Receptionist Salary in California
Based on 82K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$44,100
$21.20/hr
vs National Average
$38,056
+15.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$36K – $59K
82K employed in California
The median Receptionist salary in California is $44,100 per year, or approximately $21 per hour. This figure is 15.9% higher than the national average, indicating a strong demand for these administrative professionals across the Golden State. With a significant number of employed receptionists, California offers a substantial market for this role.
Several factors can influence the Receptionist salary in California. These include the specific location within the state (major cities often pay more), the size and type of the company, the receptionist's years of experience, and any specialized skills or certifications they possess. The salary range can extend from $36,410 to $58,800 annually.
Salary Distribution — Receptionist in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $36,410 |
| 25th percentile | $39,050 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $44,100 |
| 75th percentile | $48,690 |
| 90th percentile | $58,800 |
Top-Paying Industries for Receptionist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Receptionists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Receptionists in California tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $42,110 | 450 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $42,010 | 7K |
| Manufacturing | $41,220 | 12K |
| Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | $41,140 | 27K |
| Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting | $41,010 | 340 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Receptionist in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $44,100 |
| 2026 (projected) | $45,423 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $44,100 | $38,056 |
| 2026 (projected) | $45,423 | $39,198 |
Receptionist Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $39,050 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $44,100 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $48,690 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $58,800 |
Receptionist Salary in Other States
Related Receptionist Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Receptionist ($44,100 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Receptionist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bookkeeper in CA | $59,230 | +34.3% | $28.48/hr |
| Administrative Assistant in CA | $55,400 | +25.6% | $26.63/hr |
| Customer Service Representative in CA | $49,560 | +12.4% | $23.83/hr |
| Rehabilitation Counselor in CA | $44,480 | +0.9% | $21.38/hr |
| Restaurant Cook in CA | $44,880 | +1.8% | $21.58/hr |
| Security Guard in CA | $43,240 | -2.0% | $20.79/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in CA | $42,870 | -2.8% | $20.61/hr |
| Fast Food and Counter Worker in CA | $42,280 | -4.1% | $20.33/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in CA | $47,630 | +8.0% | $22.90/hr |
| Tutor in CA | $49,570 | +12.4% | $23.83/hr |
| Medical Assistant in CA | $49,660 | +12.6% | $23.88/hr |
| Retail Salesperson in CA | $38,440 | -12.8% | $18.48/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a receptionist in California?
- The median salary for a receptionist in California is $44,100 per year, equating to about $21 per hour. This median represents the midpoint of salaries for receptionists across the state.
What is the salary range for receptionists in California?
- The salary range for receptionists in California generally falls between $36,410 and $58,800 annually. This indicates that while many earn around the median of $44,100, some positions offer higher compensation.
How does the California receptionist salary compare to the national average?
- A Receptionist salary in California is notably higher than the national average. On average, California receptionists earn 15.9% more than their counterparts in other parts of the country.
How many receptionists are employed in California?
- There are approximately 82,470 receptionists employed in California. This large number suggests a robust job market for individuals in this administrative support role.