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2026 Salary Guide

Receptionist Salary in Tennessee

How much do receptionists make in Tennessee? The median salary is $31,520 per year ($16/hr). But the true cost to employers is $57,398—here's why.

$31,520
Median Salary
$15.73
Hourly Wage
18,650
Employed
-12%
vs National
$57,398
True Cost

Tennessee Receptionist Salary Range

Salary varies by experience, industry, and location within Tennessee.

10th Percentile (Entry)90th Percentile (Experienced)
$23,270$31,520$42,350

Percentile Breakdown

10th Percentile$23,270
25th Percentile$27,350
Median (50th)$31,520
75th Percentile$37,390
90th Percentile$42,350

Tennessee vs National Average

Tennessee Median$31,520
National Median$35,840
Difference-$4,320
Tennessee Employment18,650
Cost of Living Index90 (100 = avg)

True Cost of Hiring in Tennessee

Base salary is just 67% of what you'll actually pay. Here's the full breakdown.

Employer Cost Breakdown

Base Salary$31,520
Benefits (health, dental, 401k)$10,086
Payroll Taxes (FICA)$2,411
Workers Comp Insurance$378
Unemployment Insurance$883
Training & Development$2,500
Turnover Cost Allowance$6,619
Overhead (desk, equipment)$3,000
Total Annual Cost$57,398

$4,783/month for 40 hrs/week coverage

AI Alternative: SkipCalls

Annual Cost: $199/year

Save $57,299/year

24/7/365 Coverage

Not just 40 hours/week

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Never a busy signal

No Benefits, No Turnover

Zero hidden costs

Bilingual (English + Spanish)

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Your savings vs hiring in Tennessee

$57,299/year

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average receptionist salary in Tennessee?

The median receptionist salary in Tennessee is $31,520 per year, or $16 per hour. This is $4,320 below the national average of $35,840.

How much does it really cost to hire a receptionist in Tennessee?

The true cost of employing a receptionist in Tennessee is approximately $57,398 per year. This includes base salary ($31,520), benefits ($10,086), payroll taxes, training, and turnover costs. That's $4,783 per month.

What factors affect receptionist salary in Tennessee?

Receptionist salaries in Tennessee vary based on experience level, industry, and location. Entry-level positions (10th percentile) pay around $23,270, while experienced receptionists (90th percentile) can earn up to $42,350. Industries like healthcare and legal typically pay higher than average.

Is AI receptionist a good alternative to hiring in Tennessee?

Yes. An AI receptionist like SkipCalls costs $199/year per year—compared to $57,398 for a human receptionist in Tennessee. That's a savings of $57,299 annually. AI handles calls 24/7, never takes sick days, and can manage multiple calls simultaneously.