Introduction

For plumbing businesses in St. Louis, managing customer calls and inquiries is essential to operations. Many business owners face a critical decision: should they hire another receptionist or invest in an AI receptionist solution? Both options have merit, but they differ significantly in cost, availability, and scalability. This article provides a fair comparison to help you make the best decision for your business.

Cost Comparison

Traditional Employee Receptionist

Hiring a full-time receptionist in St. Louis comes with substantial costs beyond the base salary. Here's what you'll actually pay:

• Annual Salary: $45,000-$55,000
• FICA Taxes (7.65%): ~$3,500
• Health Insurance: ~$8,000-$12,000/year
• Workers Compensation: ~$2,000-$3,000/year
• Paid Time Off: ~$4,500-$6,000 (2-3 weeks)
• Training & Equipment: ~$2,000-$3