AI Receptionist vs Hiring a Receptionist: The Real Cost
A great receptionist is hard to replace in person. But on the phone, after hours and during busy periods, an AI receptionist covers far more hours for far less. Here’s the honest comparison.
- Median receptionist pay is about $38,000 a year before benefits
- One full-time hire covers about 40 of 168 hours a week
- Many teams use AI for phones and people for in-person
Cost and Coverage Compared
Salary is only part of the picture. Coverage, busy periods and follow-up matter just as much.
| Compare | Relay AI receptionist | Full-time receptionist |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Plans from $99 to $1,999 per month | Median pay of $38,010 a year ($18.27/hour), plus payroll taxes, benefits and time off |
| Hours covered | 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays | About 40 of the 168 hours in a week |
| Busy periods | Answers many calls at the same time | One call at a time; others wait or go to voicemail |
| Booking and follow-up | Books, confirms, reminds and follows up automatically | Manual, alongside everything else on the desk |
| CRM updates | Every call summarized and logged automatically | Depends on time and process |
| In-person visitors | Not applicable | Greets visitors and handles the front desk |
| Sick days and turnover | Always available, no hiring or training | Coverage gaps during absences and hiring |
It Doesn’t Have to Be Either/Or
Many businesses use an AI receptionist for phones, after hours and overflow, and keep people for the front desk.
Your phones need full coverage
- Calls come in after hours, on weekends or all at once
- Missed calls are costing you jobs
- You want booking and follow-up handled automatically
- You don’t need someone physically at a front desk
You need a person on site
- Visitors arrive in person and need greeting
- Most conversations are sensitive or complex
- The role includes lots of non-phone admin work
- Call volume is low and predictable
Talk to a Relay Agent Right Now
Rachel is a live Relay agent. Ask her anything, or call the way your customers would and judge whether she could cover your phones.
- Natural, real-time conversation
- Your questions, rules and handoffs
- Every conversation summarized in the CRM
AI vs Human Receptionist FAQs
Want to see what an AI receptionist could cover for your business? We’ll set it up around your calls and calendar.
How much does a receptionist cost?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of $38,010 for receptionists (May 2025). Total cost to an employer is higher once payroll taxes, benefits and paid time off are included.
How much does an AI receptionist cost?
Relay plans range from $99 to $1,999 per month depending on features and included AI voice minutes. See the pricing page for current plans.
Can an AI receptionist replace a human receptionist?
For phone calls, often yes, especially after hours and during busy periods. For greeting visitors in person or handling sensitive conversations, a person is still the better choice. Many businesses use both.
Will callers be comfortable talking to AI?
Most callers care most about a fast, accurate answer. You choose how Relay introduces itself, and it can transfer to your team whenever a caller wants a person.
Cover Every Call for Less Than a Salary
See how Relay answers, books and follows up on every call, 24/7, with each one logged in your CRM.