Receptionists greet visitors, answer phones, manage appointments, and perform general administrative duties in offices, medical practices, and businesses.
Victoria Note
Victoria has state-based long service leave that may differ from the NES. Check your entitlements with the Victorian Wage Inspectorate.
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
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.
How much does a receptionist get paid per hour in Victoria?
The minimum hourly rate for a receptionist in Victoria 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.
FairWork Mate is an independent commercial service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or associated with the Fair Work Ombudsman, the Fair Work Commission, or any Australian Government agency. Content is 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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