Medical Receptionist Salary: Award Rates, Hourly to Annual Conversion & Tax Guide

Understanding the Medical Receptionist Salary

A medical receptionist salary depends on the classification under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020. Most medical receptionists fall under Support Services Level 1 or 2, with minimum rates set by the Fair Work Ombudsman. This guide explains how to convert hourly rates to annual, fortnightly, and weekly pay, and what to expect for tax and superannuation.

Award Coverage and Minimum Rates

The Health Professionals and Support Services Award covers employees in medical practices, clinics, and health services. For a full-time medical receptionist (Level 1), the minimum hourly rate is $26.97, equating to $1,024.70 per week for 38 ordinary hours. Level 2 is $28.03 per hour ($1,065.20 per week). These rates are updated each year through the Fair Work Commission’s Annual Wage Review, and you can find the latest in the Modern Awards Pay Database.

Casual employees receive a 25% loading on top of the minimum rate, as per clause 11.4 of the award. For a Level 1 casual medical receptionist, that’s $33.71 per hour. The casual loading compensates for entitlements like paid leave. Always check your classification and pay point using our pay guides or the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay Calculator.

Converting Hourly to Annual Pay

To estimate your annual gross salary, use the formula:

Annual gross = hourly rate × hours per week × 52

Assuming a standard 38-hour week (as per clause 13.1 of the award), a full-time Level 1 medical receptionist earning $26.97 per hour would have:

$26.97 × 38 × 52 = $53,292.72 per year

This calculation assumes the same rate every week, no unpaid overtime, and no penalty rates or allowances. If you work more than 38 hours, overtime rates apply (150% for first 2 hours Monday–Saturday, 200% after 2 hours for full-time employees; casual overtime rates are higher). Use our the timesheet to track your hours and compare.

Fortnightly Pay and Casual Loading

Most employers pay fortnightly. For a full-time employee, fortnightly gross pay is weekly pay × 2. Using the Level 1 rate:

$1,024.70 × 2 = $2,049.40 per fortnight

For casual employees, the fortnightly amount includes the 25% loading. A casual Level 1 medical receptionist working 38 hours per week would earn:

$33.71 × 38 × 2 = $2,561.96 per fortnight

Remember, casual loading is not a separate payment – it’s built into the hourly rate. Our casual loading page explains how it interacts with overtime and penalties.

Tax and Superannuation

Tax (2026–27 resident rates):

• Nil on the first $18,200
• 15% on income from $18,201 to $45,000
• 30% on income from $45,001 to $135,000
• 37% on income from $135,001 to $190,000
• 45% on income above $190,000

A 2% Medicare levy generally applies. For a full-time Level 1 medical receptionist earning $53,292.72, the estimated tax (excluding Medicare) would be approximately $7,678. Use our take-home pay calculator for a personalised estimate.

Superannuation: Employers must pay super guarantee of 12% of ordinary earnings on top of your salary, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830 (2026–27). For a $53,292.72 salary, that’s an extra $6,395.13 per year paid into your super fund. Super is not deducted from your pay – it’s an additional cost for the employer. See our super and packaging guide for more.

Using Our Tools

Our reference tables provide updated award rates, and the minimum wage page compares the National Minimum Wage with award minima. For a quick conversion of any hourly rate to annual, fortnightly, or weekly figures, visit the the timesheet – just enter your base hourly rate and tick the casual loading box if applicable. Never enter a rate that already includes casual loading; the tool adds it automatically.

Remember: this is an estimate. Actual pay may vary based on your specific award classification, experience, and any enterprise agreements. Always consult your employer or the Fair Work Ombudsman for your exact entitlements.