A receptionist for every hour, not just 40 of them.

A great receptionist is worth every dollar. But they work set hours, take lunch, and handle one call at a time.

Side by side

Topic
Hired receptionist
FrontDesk Talk
Hours covered
Usually about 40 a week
All 168 hours a week
Nights, weekends, holidays
Overtime or voicemail
Answered the same as Monday morning
Three calls at once
One answered, two on hold
All three answered
Sick days and vacations
Someone has to cover
Never out
Walk-ins and paperwork
Handles them
Phone and text only
Monthly cost
Wages plus payroll taxes and benefits
$99 to $399

When hiring is the better choice

You have walk-in customers

A person at the desk can greet people, take payments, and handle paperwork. FrontDesk Talk only works on the phone and by text.

Calls need real judgment

If most calls involve negotiating, complex quotes, or sensitive conversations, you want a person.

You already have one

Keep them. Use FrontDesk Talk for overflow, lunch breaks, and after hours so they can focus on the people in front of them.

The math

The median hourly wage for receptionists was $18.27 in May 2025, about $38,010 a year, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s before payroll taxes and any benefits.

Median receptionist wage
$18.27 an hour, about $38,010 a year (BLS, May 2025)
FrontDesk Talk, Real Talk plan
$199 a month, $2,388 a year
FrontDesk Talk, Big Talk plan
$399 a month, $4,788 a year

Wages vary by city. Pay yearly for FrontDesk Talk and get 2 months free.

Questions

Can FrontDesk Talk work alongside my receptionist?

Yes. Forward calls only when they don’t answer, or only after hours. Many businesses use it as backup.

Can it transfer calls to a person?

Yes. It transfers urgent calls to you or your team based on rules you set.

Does it sound like a person?

It uses natural, human-like voices. It tells callers it’s an AI assistant when asked.

Source, checked September 2026: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Receptionists. Prices and features change, so check their sites for current details. Names are used only to compare; we aren't affiliated with them.

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