Receptionist salary in Chicago, IL
Median pay, Chicago metro
$38,060/year
about $18.30 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $34,960 – $45,140
Half of receptionists in the Chicago metro area earn more than $38,060 a year and half earn less. That's about the same as the national median of $38,010, and ranks #14 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $31,690 | $15.24 |
| 25th | $34,960 | $16.81 |
| Median (50th) | $38,060 | $18.30 |
| 75th | $45,140 | $21.70 |
| 90th (top earners) | $49,560 | $23.83 |
*Yearly pay divided by 2,080 hours (40 hours × 52 weeks), the full-time basis BLS uses.
Is your offer fair?
For a receptionist job in the Chicago metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $34,960 ($16.81/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $34,960 to $45,140 ($16.81 to $21.70/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $45,140 ($21.70/hr). Higher than three quarters of workers here.
Before you accept
- Medical and legal offices often pay receptionists more than general offices.
- Ask whether the role is hourly and how overtime and lunch breaks are handled.
- If the duties include billing, scheduling and office management, it's more than a receptionist job. Ask for pay to match.
Also watch for the common warning signs in the posting itself: 15 job posting red flags.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025, Chicago metro. Occupation: Receptionists and Information Clerks (SOC 43-4171). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.