Hotel Clerk / Front Desk Salary.
Across 83 U.S. cities.
$33,000
national median salary
$27,000 to $41,000. Last updated April 2026.
Highest Paying
$47,000
San Jose, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$35,000
Salt Lake City, UT
Lowest Paying
$25,000
Charleston, WV
Salary data sourced from SEC filings, H-1B Labor Condition Applications (DOL), Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, and aggregated job postings across 50+ platforms. Ranges reflect 25th to 75th percentile for full-time positions. Cost-of-living adjustments use Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (2025 index). Last updated April 2026.
The average Hotel Clerk / Front Desk salary in the United States is $33,000 in 2026, with the full range spanning $27,000 at the 25th percentile to $41,000 at the 75th. San Jose pays the most at $47,000, while Salt Lake City offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments. Hotel brand tier and location drive nearly all pay variation.
Hotel Clerk / Front Desk salary by city
Skills that increase Hotel Clerk / Front Desk pay
The skills below command measurable salary premiums for Hotel Clerk / Front Desks based on job posting data. Learning the top skill here could add $4,620 to your annual compensation.
≈ +$4,620 per year
≈ +$4,290 per year
≈ +$3,960 per year
≈ +$3,630 per year
≈ +$3,630 per year
≈ +$3,300 per year
≈ +$3,300 per year
≈ +$2,970 per year
What you should know
Hotel brand tier and location drive nearly all pay variation. Luxury and boutique hotel clerks earn 20 to 35% more than budget chain counterparts. Urban properties in high-tourism markets like New York, Miami, and San Francisco pay significantly above the national median. Multilingual ability adds further premium.
Entry-level front desk agents start at $26,000 to $31,000. Experienced clerks and guest service agents earn $32,000 to $40,000. Front desk supervisors reach $38,000 to $48,000. Front office managers earn $48,000 to $65,000, with hotel general managers commanding $70,000 to $120,000.
Tips can add $2,000 to $6,000 annually at full-service hotels. Benefits at major chains include discounted room rates worldwide, free meals during shifts, and tuition assistance. Night audit shifts typically pay 10 to 15% differentials above day rates.