Draftsperson salary: where it sits on the Australian salary index

What is a draftsperson?

A draftsperson (also spelled draughtsperson) prepares technical drawings and plans, often using computer-aided design (CAD) software. They work closely with architects, engineers, builders, and contractors to turn concepts into detailed construction or manufacturing documents. In Australia, the occupation is classified under ANZSCO 312111 – Architectural Draftspersons, part of the broader group of Architectural, Building and Surveying Technicians.

According to Jobs and Skills Australia, there are about 14,000 employed Architectural Draftspersons. The median age is 40, and 30% are women. Most work in Professional, Scientific and Technical Services or Construction. New South Wales employs the largest share (31.6%).

Award coverage and pay

Because a draftsperson’s role can span different industries, the applicable modern award varies. The Fair Work Ombudsman explains three main possibilities:

• Building and Construction Award – applies if the employer is in the general building and construction industry and the work is done on a construction site.
• Manufacturing Award – covers draftspersons on an occupational basis if no other industry award applies, except when the Professional Award applies.
• Professional Award – applies if the role requires a degree in engineering or qualifications at least equal to a graduate member of Engineers Australia.

Each award has classification levels that set minimum hourly rates. While the specific rates for draftspersons are not summarised in a single table, they are higher than the national minimum wage ($26.44/hr from 1 July 2026). For example, under the Manufacturing Award, a draftsperson with a diploma might be classified at a level that pays above $30 per hour. However, without published median earnings for the occupation, we cannot give a precise figure.

Where does the salary sit on the index?

The Salary Index compares yearly gross earnings to the national line of $108,352 (full-time adult ordinary-time earnings, ABS Average Weekly Earnings May 2026). An index of 100 means earnings match the national average. The national minimum wage sits at index 48.2.

For a draftsperson, the index is uncertain because the ABS does not publish median weekly earnings for this 6-digit occupation. However, we can look at the industries where draftspersons commonly work:

• Professional, Scientific and Technical Services – index 114.7 (annualised $124,300)
• Construction – while not listed in the on-site reference, it typically falls near the national average.

If a draftsperson is employed in professional services and has several years of experience, their salary could be around the industry average, giving an index of roughly 115. A draftsperson starting out under an award might earn closer to $65,000–$70,000, which would be an index of 60–65. Location also matters: the ACT has the highest state index (109.9), while Tasmania is lowest (88.6).

Factors affecting pay

Several factors influence a draftsperson’s actual salary:

• Qualifications – a diploma or advanced diploma is common (33.8% of Architectural Draftspersons hold an Advanced Diploma/Diploma). Those with a bachelor degree (28.7%) may qualify for higher award classifications or professional roles.
• Experience – the median age of 40 suggests many are experienced, which typically commands higher pay.
• Industry – working in professional services tends to pay more than construction, though construction roles on large projects can also be well compensated.
• Location – as shown in the states page, wages vary across Australia. A draftsperson in Western Australia (index 106.9) may earn more than one in South Australia (94.6).
• Award classification – the specific level under the applicable award determines the minimum pay. Employers may pay above the award to attract skilled staff.

How to use the salary index for this role

The Salary Index is a tool to benchmark any pay figure against the national line. To calculate the index for a draftsperson’s salary, divide their annual gross earnings by $108,352 and multiply by 100. For example, a draftsperson earning $75,000 would have an index of 69.2. That is above the national minimum wage (48.2) but below the national average. A draftsperson earning $120,000 would have an index of 110.8, above the national line.

Because no official median exists, the index for a “typical” draftsperson is not fixed. But the available data suggests that many draftspersons earn somewhere between the national minimum and the professional services average, likely in the range of index 70–115.

For more context, see the industries page for industry benchmarks, or the pay guides for award rate summaries. If you are negotiating a salary, remember that superannuation (12% from 1 July 2026) is paid on top, and tax (2026–27 rates) and Medicare levy (2%) apply to take-home pay.

FAQs

What is the average draftsperson salary in Australia? The average draftsperson salary is not officially published for the 6-digit occupation. Jobs and Skills Australia does not provide median weekly earnings for Architectural Draftspersons. However, the role typically falls under awards such as the Manufacturing Award or Building and Construction Award, which set minimum rates above the national minimum wage. Actual pay depends on experience, qualifications, and industry.

Which award covers a draftsperson? Award coverage depends on the employer's industry and the employee's duties. According to the Fair Work Ombudsman, draftspersons may be covered by the Building and Construction Award if working on a construction site, the Manufacturing Award on an occupational basis if no other award applies, or the Professional Award if the role requires a degree in engineering or equivalent qualifications.

How does a draftsperson salary compare to the national minimum wage? A draftsperson salary is generally above the national minimum wage ($26.44/hr from 1 July 2026). Award rates for draftspersons under the Manufacturing Award, for example, are higher. The salary index for the Professional, Scientific and Technical Services industry (where many draftspersons work) is 114.7, meaning typical earnings in that industry are about 15% above the national line of $108,352.