What does an AI receptionist cost?
An AI receptionist typically costs $95 to $400 per month in 2026, depending on call volume and features — versus roughly $43,000 to $55,000 per year all-in for a full-time human receptionist (a median U.S. receptionist salary of about $37,000 per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, plus taxes, benefits, and coverage gaps). That makes an AI receptionist roughly 1–10% of the cost of a human hire, and it answers 24/7 without sick days or turnover.
Key facts
- Typical AI receptionist pricing: $95–$400/month; full-service plans that bundle AI answering with follow-up and booking start around $297/month (Media Ops Machine pricing).
- Median U.S. receptionist wage: ~$37,000/year before payroll taxes and benefits (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics); fully loaded cost is typically $43,000–$55,000/year.
- A human receptionist covers ~40 hours/week; there are 168 hours in a week. An AI receptionist covers all 168.
- About 85% of callers who reach voicemail do not leave a message — after-hours coverage alone often pays for the software.
What drives AI receptionist pricing
Pricing scales with call/message volume, whether the system books appointments into a live calendar, whether it covers multiple channels (phone, SMS, web chat, Google messages), and whether follow-up sequences are included. Entry plans near $95/month handle basic answering; $250–$400/month plans typically add qualification, booking, CRM logging, and automated follow-up.
The true cost of a human receptionist
The BLS median receptionist salary is about $37,000/year. Add 10–15% payroll taxes, benefits, PTO coverage, training, and turnover (receptionist roles turn over frequently), and the realistic annual cost lands between $43,000 and $55,000 — for 40 hours of coverage per week. Nights, weekends, lunch breaks, and busy moments still go to voicemail.
Cost comparison, side by side
AI receptionist: roughly $1,100–$4,800 per year, 24/7/365 coverage, answers every call or text simultaneously, never quits. Human receptionist: $43,000–$55,000 per year, ~24% of the hours in a week, one conversation at a time. Most local businesses that adopt AI answering keep their human staff focused on in-person customers and complex calls.
When a human still wins
AI handles routine intake — hours, pricing questions, booking, qualification — extremely well. Complex, emotional, or high-stakes conversations (a distressed patient, a major commercial contract) still belong with a person. The highest-performing setup is hybrid: AI answers first and instantly, humans take the conversations that need judgment.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an AI receptionist cost per month?
Typically $95–$400 per month in 2026, depending on volume and features. Bundled plans that include AI answering, automated follow-up, and appointment booking start around $297/month.
How much cheaper is an AI receptionist than a human?
Roughly 90–99% cheaper. A full-time human receptionist costs $43,000–$55,000/year all-in for 40 hours a week of coverage; an AI receptionist costs $1,100–$4,800/year and covers all 168 hours.
Can an AI receptionist actually book appointments?
Yes. Modern AI receptionists connect to a live calendar, offer open time slots by phone or text, confirm the booking, and send reminders — 24 hours a day, including weekends and holidays.