Dental Receptionist Pay Rate in ACT 2025-26
Minimum pay rates for dental receptionists in Australian Capital Territory under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020. Updated 1 July 2025.
Last verified: 1 July 2025Dental Receptionist — Minimum Pay Rate (ACT)
Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027)
$25.15
Base rate/hr
$31.44
Casual rate/hr
Dental receptionists manage patient bookings, handle payments, and coordinate dental practice administration. They are the first point of contact for patients.
Australian Capital Territory Note
ACT workers benefit from some of the highest average wages in Australia. The ACT also has additional public holidays.
Minimum Hourly Rates — Dental Receptionist
| Employment Type | Hourly Rate | Weekly (38hrs) | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time (adult) | $25.15/hr | $955.70 | $49,696.40 |
| Part-time (adult) | $25.15/hr | Pro-rata | Pro-rata |
| Casual (incl. 25% loading) | $31.44/hr | Varies | Varies |
Rates effective from 1 July 2025 under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020.
Penalty Rates — Dental Receptionist
Saturday
$37.72/hr
1.5x base
Sunday
$50.30/hr
2x base
Public Holiday
$62.88/hr
2.5x base
Penalty rates shown for full-time/part-time Level 1 ($25.15/hr base). Casual employees receive penalty rates calculated on their base rate (before casual loading).
Classification Levels — Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020
| Level | Description | Base Rate/hr | Casual Rate/hr | Annual (38hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Support Level 2 | Receptionist / front desk | $25.15 | $31.44 | $49,696.40 |
| Support Level 3 | Experienced receptionist with admin duties | $25.68 | $32.10 | $50,743.68 |
| Support Level 4 | Practice coordinator / office manager | $26.74 | $33.43 | $52,838.24 |
View full Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 pay rates →
Am I Being Underpaid as a Dental Receptionist?
Dental receptionists in small practices are frequently paid below award rates, especially when required to perform additional duties like sterilisation or dental assisting without appropriate classification.
If you think you are being paid below the minimum rate, you can calculate your potential back pay and check your rights.
Check If You Are Underpaid →Related Jobs Under the Same Award
| Job | Base Rate | Casual Rate | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dental Assistant | $24.73/hr | $30.91/hr | $49.46/hr |
| Physiotherapist | $31.35/hr | $39.19/hr | $62.70/hr |
| Psychologist | $33.42/hr | $41.78/hr | $66.84/hr |
| Lab Technician | $26.74/hr | $33.43/hr | $53.48/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a dental receptionist get paid per hour in Australian Capital Territory?
The minimum hourly rate for a dental receptionist in Australian Capital Territory is $25.15/hr for full-time and part-time employees, or $31.44/hr for casuals (including 25% loading). This is the Level 1 adult rate under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027), effective from 1 July 2025.
What is the minimum wage for a dental receptionist?
The minimum wage for a dental receptionist is $25.15 per hour ($955.70 per week for a 38-hour week, or $49,696.40 per year). This is set by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020. Higher classification levels attract higher rates.
What award covers dental receptionists?
Dental Receptionists are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027). This Modern Award sets minimum pay rates, penalty rates, allowances, and leave entitlements. Your employer may also have an enterprise agreement with different (usually higher) rates.
Do dental receptionists get penalty rates on weekends?
Yes. Under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, dental receptionists receive 1.5x their base rate on Saturdays ($37.72/hr) and 2x on Sundays ($50.30/hr). Public holidays are paid at 2.5x ($62.88/hr).
What is the casual rate for a dental receptionist?
The casual rate for a dental receptionist is $31.44/hr, which includes a 25% casual loading on top of the base rate of $25.15/hr. The casual loading compensates for the lack of paid leave, notice of termination, and redundancy pay.
How much should a 17 year old dental receptionist get paid?
Dental receptionists are typically employed as adults. Junior rates are not commonly applied under the Health Professionals Award. The Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 does not have specific junior rates for this classification.
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General information and estimates only — not legal, financial, or tax advice. Always verify with the Fair Work Ombudsman (13 13 94) or a qualified professional.
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