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Receptionist/Telephone Operator I Salary in the United States

How much does a Receptionist/Telephone Operator I make in the United States?

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a Receptionist/Telephone Operator I in the United States is $41,690 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $20.

However, a Receptionist/Telephone Operator I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $48,950
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $38,090 to $45,490
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $34,812
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Receptionist/Telephone Operator I Salaries

A Receptionist/Telephone Operator 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 Receptionist/Telephone Operator 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 Receptionist/Telephone Operator Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $46,190.
  • California: $45,990.
  • Massachusetts: $45,390.

Top Paying Cities for Receptionist/Telephone Operator 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: $52,590
  • San Francisco: $51,990
  • Oakland: $50,890

What Skills Can Increase a Receptionist/Telephone Operator 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 Receptionist/Telephone Operator 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 $43,775
5%
Patient Care $43,358
4%
Coordination $43,358
4%
Get Latest Data

Receptionist/Telephone Operator I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Receptionist/Telephone Operator I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $46,543. While startup companies pay approximate $39,410.

Receptionist/Telephone Operator I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $39,410
Growth Stage 51~500 $41,671
Established 501~5000 $44,940
Enterprise 5000+ $46,543

Receptionist/Telephone Operator I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Receptionist/Telephone Operator 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, Receptionist/Telephone Operator positions in Retail & Wholesale or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Receptionist/Telephone Operator I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Receptionist/Telephone Operator I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology$52,112$25.025%
Pharmaceuticals$50,028$24.020%
Software & Networking$50,028$24.020%
Financial Services$47,943$23.015%
Insurance$47,943$23.015%

How Education impacts a Receptionist/Telephone Operator I's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Receptionist/Telephone Operator 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 Receptionist/Telephone Operator I with a No Diploma is between $38,354 and $40,723).

Receptionist/Telephone Operator I Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Receptionist/Telephone Operator 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

Receptionist/Telephone Operator I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Receptionist/Telephone Operator 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 October 01, 2026
$38,090
Average $41,690/year
$45,490
$3,174
Average $3,474/month
$3,791
$733
Average $802/week
$875
$18
Average $20/hour
$22
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $45,490 $3,791 $875 $22
Average $41,690 $3,474 $802 $20
25th Percentile $38,090 $3,174 $733 $18

Receptionist/Telephone Operator I Salary Growth & Career Path

Receptionist/Telephone Operator I

Next Role

Advancement

For a Receptionist/Telephone Operator 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 Receptionist/Telephone Operator I

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

Common company salaries for Receptionist/Telephone Operator I

Here are companies hiring for Receptionist/Telephone Operator I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Receptionist/Telephone Operator I

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Receptionist/Telephone Operator I?

The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Receptionist/Telephone Operator I roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.

2. What state pays Receptionist the most?

The highest paying cities for Receptionists in the United States include New York, NY, where salaries can reach up to $45,890 annually. Other notable cities are Portland, OR, and Chicago, IL, with salaries ranging from $36,490 to $40,690. Overall, Receptionists earn between $36,490 and $45,890, depending on location and experience.

3. How much is the salary of a front desk receptionist?

The salary for a front desk receptionist ranges from $36,490 to $45,890 annually, with a mid-range salary of $40,690. Entry-level positions typically start at the minimum salary, while experienced receptionists can earn closer to the maximum.

4. What type of Receptionist gets paid the most?

The highest-paid Receptionists or Telephone Operators typically have specialized skills, extensive experience, or work in high-demand industries. Their salaries can range from a minimum of $36,490 to a mid-range of $40,690, with top earners reaching up to $45,890 annually. Factors such as location and company size also influence salary levels.

5. How many hours does a receptionist work?

A receptionist's schedule varies by business, typically working from 8 am to 5 pm. Some may work part-time or full-time, with hours that can be long and irregular. In certain industries, evening and weekend shifts may be required. Salaries for receptionists range from $36,490 to $45,890, with a mid-range salary of $40,690.

6. What are your salary expectations for a receptionist?

For a receptionist position, my salary expectations align with industry standards. Based on current data, the minimum salary is $36,490, the mid-range salary is $40,690, and the maximum salary is $45,890. I believe a salary within this range reflects my skills and experience.

7. Is being a receptionist a good career?

Being a receptionist can be a rewarding career choice. With a salary range from $36,490 to $45,890, it offers a stable income while providing opportunities for advancement. If you're intelligent, motivated, and align with the company culture, you may transition into roles like administrative assistant or office manager, making it a solid entry point into your desired field.

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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