Receptionist salary in St. Louis, MO
Median pay, St. Louis metro
$36,470/year
about $17.53 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $33,640 – $41,590
Half of receptionists in the St. Louis metro area earn more than $36,470 a year and half earn less. That's 4% lower than the national median of $38,010, and ranks #26 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $30,550 | $14.69 |
| 25th | $33,640 | $16.17 |
| Median (50th) | $36,470 | $17.53 |
| 75th | $41,590 | $20.00 |
| 90th (top earners) | $47,500 | $22.84 |
*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 St. Louis metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $33,640 ($16.17/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $33,640 to $41,590 ($16.17 to $20.00/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $41,590 ($20.00/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, St. Louis metro. Occupation: Receptionists and Information Clerks (SOC 43-4171). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.