Apply for Receptionist Positions in Pretoria: Pay, Benefits, and Tips

The Receptionist Career in Pretoria

The receptionist career in Pretoria offers good opportunities with competitive salaries and, in many cases, little prior experience required to get hired. See how to apply.

Pretoria, South Africa’s administrative capital, is a well-organized city with good transport options and strong employment hubs in corporate, medical, government, and education sectors.

Neighborhoods such as Centurion, Hatfield, Brooklyn, Menlyn, and the CBD concentrate companies, clinics, hotels, and institutions that frequently hire receptionists.

This means great potential for anyone looking to grow!

What is the job like?

A A receptionist’s daily tasks vary depending on the workplace, which will determine the main duties.

The most common ones are answering phones, organizing schedules, and welcoming and guiding visitors.

The job may also involve controlling access to the building, keeping the reception area welcoming, responding to emails, organizing documents, and even using specific systems in hotels, clinics, or companies.

The role requires hospitality, friendliness, excellent communication, professionalism, organization, and a neat presentation.

According to Indeed, the average salary for receptionists in Pretoria is around R7,490 per month, equivalent to about R35 per hour in a full-time role.

When administrative duties are included, the average can increase to R8,132 per month. In more specialized environments, such as medical clinics, pay can reach R148 per hour (about R308,000 per year).

Main Job Opportunities

The job market offers opportunities in different areas: receptionists in hospitality (such as at ANEW Hotel Hatfield), corporate offices in Brooklyn, or tech companies.

These examples show how diverse the sectors are—ranging from tourism to healthcare, automotive, and clerical services.

Therefore, your search will depend on the sector that interests you most, but good options can be found across the whole city.

Who can apply

In most cases, employers hire women starting at 18 years old, with rare exceptions in training programs for younger candidates.

Common requirements include:

• Matric 12 (high school diploma)
• Fluency or good communication in English (other languages are a plus)
• Neat appearance and professional attitude
• Organization, attention to detail, and punctuality
• Basic computer skills (Word, Excel, email)
• Reliability and willingness to learn — many companies provide internal training even without prior experience.

So, even if you have never worked as a receptionist—or in a similar position—you can still find entry-level openings. Having references, even from unrelated jobs, can also help.

How to apply

Here are some steps to improve your chances of getting hired:

• Search job portals such as Indeed, PNet, Adzuna, and CareerJunction. You can apply directly from your computer or phone.
• Prepare a good CV highlighting your skills and motivation. Personal references make a big difference.
• Apply wisely—focus on jobs that match your profile. Don’t waste time on positions asking for years of experience if you don’t have it.
• Visit local clinics, offices, or small businesses in person, leaving your CV and a short introduction letter. This still works well in Pretoria.
• For interviews: dress professionally, arrive on time, be friendly, organized, and show your willingness to learn.

Tips to find vacancies quickly

• Use search terms like “receptionist”, “front desk”, or “administrative assistant.”
• Focus on neighborhoods with more opportunities: Centurion, Hatfield, CBD, Brooklyn, Menlyn.
• Activate job alerts on portals so you are notified immediately.
• Ask friends or neighbors for referrals—personal recommendations are very valuable.
• Sign up with employment agencies that recruit for junior or administrative roles.

Challenges and opportunities

Working as a receptionist in Pretoria has its challenges: competition is high, and the role requires handling pressure, multitasking, and unexpected situations.

Some positions involve variable schedules or weekend shifts, which can be difficult for women with children or household responsibilities.

However, the opportunities outweigh the challenges: the position is highly visible inside the company, which often leads to promotions into roles like executive assistant, administrative secretary, or front desk supervisor.

Many companies also offer internal training and valuable networking opportunities that help with career growth.

Looking for a job in another field?

Finally, remember that Pretoria’s job market is not limited to receptionist positions only.

There are also strong opportunities for domestic workers, which might interest those seeking alternatives.

Written by

Gabriel Gonçalves