Landscape architect salary: state and industry differences explained
See how landscape architect salary compares to national benchmarks, with state and industry breakdowns using the Salary Index.
The median weekly earnings for architects and landscape architects is $2,308, giving an index of about 111, well above the national line of 100.
How the salary index applies to landscape architects
When you search for a landscape architect salary, you want to know how it stacks up against the average Australian full-time earner. The Salary Index makes that simple: an index of 100 equals the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $108,352 per year (based on ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). Anything above 100 means above-average pay; below 100 means below.
According to Jobs and Skills Australia, the median weekly earnings for architects and landscape architects (ANZSCO 2321) is $2,308. That annualises to about $120,016, giving an index of roughly 111. That means a typical landscape architect earns about 11% more than the national benchmark. But that figure is a group average – your actual landscape architect salary depends heavily on where you work and in which industry.
State differences in landscape architect pay
Australia’s states and territories have very different earnings profiles. The Salary Index captures this with state-level indices. For example, the ACT has an index of 109.9, meaning full-time workers there earn nearly 10% above the national line. Western Australia (106.9) and New South Wales (101.2) also sit above average. At the other end, Tasmania (88.6) and South Australia (94.6) are well below.
If we apply those ratios to the median landscape architect salary of $120,000, a landscape architect in Canberra might earn around $132,000, while one in Hobart might earn closer to $106,000. These are estimates, but they reflect real geographic pay gaps. The states page on Salary Index gives the full breakdown for all occupations.
Why the difference? Cost of living, demand for design and planning services, and the mix of public versus private sector work all play a role. The ACT has a high concentration of government and consultancy roles, while Tasmania’s smaller economy means fewer large-scale projects.
Industry context for landscape architects
Industry matters just as much as location. The Professional, Scientific and Technical Services sector – where most landscape architects work – has an index of 114.7, well above the national average. That’s consistent with the $2,308 median. Other industries that employ landscape architects include Construction (index not separately published but likely similar) and public administration.
If you work in a high-paying industry like mining (index 154.7), your landscape architect salary could be much higher – though mining roles for landscape architects are rare, usually in environmental rehabilitation. Conversely, if you work in retail or hospitality, pay would be lower, but those industries rarely employ landscape architects.
To see how your industry compares, visit the industries page on Salary Index.
What this means for your take-home pay
Gross salary is only part of the picture. After tax and the Medicare levy (2%), a $120,000 salary leaves about $86,000 take-home, assuming no HELP debt or other deductions. Superannuation is additional – the super guarantee is 12% from 1 July 2026, so your employer should contribute $14,400 on top of your salary.
Award-covered landscape architects (for example, those under the Professional Employees Award) saw minimum rates rise by 4.75% from 1 July 2026, but most professionals earn well above the award floor. The national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour, but a qualified landscape architect would expect at least double that.
For a deeper dive into how the index is calculated, see how the index works. And if you’re comparing specific roles, the pay guides section has more occupation-specific analysis.
Putting it all together
A landscape architect salary in Australia is comfortably above the national average, with a median index around 111. But that headline number hides big variations. A landscape architect in Canberra working for a large engineering consultancy will earn significantly more than one in Hobart working for a small private practice. Use the state and industry indices as a starting point, then factor in your experience level and the specific employer.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics classifies landscape architects under OSCA 241132, with skill level 1 – the highest. That reflects the university degree and professional registration required. The ABS occupation page lists main tasks like designing sustainable landscapes and preparing contract documents.
If you’re negotiating a salary or planning a move, the topics page has more resources on pay benchmarking across Australia.
Questions people ask
What is the typical landscape architect salary in Australia?
The most reliable public data comes from Jobs and Skills Australia, which reports median weekly earnings of $2,308 for the combined group of architects and landscape architects. That annualises to roughly $120,016, giving a Salary Index of about 111 – meaning landscape architects typically earn 11% above the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings benchmark of $108,352. Individual salaries vary by state, industry, and experience.
How does the landscape architect salary compare across states?
Using the Salary Index state benchmarks, a landscape architect in the ACT (index 109.9) or Western Australia (106.9) would likely earn more than the national median, while Tasmania (88.6) and South Australia (94.6) tend to be lower. For example, if the national median landscape architect salary is $120,000, an ACT equivalent might be around $132,000, while a Tasmanian role might be closer to $106,000. These are rough estimates based on overall state earnings differences.
Is a landscape architect covered by a modern award?
Many landscape architects are employed in professional services and may be covered by the Professional Employees Award 2010 or a similar award, depending on their duties and employer. However, most experienced landscape architects negotiate above-award salaries. The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, but a landscape architect's actual pay is typically much higher, reflecting skill level 1 classification and professional qualifications.