Receptionist Pay Rate WA 2026-27
Receptionists in Western Australia 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. Rates from 1 July 2026, junior rates by age below.
Receptionist — Minimum Pay Rate (WA)
Clerks - Private Sector Award 2020 (MA000002)
$26.97
Base rate/hr
$33.71
Casual rate/hr
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 →
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Western Australia Note
Western Australia has a state industrial relations system that covers some private sector employees not in the national system.
Minimum Hourly Rates — Receptionist
| Employment Type | Hourly Rate | Weekly (38hrs) | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time (adult) | $26.97/hr | $1,024.86 | $53,292.72 |
| Part-time (adult) | $26.97/hr | Pro-rata | Pro-rata |
| Casual (incl. 25% loading) | $33.71/hr | Varies | Varies |
Junior Rates by Age — 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.
Penalty Rates — Receptionist
$33.71/hr
$53.94/hr
$67.43/hr
Classification Levels — Clerks - Private Sector Award 2020
| Level | Description | Base Rate/hr | Casual Rate/hr | Annual (38hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Receptionist (introductory) | $26.97 | $33.71 | $53,292.72 |
| Level 2 | Receptionist (experienced) | $29.45 | $36.81 | $58,193.20 |
| Level 3 | Senior receptionist | $31.11 | $38.89 | $61,473.36 |
| Level 4 | Office coordinator | $32.67 | $40.84 | $64,555.92 |
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 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 | $29.45/hr | $36.81/hr | $58.90/hr |
| Accountant | $32.67/hr | $40.84/hr | $65.34/hr |
| Software Developer | $31.11/hr | $38.89/hr | $62.22/hr |
| Project Manager | $33.99/hr | $42.49/hr | $67.98/hr |
More on the Clerks Award
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a receptionist get paid per hour in Western Australia?
The minimum hourly rate for a receptionist in Western Australia is $26.97/hr for full-time and part-time employees, or $33.71/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 2026.
What is the minimum wage for a receptionist?
The minimum wage for a receptionist is $26.97 per hour ($1,024.86 per week for a 38-hour week, or $53,292.72 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 1.25x their base rate on Saturdays ($33.71/hr) and 2x on Sundays ($53.94/hr). Public holidays are paid at 2.5x ($67.43/hr).
What is the casual rate for a receptionist?
The casual rate for a receptionist is $33.71/hr, which includes a 25% casual loading on top of the base rate of $26.97/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. The FWC pay database does not publish this award's junior schedule as separate rows, so check the junior rates clause of the Clerks - Private Sector Award 2020 for the exact figure.
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