Receptionist Cost Calculator

How Much Does a Receptionist Cost?

The average receptionist in the United States earns between $14-$23 per hour depending on location, with a national average around $17.50/hr according to BLS data. But the hourly rate is just the beginning — when you factor in benefits, payroll taxes, equipment, training, and time off, the true cost of a receptionist can be 25-35% higher than the base salary. For the AI alternative, see what an answering service actually costs per month.

Hidden Costs of Hiring a Receptionist

• • Benefits & taxes: Health insurance, FICA, workers' comp, unemployment insurance (20-35% of salary)
• • Equipment: Phone system, computer, desk, office supplies ($2,000-$5,000 upfront)
• • Training: 2-4 weeks of onboarding, plus ongoing training ($1,500-$3,000/year)
• • Turnover: Receptionist turnover averages 25-30% annually. Each replacement costs $3,000-$5,000 in recruiting and training
• • Missed coverage: Sick days, breaks, vacation leave phones unattended

That last one is the expensive part: every unattended ring is a lead that dials the next business. Here's what missed calls actually cost a small business — usually far more than the receptionist's salary.

When Does an AI Receptionist Make Sense?

AI receptionists like ReadyToTalk are ideal for small businesses that need 24/7 phone coverage without the cost of a full-time hire. They're particularly effective for businesses with after-hours calls, seasonal call spikes, or limited budgets. Pricing is a low $$39/month base plus pay-per-use AI talk time ($$0.20–$0.25/min) — you pay only for the calls it answers, so for most small businesses the all-in cost still lands far below a human hire.

Weighing the options? Compare the leading AI receptionists side by side, or set up after-hours coverage so the calls a human receptionist would miss on nights and weekends still get answered, and you are alerted by text or email in about 10 seconds.