Receptionist salary in San Diego, CA
Median pay, San Diego metro
$44,390/year
about $21.34 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $38,330 – $47,460
Half of receptionists in the San Diego metro area earn more than $44,390 a year and half earn less. That's 17% higher than the national median of $38,010, and ranks #6 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $35,520 | $17.08 |
| 25th | $38,330 | $18.43 |
| Median (50th) | $44,390 | $21.34 |
| 75th | $47,460 | $22.82 |
| 90th (top earners) | $56,330 | $27.08 |
*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 San Diego metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $38,330 ($18.43/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $38,330 to $47,460 ($18.43 to $22.82/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $47,460 ($22.82/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, San Diego metro. Occupation: Receptionists and Information Clerks (SOC 43-4171). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.