The receptionist sits at the heart of the front office. Each day brings a mix of face-to-face interactions, calls, and admin tasks. Strong communication and a positive attitude help them thrive in this role. Greeting and welcoming visitors and directing them to the right person Booking and recording appointments for staff and clients Answering inquiries and providing information about the organisation’s services Answering, connecting, and transferring telephone calls Receiving and resolvi...

Clear verbal and written communication Customer service skills Organisational ability Attention to detail Multitasking Proficiency in Microsoft Office and scheduling software Knowledge of basic administrative procedures Problem-solving ability Professional appearance and manner Ability to handle confidential information Time management Adaptability Teamwork Knowledge of telephone systems Ability to work calmly under pressure

What is the average salary for a How to Become a Receptionist in Australia?

Receptionists in Australia earn a median of about $63,900 a year. The median weekly wage is $1,229 for full-time work (source: Jobs and Skills Australia, May 2025). Entry roles start at around $50,000 a year. Senior or specialist roles can reach $75,000 or more.

Become a Receptionist in Australia

A receptionist is the face of any organisation, welcoming visitors and keeping things running at the front desk. It is a people-first role that suits those who love connecting with others and keeping their day on track. No two shifts are the same.

Each day, receptionists answer calls, manage bookings, handle emails, and greet guests with a warm welcome. They also keep the reception area neat and help the wider team with admin tasks like filing and data entry. It is a role where every task matters.

Receptionists work in a huge range of places, from busy clinics to offices, hotels, schools, and more. Each setting brings fresh challenges and a chance to build skills that carry well across industries.

Starting out as a receptionist is a smart move for those building a career in admin or customer service. The skills they build set them up for a wide range of roles. From client skills to time skills, these carry well throughout a career.

Career Outlook for Receptionist

A career as a receptionist gives a flexible, people-first entry into the working world. About 181,300 receptionists work in Australia, with 57% in part-time jobs (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). The median age is 36 years, and 89% are female (JSA, 2025). Full-time staff work an average of 40 hours per week.

The median weekly wage for full-time work is $1,229 (ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025). Work is available in health, business services, schools, and hotels. The number of roles fell by about 2,000 in 2025 (JSA, 2025). The overall workforce stays large, with over 181,000 people in the role.

Receptionists who grow their skills can move into roles such as office manager, team lead, or senior support. Working in a field such as medical or legal reception can also lift pay and open new career doors.

Steps to Become a Receptionist

Step 1: Finish Year 10 or Year 12

Aim to finish school to at least Year 10. Most employers look for this as a basic start. Study English, business, and computers at school to get ahead. Year 12 opens more paths to VET courses and further study.

Step 2: Complete a Certificate III in Business (BSB30120)

Enrol in a Certificate III in Business (BSB30120) at a TAFE or RTO. This course takes 6 to 12 months full-time. It covers customer service, booking tools, and office software. It is the main entry-level course for admin and reception work in Australia. Confirm the code at training.gov.au before you enrol.

Step 3: Build Hands-On Experience

Get real work experience while you study. Many Certificate III courses include a placement in a real workplace. Even a part-time or casual role at a front desk builds the skills employers want.

Step 4: Apply for Receptionist Roles

Write a resume that shows your course, customer service work, and computer skills. Match each application to the role you want, such as a medical clinic, office, or hotel. The Australian Institute of Office Professionals (aiop.com.au) can help you with networking and events.

Step 5: Grow Your Career with Further Study

Once in work, look at a Certificate IV in Business Administration (BSB40120) to move up. A Diploma of Business Administration (BSB50120) can take you further still. Confirm current codes at training.gov.au. Both courses take 12 to 18 months. They lead to office manager, team admin, and senior support roles.

What does a Receptionist do?

A receptionist’s day is busy and varied. They greet visitors, answer calls, book appointments, and respond to all kinds of inquiries. They also handle mail and deliveries. They keep the reception area tidy and help with admin tasks like data entry and filing. No two days are the same. They might be the calm voice on the phone for a stressed client. Moments later, they are the friendly face that puts a new visitor at ease. This mix of tasks suits those who enjoy staying active and engaged at work.

Tasks

The receptionist sits at the heart of the front office. Each day brings a mix of face-to-face interactions, calls, and admin tasks. Strong communication and a positive attitude help them thrive in this role.

Greeting and welcoming visitors and directing them to the right person
Booking and recording appointments for staff and clients
Answering inquiries and providing information about the organisation’s services
Answering, connecting, and transferring telephone calls
Receiving and resolving complaints from clients and the public
Receiving and distributing mail, faxes, and deliveries
Keeping the reception desk and waiting area neat and tidy
Booking reservations or accommodation when needed
Carrying out admin tasks such as data entry, filing, and photocopying

Skills for Success

Strong people skills matter most for receptionists. They are the face of their workplace, so being warm, clear, and calm in every call or visit is key. This applies to in-person chats, phone calls, and emails.

Good order is a must. Receptionists manage bookings, field calls, and handle questions all at once. The ability to stay focused and keep on top of things under pressure makes a big difference.

Basic computer skills are needed too. Most roles use booking tools, email, and word processing daily. Getting good at Microsoft Office is a great start.

Time skills and a calm head round out the set. Receptionists often deal with busy times and tricky moments. The ability to stay calm and solve problems fast helps them stand out.

Skills & Attributes

Clear verbal and written communication
Customer service skills
Organisational ability
Attention to detail
Multitasking
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and scheduling software
Knowledge of basic administrative procedures
Problem-solving ability
Professional appearance and manner
Ability to handle confidential information
Time management
Adaptability
Teamwork
Knowledge of telephone systems
Ability to work calmly under pressure

How to Become A Receptionist

Certificate III in Hospitality (QLD Only)

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