Architect salary Sydney: award rates, super and tax for 2026–27

What does an architect earn in Sydney?

If you’re looking up architect salary sydney, the first thing to know is that minimum pay is set by the Architects Award 2020 (MA000079), which applies across Australia. Sydney sits in New South Wales, where the average full‑time adult ordinary‑time earnings index is 101.2 — slightly above the national line of 100. But award rates for architects are well below that benchmark.

Award rates from 1 July 2026

The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes the official pay guide for the Architects Award. From the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026, the minimum annual salaries are:

• Level 1 – Graduate of Architecture (entry): $68,191 ($34.40/hour)
• Level 1 – 1st pay point: $71,798 ($36.22/hour)
• Level 1 – 2nd pay point: $75,401 ($38.04/hour)
• Level 2(a) – Experienced Graduate of Architecture: $78,838 ($39.77/hour)
• Level 2(b) – Registered Architect (entry): $78,838 ($39.77/hour)
• Level 2(b) – 1st pay point: $81,276 ($41.00/hour)
• Level 2(b) – 2nd pay point: $83,716 ($42.23/hour)

These rates come from the Fair Work Ombudsman’s summary and the consolidated award text. The award also sets casual loadings of 25%, so a casual registered architect at entry earns $49.71/hour.

How the salary index works

The Salary Index compares a yearly gross figure to the national full‑time adult ordinary‑time earnings of $108,352 (index 100). For example, a registered architect on $78,838 has an index of 72.8 — meaning they earn about 73% of the national benchmark. That’s lower than the Professional, Scientific and Technical Services industry index of 114.7, which reflects above‑award pay in many firms.

In Sydney, the NSW index of 101.2 ($109,658 annualised) suggests that typical earnings in the state are slightly above the national line. But award‑minimum architects are well below that, so many Sydney architects earn more than the award, especially in private practice or large commercial firms.

Superannuation on top

From 1 July 2026, the superannuation guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings. For a registered architect on $78,838, the employer must contribute an extra $9,460.60 to a super fund. That brings total remuneration to $88,298.60, but the salary index only counts gross wages, not super.

Tax on an architect’s salary

Using 2026–27 resident tax rates (excluding Medicare levy surcharge and HELP):

• Tax‑free threshold: $0–$18,200
• 15% on $18,201–$45,000
• 30% on $45,001–$135,000
• 37% on $135,001–$190,000
• 45% above $190,000

Plus a flat 2% Medicare levy.

For a $78,838 salary:

• Tax on first $18,200: $0
• Tax on $18,201–$45,000: $4,020
• Tax on $45,001–$78,838: $10,151.40
• Total tax: $14,171.40
• Medicare levy (2%): $1,576.76
• Total deductions: $15,748.16
• Estimated take‑home: $63,089.84

This is a rough estimate. It ignores HELP repayments, salary sacrifice, and the Medicare levy reduction for low incomes.

Where to find more

For the full award conditions, see the pay guides on the Fair Work Ombudsman website. You can also compare state benchmarks on the states page. The industries section shows that the professional services sector typically pays above award.

Caveats

Award rates are minimums. Actual architect salary sydney figures can be higher, especially for experienced registered architects or those in senior roles. The salary index is a benchmark, not a quote for a specific job. Always check the award for your classification and any applicable enterprise agreements.

Final thoughts

If you’re an architect in Sydney, the award gives you a floor, but the market often pays more. Use the index to see where your pay sits against the national line, and remember that super and tax change the real picture.