How much does a receptionist make?
a year · about $18 an hour
A typical receptionist in the United States makes $38,010 a year, about $18 an hour, below a typical US worker ($50,980) (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
At a busy front desk, a receptionist greets visitors, answers calls, and points people to the right person or room. Between guests, they update appointment calendars, pass along messages, and enter or file records.
Did you know? At some large companies and government offices, receptionists issue visitor passes and escort guests to their destination, acting like gatekeepers.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $28,760 and $49,950How do you become one?
In the U.S., earn a high-school diploma or equivalent and build communication and computer skills; word-processing or spreadsheet experience may help. Most start without related experience and learn on the job in a few days to a month.
School needed: High school plus some training
Good for people who like keeping things organized and leading and selling
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., pay can differ with experience, useful computer skills, the employer and industry, and location. Extra duties, such as medical billing or visitor security, and hours or evening and weekend shifts can matter too.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in District of Columbia ($49,060), lowest in Mississippi ($31,160).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
In Japan, a receptionist averages $23,563. Receptionist salary in Japan
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $28,760 | $38,010 | $49,950 | about 910,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $49,060 | about 2,000 |
| Alaska | $44,720 | about 2,000 |
| Washington | $44,710 | about 27,000 |
| California | $44,100 | about 82,000 |
| Massachusetts | $43,870 | about 19,000 |
Official definition: Answer inquiries and provide information to the general public, customers, visitors, and other interested parties regarding activities conducted at establishment and location of departments, offices, and employees within the organization. Excludes “Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service” (43-2011).
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/receptionists.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/43-4171.00
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY