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Create CVIf you’re searching for Receptionist salary US, you’re likely asking:
How much does a receptionist make per year or per month?
What is the average receptionist salary in the US by experience level?
How can I increase my pay in an entry-level administrative role?
This guide goes beyond averages. It explains how receptionist salaries are actually determined in the US, including real hiring practices, compensation structures, and how candidates can move from low-paying roles to higher-paying administrative careers.
Entry-level receptionist salary: $28,000 – $35,000
Mid-level receptionist salary: $35,000 – $45,000
Experienced / senior receptionist salary: $45,000 – $55,000
High-end (corporate / specialized roles): $55,000 – $70,000+
Average receptionist salary US: ~$38,000
Median salary: ~$37,000
Receptionist compensation is heavily base-salary driven, with limited variable pay.
Base Salary: 90% – 98%
Bonuses: 0% – 10% (rare outside corporate roles)
Overtime pay: Common in hourly roles
Benefits: Healthcare, PTO, retirement plans
Small business receptionist:
Base: $32,000
Bonus: $1,000
Salary: $28,000 – $35,000
Minimal experience required
Often hourly roles
Reality: This level has the least negotiation power and highest competition.
Salary: $35,000 – $45,000
Increased responsibilities (scheduling, admin support)
More stable full-time roles
Top 10% earners: $60,000+
Key Insight: Receptionist salaries are typically capped unless you transition into higher-level administrative roles.
Total: $33,000
Corporate receptionist (mid-size company):
Base: $42,000
Bonus: $3,000
Total: $45,000
Executive front desk / law firm receptionist:
Base: $55,000
Bonus: $5,000
Total: $60,000
Key Insight: The biggest pay increases come from company type, not just experience.
Salary: $45,000 – $55,000+
Supervises front desk operations
May manage junior staff
Salary: $45,000 – $65,000
Higher expectations (client-facing professionalism)
Bonuses more common
Salary: $32,000 – $45,000
High-volume environment
Often hourly pay
Salary: $40,000 – $60,000
Structured roles
Better benefits and stability
Salary: $28,000 – $40,000
Shift-based work
Tips may apply in some roles
Salary: $45,000 – $70,000
Often titled “Office Coordinator” or “Front Office Manager”
Higher pay due to company budgets
California: $40,000 – $65,000
New York: $42,000 – $65,000
Washington (Seattle): $40,000 – $60,000
Texas: $32,000 – $45,000
Illinois: $35,000 – $50,000
Important: Location impacts receptionist salary less than industry and company type.
Small businesses pay less
Corporate and tech companies pay significantly more
Receptionists who handle:
Scheduling
Executive support
Office management
…earn significantly more than basic front desk roles.
Higher salaries are linked to:
CRM systems
Calendar management (e.g., executive-level scheduling)
Communication and client-facing skills
Hourly roles may include overtime
Salaried roles offer stability and benefits
Receptionist salaries are typically:
Predefined by HR pay bands
Based on local market rates
Influenced by internal equity
Role is scoped (basic vs advanced responsibilities)
Budget is approved (e.g., $35K–$45K)
Candidates are screened
Offer is made within a narrow range
Key Insight: Employers rarely stretch salary for receptionist roles unless responsibilities expand.
Move toward:
Executive Assistant
Office Manager
Administrative Coordinator
These roles can increase salary by $15K–$40K.
Law firms
Finance
Tech companies
Weak Example:
“I answer phones and greet visitors.”
Good Example:
“I manage executive calendars, coordinate meetings across departments, and support office operations.”
Microsoft Office (advanced Excel, Outlook)
CRM tools
Scheduling software
Biggest salary jumps often happen when:
Moving from small business → corporate
Moving from hospitality → legal or tech
Receptionist roles have a salary ceiling.
Basic roles are easily replaceable and lower-paid.
Titles matter:
Even entry-level roles often have some flexibility.
Receptionist: $30K – $45K
Administrative Assistant: $40K – $60K
Executive Assistant: $60K – $90K
Office Manager: $70K – $100K
Top administrative professionals can reach:
$100K+ in executive support roles
$120K+ in large corporations
Reducing demand for basic receptionist roles
Increasing demand for hybrid admin roles
Receptionists are evolving into:
Office coordinators
Administrative support specialists
Fewer traditional front desk roles
More virtual administrative positions
The Receptionist salary US reflects an entry-level administrative role with limited ceiling but strong career mobility.
Your earning potential depends on:
Industry and company type
Skill development and responsibilities
Ability to transition into higher-level roles
The biggest salary growth doesn’t come from staying a receptionist.
It comes from leveraging the role as a launchpad into higher-paying administrative careers.
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