Key Takeaways:
- Receptionists in LA earn about $19.64 per hour—slightly above the national median of $17.90.
- The field remains large (1.05M nationally), though projected to decline slightly (−1% by 2033).
- LA metro shows strong sector growth: Office/Admin wages grew 4.4% in past year.
- Industry influences pay: healthcare, hotels, and corporate firms offer higher rates.
- Benefits and career pathways exist mainly in larger organizations; turnover keeps demand stable.
This report provides a focused overview of the Receptionist role in Los Angeles for 2025, using data from BLS, the Occupational Outlook Handbook, regional BLS releases, and OysterLink.
Pay and Wage Statistics
Receptionist compensation varies by region and industry:
- Los Angeles metro mean hourly wage: $19.64
- National median hourly wage: $16.63 in May 2024
- National percentile wages (May 2024):
- 10th percentile: $12.95/hr
- 25th percentile: $14.64/hr
- 75th percentile: $19.58/hr
- LA mean 18.1% above national median: $19.64 vs $16.63 per hour
Employment and Market Presence
Receptionists form part of a large sector across industries:
- National receptionist jobs: ~1,054,500
- Projected national employment change (2023–33): −1% (−5,700 jobs)
- Annual openings nationally: ~137,800 (due to replacements)
- LA‑Long Beach‑Anaheim area employment (Office/Admin Support): 731,780 jobs (includes receptionists)
- Local group share: Office/Admin Support accounts for 11.8% of regional employment
Wage Distribution (National Percentiles)
Receptionist earnings show variation by skill and industry:
- Hourly wages:
- 10th percentile: $12.95
- 25th percentile: $14.64
- Median: $19.64
- 75th percentile: $22.77
.png)
Industry and Venue Comparison
Wages depend on sector and setting:

- Healthcare & social assistance: $18.47/hr median
- Admin & support services: $18.41/hr
- Professional/scientific/technical services: $18.05/hr
- Non-profit/religious/etc.: $16.64/hr
- Personal care services: $16.22/hr
Local admin roles on platforms like OysterLink show ranges:
- Front-desk/mail roles: $21–$26/hr
- Hotel front‑office/reception: $26–$33/hr in West Hollywood/Beverly Hills
Workforce Demographics & Skills
Receptionist roles are largely entry-level with common traits:
- Typical education: High school diploma required; on‑the‑job training
- Employment outlook: Decline of 1% nationally by 2033
- Workforce churn: ~137,800 annual openings driven by turnover
- Common employer types: Healthcare offices, law firms, corporate front desks, hotels, non-profits
Local Market Trends (Los Angeles)
Recent wage growth and job dynamics:
- Metro area private wages increased 4.4% over 12 months (to March 2025)
- Office/Admin Support wage increase part of broader sector wage gains (Employment Cost Index)
Hours & Shift Patterns
Receptionist work schedules influence earnings:
- Typical work-week: 35–40 hours
- Shift types:
- Standard business hours (8 AM–5 PM) common
- Healthcare/hospital schedules include evenings/weekends
- Hotel/front-desk roles may require varied shifts
Benefits & Career Progression
Role benefits and growth opportunities:
- Benefits offered:
- Paid sick leave (California mandate)
- Health insurance common in mid/large cadres
- Career advancement:
- Common promotion path: receptionist → admin assistant → office manager
- Larger firms offer internal mobility and training
Top Employers & Job Listings
Receptionist positions in LA reflect varied employer types:
- Common employer types:
- Hospitals and clinics
- Corporate offices in Downtown LA and Century City
- Hotels in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood
- Legal and professional services
- Non-profit/civic organizations
- Typical wage ranges via job listings:
- $21–$26/hr: gym or boutique front desk roles
- $26–$33/hr: luxury hotels and medical reception