Receptionist Salary in the United States
Based on 910K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$38,056
$18.30/hr
Salary Range
$29K – $49K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
910K
workers nationwide
The median Receptionist salary in the United States is $38,056 per year, which equates to approximately $18 per hour. This figure represents the midpoint of earnings for receptionists across the country, with a typical salary range falling between $29,059 and $49,060 annually.
Several factors can influence a receptionist's pay. These include the geographic location of employment, with the District of Columbia offering the highest average salaries, the specific industry of the employer, the size of the company, and the individual's experience level and any specialized skills they may possess.
Salary Distribution — Receptionist
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $29,059 |
| 25th percentile | $33,046 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $38,056 |
| 75th percentile | $43,343 |
| 90th percentile | $49,060 |
Receptionist Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Receptionist
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | $49,060 | +28.9% | 2K |
| 2 | Alaska | $44,720 | +17.5% | 2K |
| 3 | Washington | $44,710 | +17.5% | 27K |
| 4 | California | $44,100 | +15.9% | 82K |
| 5 | Massachusetts | $43,870 | +15.3% | 19K |
| 6 | New York | $43,080 | +13.2% | 65K |
| 7 | Rhode Island | $42,620 | +12.0% | 4K |
| 8 | Maine | $42,440 | +11.5% | 3K |
| 9 | Colorado | $42,010 | +10.4% | 11K |
| 10 | New Jersey | $41,650 | +9.4% | 42K |
Receptionist Salary by Industry
How much Receptionists earn across industries nationwide — Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction pays the most ($42,110 median). Ranked by median annual salary (2025 BLS OEWS data).
| # | Industry | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $42,110 | +10.7% | 450 |
| 2 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | $42,010 | +10.4% | 7K |
| 3 | Manufacturing | $41,220 | +8.3% | 12K |
| 4 | Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | $41,140 | +8.1% | 27K |
| 5 | Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting | $41,010 | +7.8% | 340 |
| 6 | Wholesale Trade | $40,700 | +6.9% | 12K |
| 7 | Administrative and Support Services | $39,870 | +4.8% | 33K |
| 8 | Construction | $39,750 | +4.5% | 18K |
| 9 | Finance and Insurance | $39,640 | +4.2% | 21K |
| 10 | Transportation and Warehousing | $39,580 | +4.0% | 4K |
| 11 | Health Care and Social Assistance | $39,510 | +3.8% | 394K |
| 12 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $38,610 | +1.5% | 103K |
| 13 | Information | $38,290 | +0.6% | 3K |
| 14 | Educational Services | $37,200 | -2.2% | 30K |
| 15 | Utilities | $37,180 | -2.3% | 670 |
| 16 | Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $36,750 | -3.4% | 16K |
| 17 | Retail Trade | $35,770 | -6.0% | 41K |
| 18 | Accommodation and Food Services | $35,360 | -7.1% | 9K |
| 19 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | $34,730 | -8.7% | 109K |
| 20 | Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | $31,960 | -16.0% | 69K |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures.
Historical Salary Trend — Receptionist
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $38,056 |
| 2026 (projected) | $39,198 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
Receptionist Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $33,046 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $38,056 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $43,343 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $49,060 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Receptionist salary in the US?
- The median Receptionist salary in the United States is $38,056 per year, or about $18 per hour. Most receptionists earn between $29,059 and $49,060 annually.
Which state pays Receptionists the most?
- The District of Columbia is the top-paying state for receptionists, with an average annual salary of $49,060. This is at the higher end of the national salary range.
How many Receptionists are employed in the United States?
- There are a significant number of receptionists employed in the United States, totaling approximately 910,180 individuals. This indicates a substantial job market for this role.
What is the salary range for a Receptionist?
- The typical salary range for a Receptionist in the United States spans from $29,059 on the lower end to $49,060 on the higher end annually. The median salary falls within this range at $38,056.