Medical Receptionist Salary: Award Rates vs the National Minimum Wage

Medical Receptionist Salary: Award Rates vs the National Minimum Wage

A medical receptionist salary is typically set by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, which provides a minimum pay floor that sits just above the national minimum wage. For anyone considering this role – or employing one – understanding where the award rates land against the national line is essential.

The Award and the National Minimum Wage

From 1 July 2026, the national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week for a full-time employee (38 hours). That works out to an annualised salary of $52,255 and a Salary Index of 48.2. The Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 sets a Level 1 minimum of $26.97 per hour ($1,024.70 per week), giving an annualised figure of about $53,284 and an index of 49.2. That’s a difference of roughly $1,000 per year – not huge, but it means the award floor is slightly above the legal minimum.

Level 2 of the award, which may apply to medical receptionists with more experience or additional responsibilities, pays $28.03 per hour ($1,065.20 per week, annualised ~$55,390, index 51.1). These rates are for full-time employees. However, according to Jobs and Skills Australia, 69% of medical receptionists work part-time, so actual take-home pay is often lower than the full-time award figures.

Where the Award Fits in the Pay Landscape

The award’s Level 1 rate is only 2% above the national minimum wage. That’s a narrow gap compared to many other health support roles. For context, the Health Care and Social Assistance industry index sits at 97.8 – meaning the average full-time worker in that industry earns slightly below the national line. Medical receptionists on the award minimum are well below that industry average, reflecting the entry-level nature of the role.

Employers can pay above the award, and many do, especially in private specialist practices or in regions with labour shortages. But without published median earnings (the ABS does not release a figure for this occupation), the award remains the only reliable benchmark.

Superannuation and Take-Home Pay

From 1 July 2026, the superannuation guarantee is 12% of ordinary-time earnings. On the Level 1 award rate, that adds about $6,394 per year to the employee’s super account. After tax (using 2026–27 rates with the tax-free threshold and a 2% Medicare levy), a full-time medical receptionist on Level 1 would take home roughly $42,500 annually – or about $817 per week. That’s before any HELP repayments or salary sacrifice.

State and Industry Comparisons

Medical receptionist pay can vary by location. The states page shows that the ACT has the highest index at 109.9, while Tasmania is at 88.6. A medical receptionist in Canberra might earn above the award due to higher cost of living, whereas in Hobart the award minimum may be more common. Similarly, practices in the mining-heavy regions of Western Australia (state index 106.9) may offer higher rates to compete with other industries.

The Bottom Line

The medical receptionist salary under the award is a clear example of how modern awards set a floor that is only marginally above the national minimum wage. For a full-time worker, the difference is about $1,000 a year – not enough to change lifestyle, but enough to show that the award system does provide a small premium. For part-time workers, the gap is even narrower. If you’re comparing pay, always check the specific award classification and any enterprise agreements that may apply.

For more detail on how pay compares across roles, see our pay guides and topics pages. And remember, the Salary Index is a benchmark – your actual salary will depend on experience, location, and employer.