Receptionist salary in Washington, DC
Median pay, Washington DC metro
$41,240/year
about $19.83 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $36,410 – $46,560
Half of receptionists in the Washington DC metro area earn more than $41,240 a year and half earn less. That's 8% higher than the national median of $38,010, and ranks #11 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $33,600 | $16.15 |
| 25th | $36,410 | $17.50 |
| Median (50th) | $41,240 | $19.83 |
| 75th | $46,560 | $22.38 |
| 90th (top earners) | $54,790 | $26.34 |
*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 Washington DC metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $36,410 ($17.50/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $36,410 to $46,560 ($17.50 to $22.38/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $46,560 ($22.38/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, Washington DC metro. Occupation: Receptionists and Information Clerks (SOC 43-4171). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.