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Reception Clerk I Salary in the United States

How much does a Reception Clerk I make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Reception Clerk I in the United States is $41,640 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $20.

However, a Reception Clerk I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $48,957
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $38,090 to $45,470
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $34,858
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Reception Clerk I Salaries

A Reception Clerk I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Do Reception Clerk I Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Reception Clerk Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $46,100.
  • California: $45,930.
  • Massachusetts: $45,320.

Top Paying Cities for Reception Clerk Is

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $52,520
  • San Francisco: $51,940
  • Oakland: $50,850

What Skills Can Increase a Reception Clerk I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Customer Service (Mentioned in 25.18% Job Postings): Customer service is the provision of service to customers before, during and after a purchase. The perception of success of such interactions is dependent on employees "who can adjust themselves to the personality of the guest". Customer service concerns the priority an organization assigns to customer service relative to components such as product innovation and pricing. In this sense, an organization that values good customer service may spend more money in training employees than the average organization or may proactively interview customers for feedback. From the point of view of an overall sales process engineering effort, customer service plays an important role in an organization's ability to generate income and revenue. From that perspective, customer service should be included as part of an overall approach to systematic improvement. One good customer service experience can change the entire perception a customer holds towards the organization.
  • Data Entry (Mentioned in 2.27% Job Postings): Transcribing information into an electronic medium such as a computer or other electronic device.
  • Patient Care (Mentioned in 1.32% Job Postings): Patient care refers to the prevention, treatment, and management of illness and the preservation of physical and mental well-being through services offered by health professionals.
Skills Demand Percentage
Customer Service 25.18%
Data Entry 2.27%
Patient Care 1.32%
See More Skills

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Reception Clerk I's salary.

  • Point of Sale: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
  • Patient Care: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
  • Coordination: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Point of Sale $43,722
5%
Patient Care $43,306
4%
Coordination $43,306
4%
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Reception Clerk I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Reception Clerk I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $46,534. While startup companies pay approximate $39,363.

Reception Clerk I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $39,363
Growth Stage 51~500 $41,631
Established 501~5000 $44,935
Enterprise 5000+ $46,534

Reception Clerk I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Reception Clerk I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Reception Clerk positions in Retail & Wholesale or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Reception Clerk I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Reception Clerk I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology$52,050$25.025%
Pharmaceuticals$49,968$24.020%
Software & Networking$49,968$24.020%
Financial Services$47,886$23.015%
Insurance$47,886$23.015%

How Education impacts a Reception Clerk I's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Reception Clerk Is enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Reception Clerk I with a No Diploma is between $38,312 and $40,701).

Reception Clerk I Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Reception Clerk I
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 1.6%
High School 52.4%
Associates 19.1%
Bachelors 25.4%
Masters 1.5%
Doctorate 0.1%
View as Graph

Reception Clerk I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Reception Clerk I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$38,090
Average $41,640/year
$45,470
$3,174
Average $3,470/month
$3,789
$733
Average $801/week
$874
$18
Average $20/hour
$22
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $45,470 $3,789 $874 $22
Average $41,640 $3,470 $801 $20
25th Percentile $38,090 $3,174 $733 $18

Reception Clerk I Salary Growth & Career Path

Reception Clerk I

Next Role

Advancement

For a Reception Clerk I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Front Desk Coordinator II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $47,000 - a projected growth of 13% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Reception Clerk I

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Reception Clerk I

Here are companies hiring for Reception Clerk I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Reception Clerk I

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Reception Clerk I?

The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Reception Clerk I roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.

2. How much is a receptionist paid in the USA?

As of now, the salary for a Reception Clerk in the USA ranges from $36,470 to $45,820 annually. The midpoint salary is approximately $40,670. This reflects a competitive pay scale for receptionists, aligning with industry standards and regional variations.

3. Is a receptionist a good starting job?

An entry-level receptionist job can be a great starting point for a career, with salaries ranging from $36,470 to $45,820. This role helps develop valuable administrative skills, opening doors to various industries and opportunities for advancement. Many businesses seek skilled receptionists, making it a versatile career choice.

4. What is the highest salary for a clerk?

The highest salary for a Reception Clerk is $45,820 per year, with a minimum salary of $36,470 and a mid-range salary of $40,670. This positions the Reception Clerk within a competitive salary range compared to other clerical roles.

5. What is the highest paid unit clerk?

The highest paid Reception Clerks earn between $36,470 and $45,820 annually, with a median salary of $40,670. In various cities, salaries can vary significantly, reflecting local demand and cost of living. For instance, major cities often offer higher wages compared to smaller towns, impacting overall earnings for this role.

6. How much do reception clerks make?

Reception clerks typically earn between $36,470 and $45,820 annually, with a median salary of $40,670. This translates to an average monthly salary of approximately $3,039 to $3,818, depending on experience and location.

7. What is the salary of office clerk in USA?

The salary of a Reception Clerk in the USA typically ranges from a minimum of $36,470 to a maximum of $45,820, with a median salary of $40,670. This reflects the varying levels of experience and responsibilities associated with the role.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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