,980 |
| Arizona | $37,160 |
| Arkansas | $32,570 |
| California | $42,920 |
| Colorado | $39,000 |
| Connecticut | $51,792 |
| Delaware | $34,210 |
| Florida | $34,820 |
| Georgia | $35,210 |
| Hawaii | $39,110 |
| Idaho | $33,290 |
| Illinois | $36,990 |
| Indiana | $33,850 |
| Iowa | $33,790 |
| Kansas | $33,040 |
| Kentucky | $31,310 |
| Louisiana | $30,260 |
| Maine | $38,470 |
| Maryland | $38,360 |
| Massachusetts | $41,570 |
| Michigan | $35,610 |
| Minnesota | $37,600 |
| Mississippi | $30,260 |
| Missouri | $34,060 |
| Montana | $33,660 |
| Nebraska | $34,836 |
| Nevada | $35,990 |
| New Hampshire | $37,310 |
| New Jersey | $39,670 |
| New Mexico | $33,130 |
| New York | $41,760 |
| North Carolina | $34,000 |
| North Dakota | $37,080 |
| Ohio | $33,720 |
| Oklahoma | $32,240 |
| Oregon | $38,990 |
| Pennsylvania | $34,410 |
| Rhode Island | $39,850 |
| South Carolina | $32,800 |
| South Dakota | $34,300 |
| Tennessee | $32,710 |
| Texas | $33,330 |
| Utah | $34,910 |
| Vermont | $36,140 |
| Virginia | $35,200 |
| Washington | $41,950 |
| West Virginia | $30,030 |
| Wisconsin | $37,390 |
| Wyoming | $36,260 |
| District of Columbia | $43,700 |
Non-Monetary Benefits and Perks for Receptionists
According to Statista, employees are still most likely to switch jobs to receive a higher salary.
That doesn’t mean that they don’t care about non-monetary perks and benefits that come with a role.
In fact, while 32% of U.S. employees would be willing to change jobs for a better salary, 26% would do so to receive access to better benefits.
The top non-monetary benefits for U.S. employees include:
- Employer-covered healthcare
- Life insurance
- Pension and retirement plans
- Mental health assistance
- Employee discounts
Some of the most common non-monetary perks and benefits Receptionists receive include:
- Flexible work arrangement: A virtual Receptionist works for one or more businesses from a remote location, offering their expertise virtually. This work arrangement allows the individual to achieve a better work/life balance.
- Health and wellness benefits: Receptionists often receive benefits such as health, dental, vision insurance and more. Depending on the location of work, some Receptionists often receive on-site discounts for gym, spa and wellness programs.
- Paid time off (PTO): Generous time off policies are one of the essential Receptionist benefits, as they allow them to take time off work without worrying about a decrease in wages. This is especially important as less than 50% of hospitality workers have access to paid vacation.
- Retirement savings plans: Retirement plans and 401(k) plans with matching contributions are other common benefits that help employers to attract top talent and demonstrate a commitment to the employee’s financial security.
- Career advancement opportunities: Providing clear paths for career growth and promotion within the organization motivates Receptionists to excel in their roles and fosters loyalty to the company.
- Transportation benefits: Subsidies for public transportation or parking expenses help Receptionists reduce their cost of commute and decrease stress.
- Employee discounts: Providing discounts on company products or services, as well as discounts at partner businesses, can help Receptionists save money on purchases and enjoy additional perks.
Top 5 Skills Needed for Receptionists
Receptionists must possess several skills and abilities in order to thrive in their work environment.
The top skills of a Receptionist include:
1. Communication
Receptionists must have strong verbal and written communication skills to interact effectively with all individuals who come to or call the place of business. This includes not only guests and visitors, but also customers and colleagues. A skilled Receptionist can effectively convey information in a clear and professional manner.
2. Customer service
Receptionists are often the first point of contact between a business and a potential customer. Being friendly and creating a warm and positive environment for clients is an essential skill of every top receptionist.
3. Organization
Receptionists often juggle multiple tasks simultaneously. Some of the regular duties of a Receptionist include answering the phone, mail scheduling appointments and maintaining accurate records. Individuals without strong organizational skills and ability to multitask will not manage to thrive in the Receptionist role.
4. Computer skills
Proficiency in basic computer applications such as word processing, email and spreadsheet software is essential for receptionists to perform administrative tasks efficiently.
Additionally, familiarity with office equipment like multi-line phone systems, printers or additional equipment may be required depending on the workplace.
5. Adaptability and problem-solving
Receptionists often encounter unexpected situations or changes in their daily tasks. Being adaptable allows them to respond effectively to shifting priorities, changes in workflow or new challenges that arise.
Strong problem-solving skills enable receptionists to identify issues, find solutions and resolve conflicts efficiently, contributing to the smooth operation of the front desk or reception area.
Education Requirements for Receptionists
As an entry-level position, there are typically no special educational requirements required for a Receptionist.
However, according to a survey conducted by the Occupational Information Network (O*NET), most employers require Receptionists to have at least a high school diploma or a GED equivalent.
In fact, according to the survey:
- 49% of Receptionists must have at least a high school diploma
- 30% of Receptionists must have some college experience
- 21% of Receptionists must have a post-secondary degree or certificate
Additionally, you can demonstrate your commitment to succeeding in a Receptionist role by acquiring one of the following certificates:
- Certified Administrative Professional (CAP): The International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) offers the Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) certification, which is an accredited certification program that recognizes the competencies and continued dedication of administrative professionals worldwide.
- Certified Front Desk Representative (CFDR) certification: The American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) is a globally recognized provider of hospitality education, training and professional certification programs. Their CFDR certificate recognizes the skills and competencies of front desk professionals in the hospitality industry.
- The Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS): The Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification program offers individuals the opportunity to demonstrate their proficiency in various Office applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access and SharePoint, with different certification levels including Associate, Expert and Master, empowering them to excel in diverse professional environments.
How Much Do Similar Careers to Receptionists Get Paid?
Receptionists in the U.S. earn more than Hosts/Hostesses but less than Servers and Concierges.
| Job Title | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Host/Hostess | |
| Server | |
| Concierge |
Receptionist Career Progression
Individuals who begin as Receptionists in an office setting have multiple avenues to explore in terms of their career progression.
They can develop into roles such as Administrative Assistants, providing support to executives and departments. By furthering their skills and education, they can progress to Office Managers and Directors of Operations.
On the other hand, Receptionists working in hospitality and interested in furthering their career in the hospitality industry can acquire additional skills and become a Front Desk Supervisor.
By furthering their skills and education, they can become Assistant Hotel Managers until they reach the peek position of the Director of Hospitality Services.
Receptionist
Administrative Assistants
Office Manager
General Operations Manager
Receptionist
Front Line Supervisor
Lodging Manager
Hotel General Manager
Labor Laws and Taxes for Receptionists
As a Receptionist, you need to be aware of the minimum wage, tip wage credit, overtime pay and leave policies in your state.
Check out the guides below or view more labor laws:
To easily calculate federal, state and local taxes in your state, use our free Paycheck Calculator.
Receptionist Salary FAQ
Being a Receptionist can be stressful at times.
Give the role’s requirement to often juggle multiple responsibilities, such as answering the phone, mail, scheduling appointments and more ca create pressure.
However, good organizational skills, time-management and experience are all factors that will make the daily operations of a Receptionist easier to manage.
Yes, Receptionists can advance their career.
By gaining experience, additional skills and certifications and networking, individuals can make themselves more eligible for a promotion.
It is also important to track advancement opportunities within your organization and to take on challenges that require additional responsibility and accountability.
Becoming a good Receptionist is a matter of combining practical skills and knowledge with experience.
Individuals with strong communication skills, ability to multitask and ability to remain professional in all situations will naturally have an advantage in the Receptionist role.
However, by furthering your skills, becoming proficient with software and programs required in the Receptionist role and acquiring certifications, you can advance and develop into the Receptionist role and beyond.
There are several pros and cons to being a Receptionist.
Pros:
- Diverse skill development: Receptionists can develop a wide range of skills, including communication, organization, time management, customer service and administrative abilities.
- Career advancement: The role of a Receptionist can serve as a steppingstone within a particular organization or industry that can be leveraged for further career advancement with enough skills and experience.
- Minimal experience required: Entry-level positions as Receptionists often require minimal previous experience, making it accessible to individuals entering the workforce or seeking to transition into a new field.
Cons:
- Stress: The fast-paced nature of the job, handling multiple tasks simultaneously and dealing with demanding clients or situations can lead to high levels of stress for Receptionists.
- Difficult situations: Receptionists may encounter difficult or confrontational situations, such as managing unhappy customers, handling complaints or diffusing conflicts, which can be emotionally challenging.
- High volume of tasks: Receptionists are often responsible for managing a wide range of tasks, including answering phones, scheduling appointments, handling inquiries and administrative duties, which can be overwhelming and require strong organizational skills.
When asking for a raise as a Receptionist, it’s essential to prepare thoroughly.
Highlight your contributions, showcase your skills and accomplishments and provide evidence of your value to the organization.
Schedule a meeting and do a mock interview preparing the answer to some of the most common Receptionist interview questions.
Demonstrate your desire to advance, take additional responsibilities and request that your salary adequately reflects your contributions.
