Highest-Paying Receptionist Jobs in 2026
Research Summary. The Zippia data team analyzed a blend of public government data and insights gathered from numerous job postings to develop average salary estimates for receptionist roles across the United States. This data set highlights the highest-paid receptionist positions based on their average annual salaries.
Below is a summary of our findings on the highest-paying types of receptionists:
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The highest-paid type of receptionist is the Support Clerk, with an average salary of $35,159 and an hourly rate of $16.90.
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The second highest-paying position is the Medical Billing Receptionist, earning an average salary of $34,622.
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The overall average salary for receptionists is $30,571 per year, translating to approximately $14.70 per hour.
Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs
Background
Choosing a career path can be challenging, and while salary should not be the sole factor in your decision, it is undeniably important. If you aspire to work as a receptionist, understanding the highest-paying roles can help you navigate your career development strategically.
Here are the top salaries for different types of receptionists:
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Support Clerk
Average Salary: $35,159
A Support Clerk is primarily responsible for administrative support tasks that streamline office operations. Duties typically include managing documentation, answering and routing calls, handling correspondence, organizing files, and performing errands as necessary. They also update databases and maintain transaction records, ensuring effective communication with staff to promote seamless workplace operations.
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Medical Billing Receptionist
Average Salary: $34,622
A Medical Billing Receptionist is the primary contact point in healthcare settings, tasked with greeting patients, collecting and managing records, and checking in clients. Their role encompasses administrative duties like answering inquiries, scheduling appointments, generating reports, and processing billing, including insurance claims. Proactivity is crucial, as hospital environments can be dynamic and unpredictable.
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Front Desk Administration
Average Salary: $34,479
A Front Desk Administration professional manages front desk operations and performs various administrative tasks, including organizing meetings and maintaining inventory for office supplies. This role requires excellent customer service skills to foster positive relationships with clients while efficiently handling phone calls and document management.
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Dental Receptionist
Average Salary: $34,359
A Dental Receptionist provides crucial support in dental offices, ensuring patients receive optimal care. Responsibilities include scheduling appointments, managing patient records, processing payments, and coordinating referrals to specialists. This role involves maintaining an organized database and addressing patient inquiries and needs effectively.
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Office Receptionist
Average Salary: $33,554
Office Receptionists perform diverse administrative duties within an organization. Their tasks include answering calls, providing information to visitors, and ensuring security protocols are followed. Employers often seek candidates with strong communication skills and relevant educational qualifications.
Below is a complete table of the highest-paying receptionist roles, followed by an explanation of our methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Receptionists
Methodology
Zippia utilizes publicly available information from government sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to generate its salary estimates.
The data science team also reviews job postings and company-released resources for the most current salary information for receptionists.
After collecting the data, the team computes a weighted average for each job title. For more details on our salary estimates, you can read the detailed methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Receptionist Jobs FAQs
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What is the highest-paid receptionist job?
The highest-paid receptionist job is a Support Clerk. Support Clerks earn an average salary of $35,159, which equates to $16.90 per hour.
A Support Clerk primarily handles administrative support tasks in an office, streamlining daily operations. Responsibilities include preparing documentation, managing calls, handling correspondence, organizing files, and maintaining records. Effective communication with staff is crucial for smooth workplace operations.
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What is a good salary for a receptionist?
A good salary for a receptionist is $30,571 or more. This average salary indicates that those earning at least this amount are making above-average wages.
However, salaries can vary significantly based on location and experience. Researching regional salary ranges for your position can provide a more accurate perspective on your compensation.
For entry-level receptionists, the average starting salary is approximately $24,625, so it’s essential to consider this when evaluating your pay relative to the average.
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Do receptionist jobs pay well?
Generally, receptionist jobs may not pay well compared to other professions. With an average salary of $30,571, this figure is lower than the average national salary of around $44,225 per year.
Nevertheless, some receptionist roles offer competitive salaries, with the top 10% earning an average of $41,392 annually.
When assessing job opportunities, consider factors such as experience level, industry, and location, which can significantly affect pay. Conducting thorough research can empower you to negotiate your salary effectively.
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Where do receptionists earn the most?
Receptionists earn the highest salaries in Washington State. In Washington, the average annual salary for receptionists is $33,951, with an hourly wage of $16.32.
Following Washington, the states with the next highest salaries for receptionists include Connecticut, New York, and Massachusetts, with average annual salaries of $33,702, $33,807, and $34,278, respectively.
The cities offering the highest salaries for receptionists are:
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Washington, DC – $34,708
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Boston, MA – $34,245
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San Francisco, CA – $34,223
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Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
