Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks Salary in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

Median annual salary $36,930 +7.8% vs national
Median hourly $17.76
10th percentile $33,060
90th percentile $46,350
Employed locally 4,840
National median $34,270

Compare Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks salary & buying power

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Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks
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    In Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV, hotel, motel, and resort desk clerks have a median annual salary of $36,930, which is higher than the national median of $34,270. The local area's median household income stands at $123,896, indicating that the earnings for these desk clerks typically represent about 30% of the average household income in this region. This comparison suggests that while the position provides a stable entry point into the workforce, it is generally not sufficient to support an entire household without additional income sources.

    Entry-level hotel, motel, and resort desk clerks earn around $33,060 annually, which is at the 10th percentile of the salary distribution in this region. In contrast, more experienced workers can earn up to $46,350 annually, placing them at the 90th percentile. The significant difference in earnings between entry-level and experienced positions can be attributed to factors such as increased proficiency with customer service, familiarity with hotel operations, and additional responsibilities or supervisory roles that come with experience. As these clerks advance in their careers, they often gain skills and take on tasks that justify higher compensation, reflecting the value of accumulated expertise and reliability in this field.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $33,060
    25th
    $35,240
    50th (median)
    $36,930
    75th
    $43,400
    90th
    $46,350

    Washington economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.00% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $123,896 2023 • Census ACS
    Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks salary vs area income 30% Median Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks salary is 70% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks make per hour in Washington?

    The median hourly wage for Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV is $17.76, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $23.04 or more per hour.

    Is Washington above or below average for Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks salaries?

    The median Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks salary in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV is 7.8% above the national median of $34,270. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks in Washington?

    Entry-level Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks (10th percentile) earn around $33,060 per year in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $35,240.