How Much Does a Medical Receptionist Make in Australia?
You can make 50,000 to 70,000 AUD per year working as a medical receptionist in Australia. This means earning an average of 31 AUD per hour.
You do not require any formal education, but online courses such as Certificate III in Health Administration or Certificate III in Business (Medical Administration) (BSB30120) can boost your chances during your application.
Working at the front desk, making patient bookings, settling accounts, and processing skills are critical for any health organisation. Medical receptionists require attention to detail and strong organisational skills.
Other tasks and responsibilities of a medical receptionist include scheduling appointments, monitoring stock levels and placing orders, and other administration duties. They work hard to run the day-to-day operations of the health organisation.
Most patients begin their interactions with the medical receptionist before seeing the doctor. They should have a friendly personality to make patients comfortable when they arrive.
In this post, we’ll look at the average salary of a medical receptionist in Australia and how it compares to the U.S.
What is the starting salary for a beginner medical receptionist in Australia?
The starting salary for entry-level medical receptionist positions in Australia ranges from 50,000 to 55,000 AUD annually. This is equivalent to an hourly rate of 27-28 AUD.
A beginner’s salary usually increases as you gain more experience in the field. Most employees advertising entry-level receptionist jobs hire beginners with little training. They could have taken an online course but don’t have the job experience.
Some organisations are willing to pay more for an expert medical receptionist, while others are ready to give a beginner an opportunity. Most do this to cut costs since a beginner earns less than a novice.
How much does an experienced medical receptionist earn in Australia?
An experienced receptionist is an asset to any organisation. They have mastered the skills and tricks to run things in a hospital. Skilled medical receptionists are fast, efficient, and highly productive.
That is why they earn an average of 68,000 AUD and can go as high as 80,000 AUD annually. Their hourly rate is usually higher than the average, ranging from 35 to 40 AUD. It goes without saying that the higher your qualifications and experience, the more you can expect to earn.
Some employers may also offer bonuses, overtime, and other benefits. Your salary can be even higher if you work extra hours or take on additional responsibilities.
What is the average salary for a medical receptionist in Australia?
The average medical receptionist salary in Australia is 5,000 AUD per month. This means earning an average of 31 AUD per hour. The rate may vary depending on your organisation, but most medical receptionists can expect a salary in this range.
Let us look at other factors that affect the average salary of a medical receptionist in Australia:
Career longevity
How long you have been in the industry shows your accumulated experience. When applying for a new job, you can get the employer to increase your salary based on how long you have worked.
Employees who work for a long time in a firm can receive a salary increase based on their years of service. You will not be stuck with a beginner starting salary if you are hardworking and committed.
Specific job duties
A medical receptionist can work at a physician’s office, outpatient care centres, insurance companies, and medical laboratories. The duties at these offices differ.
For example, a receptionist working in an insurance company must be skilled at data entry and filing claims. On the other hand, a medical laboratory requires more technical knowledge, and a receptionist should understand the laboratory’s testing procedures and equipment.
Geographical location
Different states in Australia have varying salaries for medical receptionists. Additionally, certain cities, like Sydney and Melbourne, are known to offer higher wages than other locations.
You can expect to earn more in major cities, especially if you have the right qualifications and experience.
You must also consider the cost of living in different cities and states. For example, if you live in Sydney, your salary must cover higher living costs. It is recommended to research the area you would like to work in before applying.
Academic credentials
Even though you don’t require formal education to become a medical receptionist, an online course can help you adapt to the job more quickly. Being in a new working environment is much better when you know what is expected of you.
You don’t have to specifically study as a medical receptionist to get the job. For example, if you have taken an online course on chiropractic techniques, you can become a medical receptionist at a chiropractor’s office.
Some medical receptionists have completed associate degrees or other medical-related programs. Medical receptionist salaries are based on your academic or professional credentials.
How does the salary of a medical receptionist in Australia compare to one in the U.S.?
In the U.S., a medical receptionist average salary is $17.21 per hour, with top earners getting a monthly pay of $3,625. Just like in Australia, the salary differs from state to state.
Massachusetts is the highest-paid state for medical receptionists, with an average annual salary of $34,278. The pay for medical receptionists in the U.S. may seem lower, but the US dollar has a higher value than the Australian dollar.
Characteristics of an excellent medical receptionist
Medical receptionists thrive in their duties if they have the following characteristics:
Excellent communication skills
You should be able to listen and understand patients’ needs and communicate clearly. Listening and understanding a patient’s problems makes them feel comfortable and confident with your services.
You should also be able to communicate well with other medical personnel, such as doctors and nurses.
Organisational and administrative skills
Medical receptionists must have an excellent working knowledge of filing and storing documents. They are responsible for ensuring patient data is readily available for retrieval when needed.
The administration relies on medical receptionists to keep track of supplies and make orders. They are involved in most processes of any health organisation.
Ability to work in stressful conditions
Handling every patient, especially in a busy hospital, can take a toll on your body, causing undue stress. Most times, there are people waiting in line, others needing help filling out forms, and the phone next to you goes off occasionally.
To survive in such working conditions, you need to know how to keep your cool and juggle between tasks. You must know how to prioritise for maximum productivity.
Open to future career opportunities
Getting behind a desk in a clinic, hospital, or physician’s reception desk is just the beginning of your medical career. This opportunity opens up doors to other career paths, such as medical coding or billing.
Medical receptionists should be open to furthering their education and skill set. Understanding medical terminologies, anatomy, and insurance plans is an asset for a medical receptionist.
Professionalism
A medical receptionist is the face and voice of the business. Therefore, they must have a professional appearance and attitude. There are rules to adhere to when you choose a career in medicine.
For example, adhering to confidentiality regulations helps establish your organisation’s trust among patients.
Takeaway: Why becoming a medical receptionist in Australia is worth it
Medical receptionists are a vital part of any health organisation. They are patients’ first point of contact and must be highly proficient in their job responsibilities to ensure that operations run smoothly.
Medical receptionists earn a decent income – even beginners. Once you gather enough experience, you can renegotiate your contract for a salary increase or move to a higher-paying firm.
You can also expand your knowledge by acquiring certificates from online courses. Employers have come to recognize online courses, which can give you an edge during your application.
Our course, Certificate III In Business (Medical Administration), equips you with the skills and knowledge to become a successful medical receptionist. It covers topics such as medical terminology, patient records management, and planning and organising work. Get in touch today to learn more about our course!
Nadia H.
Nadia H. is a versatile content writer with a passion for education, pets, and food. With a flair for crafting engaging and informative articles and blogs, she brings her expertise to a variety of topics. As an educationist, she understands the importance of knowledge-sharing and aims to create content that enlightens and inspires.
