Receptionist salary in New York, NY
Median pay, New York metro
$44,690/year
about $21.49 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $37,860 – $49,320
Half of receptionists in the New York metro area earn more than $44,690 a year and half earn less. That's 18% higher than the national median of $38,010, and ranks #5 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $35,060 | $16.86 |
| 25th | $37,860 | $18.20 |
| Median (50th) | $44,690 | $21.49 |
| 75th | $49,320 | $23.71 |
| 90th (top earners) | $59,720 | $28.71 |
*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 New York metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $37,860 ($18.20/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $37,860 to $49,320 ($18.20 to $23.71/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $49,320 ($23.71/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, New York metro. Occupation: Receptionists and Information Clerks (SOC 43-4171). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.