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How to Become a Receptionist: Australian Careers in Practice Management

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What is a Receptionist?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Resources

What is a Receptionist?

A receptionist is the first person visitors, clients, and patients meet at a workplace. The role goes beyond answering phones and greeting guests. Receptionists keep the front office running, manage bookings, and make sure every person who walks in feels welcome.

Day to day, they handle a wide range of tasks. They answer questions, direct calls, book meetings, and manage mail. They also keep the front area tidy and clean. Strong people skills are at the heart of the work.

Receptionists work in almost every industry in Australia. They can be found in clinics, law firms, hotels, schools, and government offices. Each setting has its own pace, which makes the role varied and engaging.

The skills built as a receptionist open doors in the admin field. Many move on to become office managers, senior assistants, or specialists in medical or legal admin. It is a solid start to a long career.

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Career snapshots For Receptionists

A receptionist handles front-desk work and visitor contact across a wide range of Australian workplaces.

About 181,300 people work as receptionists in Australia (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). The median age is 36 years, and 89% of the workforce is female (JSA, 2025). More than half (57%) work part-time. Full-time staff work an average of 40 hours per week (JSA, 2025).

The median weekly wage for full-time work is $1,229 (ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025). The role spans health care, business services, education, and hotels. Job numbers fell by about 2,000 in 2025 (JSA, 2025). With over 181,000 people in the role, it remains one of Australia’s largest admin roles.

What will I do?

Receptionists run the front office. Their work keeps calls and visits moving well. These tasks show what most receptionists do each day (source: Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025).

  • Greeting and welcoming visitors and showing them to the right person
  • Booking and recording meetings for staff and clients
  • Answering questions and giving details about the business’s services
  • Answering, connecting, and transferring phone calls
  • Receiving and resolving complaints from clients and the public
  • Receiving and handing out mail, faxes, and deliveries
  • Keeping the reception area tidy and clean
  • Booking reservations and accommodation when needed
  • Carrying out tasks such as data entry, filing, and making copies

What skills do I need?

Clear and calm contact with clients is the top skill for receptionists. They are often the first voice or face someone meets. Being warm, easy to talk to, and clear in all calls, visits, and emails sets the tone for every interaction.

Good order is just as key. Receptionists manage bookings, field calls, and handle mail all at once. Good time skills and care for detail help them stay on top of things.

Basic computer skills are needed in most roles. Receptionists use booking tools, email, and word processing every day. A good grasp of Microsoft Office makes a strong start for the work.

Soft skills round out the role. Receptionists deal with many types of people, some of whom may be upset. Staying calm, showing care, and solving issues quickly are what set a great receptionist apart.

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

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About the author

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.