How to hire a receptionist—and when you may not need to.
A great receptionist helps your business make a strong first impression. Before posting a job listing, compare the cost of a human receptionist with an AI-powered phone receptionist—and choose what fits your business.
Straightforward advice for owners, founders, and growing teams. AI is not a replacement for every in-person role.
What does it cost to hire a receptionist?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for U.S. receptionists was $18.27 per hour in May 2025, or $38,010 per year. Employer costs can be higher after payroll taxes, benefits, recruiting, and training.
Human receptionist
$38,010/year2025 U.S. median wage benchmark; not an all-in employer cost.
AI receptionist
Flexible costUsually subscription-based, with costs depending on provider, call usage, features, and setup.
Hybrid coverage
BothHuman staff handle visitors and complex cases; AI can help with inbound calls outside staffed hours.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Receptionists. AI vendor pricing and usage vary; compare actual quotes before deciding.
Human receptionist vs. AI receptionist
Choose based on what your customers need—not just the sticker price.
| Business need | Human receptionist | AI phone receptionist |
|---|---|---|
| In-person visitors and physical front desk | Excellent fit | Not a substitute |
| Answer routine inbound calls | Yes, during staffed hours | Can be configured for routine calls |
| After-hours call coverage | Requires shift coverage or overtime | Potential 24/7 availability, subject to service uptime |
| Complex or sensitive conversations | Human judgment and empathy | Needs guardrails and human escalation |
| Appointment scheduling | Yes | Possible with a properly configured and tested calendar integration |
| Hiring, supervision, and training | Required | Requires setup, monitoring, and improvement |
How to hire the right receptionist in five steps
- List the duties. Separate in-person visitor needs from inbound calls, messages, and appointment booking.
- Estimate call volume and coverage. Count missed calls, peak periods, weekends, and after-hours demand.
- Set a realistic budget. Compare salary, payroll costs, and training with AI subscription, setup, and usage fees.
- Test real customer scenarios. Try common questions, appointment requests, complex calls, and transfers.
- Choose human, AI, or hybrid coverage. Prioritize service quality, reliability, privacy, and an escalation path.
Give your business a front office without hiring full-time staff first.
Avarice Office gives small businesses a private workspace for leads, appointment requests, customer conversations, and billing, with guided phone and messaging activation. Confirm the available integrations and provider setup for your workflow before subscribing.
Start with Avarice Office →Common questions
Should I hire a receptionist or use an AI receptionist?
If you need someone at a physical desk, an employee may be necessary. If your main problem is missed phone calls and repeat questions, an AI receptionist may be worth evaluating. Many businesses benefit from both.
Can an AI receptionist book appointments?
Some AI receptionists can book appointments if calendar integrations and permissions are properly configured and tested. Avarice Office currently treats appointment requests as pending until the business confirms them.
Can an AI receptionist answer calls after hours?
Many services offer after-hours call answering, subject to provider availability and operational limits. Make sure callers can reach a human when needed.
Is an AI receptionist always cheaper?
Not necessarily. Compare subscription fees, setup, usage charges, and required oversight against your staffing needs. A hybrid solution may be best.
Can I keep my existing business phone number?
Some services support call forwarding or compatible phone-number integrations. Confirm compatibility with your carrier and selected setup.