Receptionist Salary in District of Columbia
Based on 2K+ workers in District of Columbia
Median Annual Salary (DC)
$49,060
$23.59/hr
vs National Average
$38,056
+28.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$37K – $64K
2K employed in District of Columbia
The median salary for a Receptionist in the District of Columbia is $49,060 per year, which translates to approximately $24 per hour. This figure is notably higher than the national average, indicating a strong demand and potentially higher cost of living in the nation's capital for this role.
Several factors can influence the Receptionist salary in the District of Columbia. Experience level is a significant driver, with more seasoned professionals earning towards the higher end of the $37,050 to $64,270 range. The specific industry and the size of the organization also play a role, as do additional responsibilities or specialized skills.
Salary Distribution — Receptionist in District of Columbia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $37,050 |
| 25th percentile | $39,850 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $49,060 |
| 75th percentile | $57,760 |
| 90th percentile | $64,270 |
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 District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (District of Columbia) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $49,060 |
| 2026 (projected) | $50,532 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | District of Columbia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $49,060 | $38,056 |
| 2026 (projected) | $50,532 | $39,198 |
Receptionist Salary by Experience Level in District of Columbia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $39,850 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $49,060 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $57,760 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $64,270 |
Receptionist Salary in Other States
Related Receptionist Salaries in District of Columbia
How other high-demand occupations in District of Columbia compare to Receptionist ($49,060 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Receptionist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bookkeeper in DC | $65,180 | +32.9% | $31.34/hr |
| Administrative Assistant in DC | $59,910 | +22.1% | $28.80/hr |
| Customer Service Representative in DC | $48,250 | -1.7% | $23.20/hr |
| Rehabilitation Counselor in DC | $49,680 | +1.3% | $23.88/hr |
| Construction Laborer in DC | $50,020 | +2.0% | $24.05/hr |
| Waiter and Waitress in DC | $47,850 | -2.5% | $23.00/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in DC | $47,700 | -2.8% | $22.93/hr |
| Pharmacy Technician in DC | $47,410 | -3.4% | $22.79/hr |
| Medical Assistant in DC | $51,050 | +4.1% | $24.54/hr |
| Restaurant Cook in DC | $46,130 | -6.0% | $22.18/hr |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide in DC | $42,700 | -13.0% | $20.53/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in DC | $39,640 | -19.2% | $19.06/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for a Receptionist in Washington D.C.?
- The salary range for a Receptionist in the District of Columbia typically falls between $37,050 and $64,270 annually. The median salary for this position is $49,060 per year.
How does the average Receptionist salary in D.C. compare to the national average?
- A Receptionist in the District of Columbia earns significantly more than the national average, with salaries being 28.9% higher. This means the median D.C. salary of $49,060 is substantially above the national median.
How many Receptionists are employed in the District of Columbia?
- There are approximately 2,000 Receptionists employed within the District of Columbia. This indicates a healthy job market for those in this administrative support role.
Is it possible for a Receptionist in D.C. to earn over $60,000 per year?
- Yes, it is possible. The upper end of the salary range for a Receptionist in the District of Columbia extends to $64,270 per year, so earning above $60,000 is achievable for some experienced individuals.