Receptionist/Telephone Operator III Salary in the United States

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

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Receptionist/Telephone Operator III in the United States is $51,593 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $25.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $62,196
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $46,543 to $57,143
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $41,945
Compensation Planning
Develop a Job Description
Pay Equity
2026 Compensation Trend
AI-Powered HR
Smart Recruiting
View as table View as graph 25% $46,543 10% $41,945 90% $62,196 75% $57,143 $51,593 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Receptionist/Telephone Operator III Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $57,143 $4,762 $1,099 $27
Average $51,593 $4,299 $992 $25
25th Percentile $46,543 $3,879 $895 $22
Check out Receptionist/Telephone Operator III Job Openings in the United States
Heavy Equipment Operator III

Geotex Construction Services Inc - Columbus, OH

Physician Other Ohio Permanent Associate Medical Director

eviCore healthcare - Columbus, OH

Instacart

Instacart - Columbus, OH

Search More Receptionist/Telephone Operator III Jobs in the United States

Key Factors That Influence Receptionist/Telephone Operator III Salaries

A Receptionist/Telephone Operator III's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Receptionist/Telephone Operator Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Receptionist/Telephone Operator III's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Front Desk Coordinator I (0-1 years): $41,631
  • Front Desk Coordinator II (1-3 years): $46,904
  • Receptionist/Telephone Operator III (3-5 years): $51,573
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Front Desk Coordinator I0-1 years$41,631
Front Desk Coordinator II1-3 years$46,904
Receptionist/Telephone Operator III3-5 years$51,573
$41,631 Front Des...
$46,904 Front Des...
$51,573 Reception...
View as Table
View as Graph

What Am I Worth?

How Do Receptionist/Telephone Operator III 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 IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $57,123.
  • California: $56,903.
  • Massachusetts: $56,143.

Top Paying Cities for Receptionist/Telephone Operator IIIs

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: $65,063
  • San Francisco: $64,353
  • Oakland: $63,003

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

Receptionist/Telephone Operator III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $57,755. While startup companies pay approximate $48,860.

Receptionist/Telephone Operator III Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup1~50$48,860
Growth Stage51~500$51,675
Established501~5000$55,773
Enterprise5000+$57,755

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

For Receptionist/Telephone Operator III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Receptionist/Telephone Operator positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Receptionist/Telephone Operator III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Receptionist/Telephone Operator III

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense$61,912$30.020%
Biotechnology$59,332$29.015%
Business Services$56,752$27.010%
Chemicals$55,720$27.08%
Construction$54,689$26.06%

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

Understanding how a Receptionist/Telephone Operator III'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 August 01, 2026

Salary Trends for Receptionist/Telephone Operator III

Salaries for a Receptionist/Telephone Operator III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $46,895 in 2023 to around $45,907 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Receptionist/Telephone Operator III salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Receptionist/Telephone Operator III Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$46,895
2024
$46,228
2025
$45,907
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $46,895
2024 $46,228
2025 $45,907
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Receptionist/Telephone Operator III

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

If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution.

Compensation Planning

Common company salaries for Receptionist/Telephone Operator III

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

Find Your Next Receptionist/Telephone Operator III Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Receptionist/Telephone Operator III job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

United States
  • Continuum Medical Staffing

    Columbus, OH

    Continuum Medical Staffing | Columbus, OH

    PSYCHIATRIST- CHILD/ADOLESCENT COLUMBUS OHIO We are seeking a Board-Certified Child/ Adolescent Psychiatrist for a permanent position in Columbus Ohio No V... more

    2 Days Ago

  • MD Staff, LLC

    Columbus, OH

    MD Staff, LLC | Columbus, OH

    Neurologist Locum Tenens Opportunity Near Columbus, OH. We are excited to offer a rewarding locum tenens opportunity for a Board Certified or Board Eligibl... more

    2 Days Ago

  • Confidential

    Columbus, OH

    Confidential | Columbus, OH

    Associate Vice President, Brand & External Communications. About the Company. National consulting & advisory services firm focused on the healthcare indust... more

    13 Days Ago

  • C.R. England

    Columbus, OH

    C.R. England | Columbus, OH

    Job Description. C.R. England is Now Urgently Hiring Local Dedicated CDL-A Truck Drivers. \n. Dedicated Local Fleet - Home Daily - Competitive Pay* - Full ... more

    14 Days Ago

  • Confidential

    Columbus, OH

    Confidential | Columbus, OH

    Vice President, Credit Risk Strategy & Data Science. About the Company. High-growth SMB lender building the next generation of credit decisioning. Industry... more

    14 Days Ago

  • KreilKamp Trucking

    Columbus, OH

    KreilKamp Trucking | Columbus, OH

    Regional CDL A Drivers | NEW Grads Welcome | Earn $70,000+ Annually. We're proud to be a 4th generation family truck line, started in 1935, but even proude... more

    14 Days Ago

For Employees

Get a Salary Increase

Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.

Search Job Openings

Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.

For Employers

Adjust Employee Salary

Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.

Price My Industry Jobs

Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.

FAQ about Receptionist/Telephone Operator III

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

The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Receptionist/Telephone Operator III roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

2. What is the meaning of telephone receptionist?

A telephone receptionist is a professional responsible for greeting and assisting callers, visitors, patients, or clients. They play a crucial role in managing communication and ensuring a positive first impression. The salary for this position typically ranges from $45,603 to $56,963, with a median salary of $51,083.

3. What makes a good telephone operator?

A good telephone operator combines a warm, friendly approach with genuine empathy for callers. Understanding a customer's concerns and ensuring they feel heard is crucial. With a salary range of $45,603 to $56,963, operators are motivated to develop strong rapport and effectively address issues, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.

4. What not to say as a receptionist?

As a receptionist earning between $45,603 and $56,963, it's crucial to maintain professionalism. Avoid phrases like I can't,” which shuts down communication, or I don't know,” which can frustrate callers. Instead, offer alternatives. Saying She/he is on the other line” or Hold, please” can come off as dismissive. Aim for helpful responses to enhance caller experience.

5. What is the hardest part of being a receptionist?

The hardest part of being a receptionist is managing the increasing number of calls. Handling incoming calls, especially remotely, adds complexity. Understanding the caller's query and deciding the best course of action can be challenging. With a salary range of $45,603 to $56,963, the role demands strong multitasking and communication skills to navigate these pressures effectively.

6. How do receptionist handle phone calls?

Receptionists handle phone calls by creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. They greet callers with a friendly Hi or Hello, express gratitude, state the business name, introduce themselves, and inquire how they can assist. The role typically offers a salary range from $45,603 to $56,963, with a midpoint of $51,083, reflecting the importance of effective communication skills.

7. How much does a receptionist job in USA pay?

How much does a Receptionist make? In the USA, the salary for a Receptionist ranges from $45,603 to $56,963, with a mid-salary of $51,083 per year. These figures reflect the typical earnings for this role, providing a clearer picture of the compensation in the industry.

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.

Are you an HR manager or compensation specialist?

Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:

  • Detailed skills and competency reports for specific positions
  • Job and employee pricing reports
  • Compensation data tools, salary structures, surveys and benchmarks.
Learn about CompAnalyst
lower level job