Receptionist Pay Rate in ACT 2025-26
Minimum pay rates for receptionists in Australian Capital Territory under the Clerks - Private Sector Award 2020. Updated 1 July 2025.
Last verified: 1 July 2025Receptionist — Minimum Pay Rate (ACT)
Clerks - Private Sector Award 2020 (MA000002)
$24.10
Base rate/hr
$30.13
Casual rate/hr
Receptionists greet visitors, answer phones, manage appointments, and perform general administrative duties in offices, medical practices, and businesses.
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 — Receptionist
| Employment Type | Hourly Rate | Weekly (38hrs) | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time (adult) | $24.10/hr | $915.80 | $47,621.60 |
| Part-time (adult) | $24.10/hr | Pro-rata | Pro-rata |
| Casual (incl. 25% loading) | $30.13/hr | Varies | Varies |
Rates effective from 1 July 2025 under the Clerks - Private Sector Award 2020.
Junior Rates — Receptionist
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.
| Age | Approx. Hourly Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Under 16 | $9.64/hr | 40% of adult rate |
| 16 years | $12.05/hr | 50% of adult rate |
| 17 years | $14.46/hr | 60% of adult rate |
| 18 years | $16.87/hr | 70% of adult rate |
| 19 years | $19.28/hr | 80% of adult rate |
| 20 years | $21.69/hr | 90% of adult rate |
| 21+ (adult) | $24.10/hr | 100% of adult rate |
Exact junior percentages vary by award. Check the Clerks - Private Sector Award 2020 for precise rates.
Penalty Rates — Receptionist
Saturday
$36.15/hr
1.5x base
Sunday
$48.20/hr
2x base
Public Holiday
$60.25/hr
2.5x base
Penalty rates shown for full-time/part-time Level 1 ($24.10/hr base). Casual employees receive penalty rates calculated on their base rate (before casual loading).
Classification Levels — Clerks - Private Sector Award 2020
| Level | Description | Base Rate/hr | Casual Rate/hr | Annual (38hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Receptionist (introductory) | $24.10 | $30.13 | $47,621.60 |
| Level 2 | Receptionist (experienced) | $24.73 | $30.91 | $48,866.48 |
| Level 3 | Senior receptionist | $25.68 | $32.10 | $50,743.68 |
| Level 4 | Office coordinator | $27.14 | $33.93 | $53,628.64 |
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 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admin Officer | $24.73/hr | $30.91/hr | $49.46/hr |
| Accountant | $27.14/hr | $33.93/hr | $54.28/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a receptionist get paid per hour in Australian Capital Territory?
The minimum hourly rate for a receptionist in Australian Capital Territory is $24.10/hr for full-time and part-time employees, or $30.13/hr for casuals (including 25% loading). This is the Level 1 adult rate under the Clerks - Private Sector Award 2020 (MA000002), effective from 1 July 2025.
What is the minimum wage for a receptionist?
The minimum wage for a receptionist is $24.10 per hour ($915.80 per week for a 38-hour week, or $47,621.60 per year). This is set by the Clerks - Private Sector Award 2020. Higher classification levels attract higher rates.
What award covers receptionists?
Receptionists are covered by the Clerks - Private Sector Award 2020 (MA000002). 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 receptionists get penalty rates on weekends?
Yes. Under the Clerks - Private Sector Award 2020, receptionists receive 1.5x their base rate on Saturdays ($36.15/hr) and 2x on Sundays ($48.20/hr). Public holidays are paid at 2.5x ($60.25/hr).
What is the casual rate for a receptionist?
The casual rate for a receptionist is $30.13/hr, which includes a 25% casual loading on top of the base rate of $24.10/hr. The casual loading compensates for the lack of paid leave, notice of termination, and redundancy pay.
How much should a 17 year old receptionist get paid?
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. Always check the specific junior rate schedule in the Clerks - Private Sector Award 2020 for exact percentages.
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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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