Architect salary Australia: award rates, median earnings and the salary index

Architect salary Australia: award rates versus the national minimum wage

When you search for "architect salary australia", you are likely trying to understand what architects actually earn and how that compares to the legal minimums. In Australia, the Architects Award (MA000079) sets the minimum pay for most architects, but actual earnings can be much higher. This guide explains the award rates, the median earnings reported by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, and where they sit on the Salary Index.

The award floor for architects

The Architects Award covers graduates of architecture, registered architects, and students of architecture. From 1 July 2026, the minimum weekly rates are:

• Graduate of Architecture Level 1 – entry: $1,307.20 per week ($68,191 per year)
• Level 1 – 1st pay point: $1,376.30 per week ($71,798 per year)
• Level 1 – 2nd pay point: $1,445.40 per week ($75,401 per year)
• Experienced Graduate (Level 2(a)): $1,511.30 per week ($78,838 per year)
• Registered Architect Level 2(b) – entry: $1,511.30 per week ($78,838 per year)
• Level 2(b) – 1st pay point: $1,558.00 per week ($81,276 per year)
• Level 2(b) – 2nd pay point: $1,604.80 per week ($83,716 per year)

These rates are well above the national minimum wage of $1,004.90 per week (index 48.2). Even the lowest graduate rate is 30% higher than the national minimum. However, award rates are only a floor; many architects are paid above award, especially in private practice or government roles.

Median earnings tell a different story

According to the profile, the median full-time weekly earnings for Architects and Landscape Architects is $2,308. That annualises to about $120,016, giving a salary index of 110.7 – meaning the typical architect earns 10.7% more than the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings benchmark of $108,352 (index 100).

This gap between award minima and median earnings is common in professions. The award ensures a safety net, but market forces, experience, and specialisation push pay higher. For example, a registered architect with several years of experience might earn $100,000–$130,000, while a senior associate or director can earn $150,000 or more.

How the salary index works for architects

The Salary Index compares gross annual earnings to the national line of $108,352 (index 100). Here’s how architect pay stacks up:

• National minimum wage: index 48.2
• Graduate architect (award entry): index 62.7
• Registered architect (award entry): index 72.5
• Registered architect (award top): index 77.0
• Median architect: index 110.7

So while award rates are modest, the median architect earns comfortably above the national average. The index is a useful tool to see where any pay figure sits relative to the broader workforce. For instance, the Professional, Scientific and Technical Services industry (which includes architecture) has an index of 114.7, closely matching the median architect figure.

Award versus national minimum wage: the key difference

The national minimum wage (NMW) is the absolute minimum any adult employee can be paid. From 1 July 2026, it is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week. The Architects Award sets higher minimums because architecture is a skilled profession requiring tertiary education and registration. Even a student of architecture (21+) earns at least $1,004.90 per week under the award – the same as the NMW – but graduates and registered architects earn significantly more.

Importantly, the award also includes junior rates for students under 21, and casual loadings (25% for graduates, 25% for registered architects). Casual graduate architects earn $43.00 per hour at entry, compared to the casual NMW rate of $33.05 per hour.

Superannuation and tax considerations

Employers must pay superannuation guarantee contributions of 12% from 1 July 2026 on ordinary time earnings up to $270,830. For a median architect earning $120,016, that adds $14,402 to super each year. This is on top of the salary. Take-home pay after tax and Medicare levy (2%) for a resident earning $120,016 is roughly $87,500–$90,000, depending on deductions and HELP repayments. The pay guides on our site can help you calculate net pay for different states.

State and industry variations

Architect salaries vary by location. The states page shows that the Australian Capital Territory has the highest index (109.9), while Tasmania has the lowest (88.6). Architects in Canberra, where many government and institutional projects are based, may earn above the national median. In contrast, architects in Tasmania might earn closer to the award rates. The industries page shows that the Professional, Scientific and Technical Services industry (index 114.7) aligns with the median architect figure.

What this means for your pay

If you are an architect or considering the profession, the award provides a safety net, but your actual salary will depend on your experience, portfolio, and employer. Use the salary index to benchmark any offer: if a graduate role pays $70,000 (index 64.6), that is above the award but below the median. A registered architect role paying $90,000 (index 83.1) is still below the median but reasonable for early career. The median $120,016 is a good target for experienced architects.

For more context, explore our topics on professional salaries and award comparisons. Remember that the index is a gross benchmark; your take-home pay will be less after tax and super, but super is additional wealth.

Summary

Architect salary in Australia ranges from award minima around $68,000 for graduates to a median of $120,000 for experienced full-time architects. The award rates are well above the national minimum wage, but the median is even higher – reflecting the value of the profession. The salary index shows that the typical architect earns 10.7% above the national average, placing architecture firmly in the upper half of Australian occupations.