Receptionist Salary Guide
National median: $38,010/yr · Range: $28,887–$47,892 · Source: BLS OEWS May 2025
Last updated: 2026-07-04
National Receptionist Salary Overview
Data: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, May 2025 OEWS. O*NET code: 43-4171.00. SOC occupation: 43-4171 (Receptionist).
Receptionist Salary by City — Top 20 Metros
| Metro Area | 25th Pct | Median | 75th Pct |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $43,440 | $49,450 | $60,170 |
| San Jose, CA | $44,110 | $47,130 | $57,820 |
| Seattle, WA | $40,600 | $45,820 | $50,810 |
| New York, NY | $37,860 | $44,690 | $49,320 |
| San Diego, CA | $38,330 | $44,390 | $47,460 |
| Denver, CO | $38,310 | $43,680 | $47,810 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $39,410 | $43,280 | $47,340 |
| Phoenix, AZ | $35,880 | $39,340 | $45,590 |
| Chicago, IL | $34,960 | $38,060 | $45,140 |
| Philadelphia, PA | $34,030 | $38,030 | $45,340 |
| Dallas, TX | $31,220 | $37,060 | $44,190 |
| Fort Worth, TX | $31,220 | $37,060 | $44,190 |
| Indianapolis, IN | $30,040 | $37,050 | $43,920 |
| Columbus, OH | $30,610 | $36,910 | $42,490 |
| Nashville, TN | $31,570 | $36,810 | $43,580 |
| Jacksonville, FL | $31,750 | $36,760 | $40,890 |
| Austin, TX | $30,280 | $36,690 | $44,040 |
| San Antonio, TX | $30,850 | $36,550 | $41,370 |
| Charlotte, NC | $28,990 | $36,300 | $41,600 |
| Houston, TX | $29,730 | $35,350 | $40,790 |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025 estimates. Click any city for detailed local salary data.
Receptionist Salary by Experience Level
| Level | Typical Salary | Years of Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level Receptionist | $27,367 | 0–2 years |
| Mid-level Receptionist | $34,969 | 3–5 years |
| Senior Receptionist | $44,851 | 5–8 years |
| Staff / Lead Receptionist | $53,974 | 8–12 years |
| Principal / Director | $63,856 | 12+ years |
Career path estimates derived from BLS OEWS May 2025 national benchmarks. Actual salaries vary by company, location, and skills.
Skills That Raise Receptionist Salary
Professionals with these skills typically earn 15–35% above the median:
- Multi-line phone systems
- Scheduling software
- Microsoft Office / Google Workspace
- Medical or legal front-office experience
- Bilingual front desk (Spanish)
How to Negotiate a Receptionist Offer
The most effective salary negotiation for Receptionist roles follows three steps:
- Anchor with data. Quote BLS OEWS median ($38,010) and top-metro benchmarks as your reference point. Numbers beat feelings.
- Frame with ROI. Describe a specific project outcome in dollar terms: "I reduced churn by 8%, which retained $2M ARR." This turns the conversation from cost to investment.
- Negotiate total comp. If base is firm, ask about sign-on bonus, equity refresh, additional PTO, or a 6-month review. Employers have more flexibility in these buckets.
Receptionist Salary by City — All 90 Locations
Median Receptionist pay in every metro we track, grouped by state (BLS OEWS May 2025).
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