Receptionist Pay Rate Australia 2026-27
Receptionists earn at least $26.97/hr (Level 1), $33.71/hr casual — about $1,025 a week full-time — under the Clerks - Private Sector Award 2020. Every classification level, penalty rates and junior rates below.
Receptionist Pay Rate
Clerks - Private Sector Award 2020 (MA000002)
Receptionists greet visitors, answer phones, manage appointments, and perform general administrative duties in offices and businesses.
Medical and dental practice receptionists are not covered by the Clerks Award. Their employers are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027), which the Clerks Award excludes (cl 4.4(n)). Under MA000027 a receptionist is classified at Support Services Level 3: $29.11/hr from 1 July 2026 (cl 16.2(a), Schedule A.1.3(c)). Health Professionals and Support Services Award pay rates →
$26.97
Base rate/hr
$33.71
Casual rate/hr
$26.97
$33.71
$1,024.86
$53,292.72
What Award Covers Receptionists?
Receptionists in Australia are generally covered by the Clerks - Private Sector Award 2020 (MA000002). This Modern Award sets out the minimum terms and conditions of employment including pay rates, hours of work, rosters, breaks, allowances, penalty rates, and overtime.
Some receptionists may be covered by an enterprise agreement instead, which must provide conditions that are at least as favourable as the award overall (the Better Off Overall Test).
Receptionist Classification Levels & Pay Rates
| Level | Description | Base Rate/hr | Casual Rate/hr | Weekly (38hrs) | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Receptionist (introductory) | $26.97 | $33.71 | $1,024.86 | $53,292.72 |
| Level 2 | Receptionist (experienced) | $29.45 | $36.81 | $1,119.10 | $58,193.20 |
| Level 3 | Senior receptionist | $31.11 | $38.89 | $1,182.18 | $61,473.36 |
| Level 4 | Office coordinator | $32.67 | $40.84 | $1,241.46 | $64,555.92 |
Casual Receptionist Pay Rate
Casual receptionists receive a 25% casual loading on top of the base hourly rate, increasing the minimum from $26.97/hr to $33.71/hr.
The casual loading compensates for not receiving paid annual leave, personal leave, notice of termination, or redundancy pay. Over a full year, a casual receptionist working 38 hours per week would earn $66,610.96 (before tax and penalty rates).
From 1 July 2024, casual employees who have worked regular hours for at least 6 months can request conversion to permanent employment. Check your casual conversion eligibility →
Part-Time Receptionist Pay Rate
Part-time receptionists receive the same hourly rate as full-time employees ($26.97/hr) but work fewer than 38 hours per week on a regular, agreed pattern. Part-time employees receive all the same entitlements as full-time employees (annual leave, personal leave, notice, redundancy) on a pro-rata basis.
Junior Receptionist Pay Rates (Under 21)
Junior rates: Under 16: 36%. 16 years: 47.3%. 17 years: 57.3%. 18 years: 68.3%. 19 years: 82.5%. 20 years: 97.7% of the adult rate.
The FWC pay database does not publish this award's junior schedule as separate rows, so no junior figure is quoted here — check the junior rates clause of the Clerks - Private Sector Award 2020, or ask the advisor above.
Receptionist Penalty Rates
Penalty rates apply when receptionists work on Saturdays, Sundays, or public holidays. Rates shown are for Level 1 permanent employees ($26.97/hr base).
$33.71/hr
$53.94/hr
$67.43/hr
Am I Being Underpaid as a Receptionist?
Receptionists should ensure they are classified at the correct level. If you perform duties beyond basic reception (such as bookkeeping or HR tasks), you may be entitled to a higher classification level. If you work at a medical, dental or allied health practice, check the Health Professionals and Support Services Award rates instead — the Clerks Award does not cover you.
If you earn less than $26.97/hr as a full-time or part-time receptionist, or less than $33.71/hr as a casual, you may be underpaid. You can claim up to 6 years of back pay.
Compare with Similar Roles
| Job Title | Base Rate | Casual Rate | Annual (FT) | Award |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Receptionist | $26.97/hr | $33.71/hr | $53,292.72 | MA000002 |
| Admin Officer | $29.45/hr | $36.81/hr | $58,193.20 | MA000002 |
| Accountant | $32.67/hr | $40.84/hr | $64,555.92 | MA000002 |
| Software Developer | $31.11/hr | $38.89/hr | $61,473.36 | MA000002 |
Browse All Job Pay Rates
More on the Clerks Award
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a receptionist get paid per hour?
The minimum hourly rate for a receptionist in Australia is $26.97/hr for full-time/part-time employees and $33.71/hr for casuals (including 25% loading) under the Clerks - Private Sector Award 2020. Actual rates may be higher depending on classification level, experience, and any enterprise agreement that applies.
What is the minimum wage for a receptionist?
Under the Clerks - Private Sector Award 2020 (MA000002), the minimum wage for a receptionist starts at $26.97/hr (Level 1 adult rate). This equates to $1,024.86/week or $53,292.72/year for a standard 38-hour week. The national minimum wage is $26.44/hr.
What award covers receptionists?
Receptionists in Australia are generally covered by the Clerks - Private Sector Award 2020 (MA000002). This award sets out minimum pay rates, penalty rates, allowances, and other working conditions. Some receptionists may be covered by an enterprise agreement instead, which must meet or exceed the award.
What is the casual rate for a receptionist?
A casual receptionist receives $33.71/hr, which includes the 25% casual loading on top of the $26.97/hr base rate. The casual loading compensates for not receiving paid leave and other permanent employment benefits.
What are the penalty rates for a receptionist?
Under the Clerks - Private Sector Award 2020, receptionists receive: Saturday 1.25x ($33.71/hr), Sunday 2x ($53.94/hr), and Public Holiday 2.5x ($67.43/hr) at Level 1 rates.
Related Tools
FairWork Mate AI
Is the figure right for you?
The advisor reads your payslip, contract or letter against the Fair Work Commission case library and cites the decision behind every answer.
Renews monthly at A$29.99 until you cancel. By continuing you agree to our Terms.
Get pay and rights updates for your job
Free email updates when award rates, the minimum wage or workplace laws change.