Dallas Receptionist Salary Guide and Cost of Living Comparison

Dallas Receptionist Salary Guide and Cost-of-Living Comparison: Key Takeaways

• Average annual salary for a receptionist in Dallas is approximately $35,000 as of August 2025.
• Dallas has a cost of living 2% higher than the national average, with housing 5% lower than national averages.
• Nearby Plano is significantly more expensive by 8%, mainly due to much higher housing costs, while Fort Worth is slightly cheaper overall.

Understanding the salary expectations for receptionists in Dallas alongside the city's living expenses is crucial for budgeting and career planning.

This guide helps explore how the cost of living impacts the salary value and compares Dallas with neighboring cities.

Dallas employers can review how to hire a receptionist to attract qualified front desk talent.

1. Overview of Dallas Receptionist Salary

The average salary for a receptionist in Dallas, Texas is around $35,000 annually, but this can vary by experience, education level, and industry.

For role specifics, see the receptionist job description.

For entry-level receptionists, salaries may start lower, while candidates with specialized skills or those working in high-demand sectors may earn above this figure.

Compared to the national average for receptionists, Dallas salaries align moderately but should be evaluated with the city’s cost of living in mind to determine overall earning power.

2. Cost of Living in Dallas for Receptionists

While the salary sets a baseline, how far that income goes depends heavily on local living costs. Dallas's overall cost of living is about 2% above the national average and 7% above the Texas state average.

Housing Costs

Housing is a major factor and fortunately in Dallas, it's 5% cheaper than the national average, with median home prices around $477,656 and average monthly rents near $1,593.

This makes Dallas fairly affordable for renters and buyers compared to more costly metro areas.

Utilities and Other Essentials

Utilities in Dallas are notably higher than average, about 16% above national levels, with energy bills averaging $251.78 monthly. This is an important consideration for budgeting.

Grocery prices sit slightly below average (-1%), while healthcare costs exceed the national average by 4%. Transportation costs benefit from 9% lower-than-national average expenses, partly due to affordable gas prices averaging $2.95 per gallon.

For current pay trends, see our analysis of hospitality wages in 2025.

3. Comparing Dallas to Nearby Cities for Receptionist Employment

Examining neighboring cities helps prospective and current receptionists understand their options and lifestyle differences.

Preparing for interviews? Practice with receptionist interview questions.

Plano, TX Comparison

Plano's cost of living is about 8% higher than Dallas, largely driven by a 67% increase in housing costs, making it more expensive particularly for those looking to buy or rent housing.

Fort Worth, TX Comparison

Fort Worth offers a slightly more affordable living environment, with costs approximately 0.8% lower than Dallas. Housing in Fort Worth is on average 7% cheaper than in Dallas, presenting a viable alternative for more affordable living near the metro area.

4. Income Affordability Analysis for Dallas Receptionists

Despite the average receptionist salary of $35,000, the median household income in Dallas is much higher at $67,760, reflecting combined earnings from multiple household members.

However, affording the median-priced home in the Dallas-Fort Worth area requires an annual income exceeding $127,000 — significantly out of reach for many, including receptionists. This underlines challenges in homeownership without additional income or savings.

For broader context on employer pay, explore hotel receptionist pay across the U.S.

Receptionists need to carefully budget living expenses, especially when planning long-term goals such as buying property.

5. Advice for Receptionists Living and Working in Dallas

To balance salary and cost of living effectively, receptionists should consider industry sectors offering higher compensation or additional benefits.

Exploring housing options outside the city center or in nearby, cheaper suburbs may also help reduce living expenses.

Tracking utility usage to manage high energy costs and taking advantage of lower transportation expenses can further optimize monthly budgeting.

When applying, use this receptionist resume guide to highlight front-desk skills.

6. Useful Official Resources for Dallas Receptionists

• Refer to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for up-to-date information on receptionist salaries and job outlook.
• Consult the U.S. Census Bureau for demographic and economic data related to Dallas.
• Visit the City of Dallas Official Website for resources on living, working, and community programs.

Dallas Receptionist Salary and Living Costs: Conclusion

The average receptionist salary in Dallas of approximately $35,000 balances moderately well against a cost of living slightly above national and state averages.

While housing remains relatively affordable compared to other metro areas, expenses such as higher utilities and healthcare add to the cost of living challenges.

Comparisons with Plano and Fort Worth highlight options for those who might seek more or less expensive living environments within the Dallas metro area.

Receptionists in Dallas benefit from understanding these financial factors and leveraging official resources to make informed career and lifestyle decisions.

For a broader view of the role, read the receptionist pros and cons.