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Architect salary in Australia: award rates vs national average

Under the Architects Award 2020, a graduate architect earns $68,191–$78,838 and a registered architect $78,838–$83,716, all below the national full-time average of $108,352.

This sits on the Australian full-time average.

Week, hour, and a tax sketch

$2,084 a week · $54.83 an hour if spread over 38 hours

About $83,159 after resident income tax and a 2% Medicare levy.

2026–27 resident rates and a 2% Medicare levy. Not a tax assessment.Open the full line

Architect salary under the award

Architect salaries in Australia are largely set by the National Architects Award 2020, a modern award that covers graduates, registered architects, and students. The Fair Work Commission increased all modern award minimum rates by 4.75% from 1 July 2026. The lowest ongoing rate under the award is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week), which also matches the national minimum wage.

Graduate of architecture

A Level 1 graduate of architecture (entry) earns $68,191 per year, or $1,307.20 per week. After the first pay point lifts the rate to $71,798 ($1,376.30) and the second to $75,401 ($1,445.40). An experienced graduate (Level 2a) is $78,838 ($1,511.30). Casual rates include a 25% loading.

Registered architect

A registered architect (Level 2b) starts at $78,838 ($1,511.30), then $81,276 ($1,511.30) and $83,716 ($1,604.80). These are all below the national full-time adult average of $2,083.70 per week, or about $108,352 per year (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). The gap is noticeable: the top award step is about $1,604.80 is 77% of the average.

Students and bachelor pathway

Students under 21 earn less, from $12.04 per hour for the first 13 weeks up to $25.80 for third year. Bachelor degree with pathway to Master of Architecture: first year $29.24 per hour, $1,111.09 per week ($57,962 per year). These are well below the national minimum wage floor.

How architect pay sits against the national line

The national full-time average of $108,352 is the reference line on this site. Most architect classifications fall below it. The all-employees median is about $74,100 (ABS Employee Earnings, August 2025), which is closer to the graduate entry level. The full-time median is about $90,532. Men's full-time average is about $113,412; women's about $100,594. The award rates are minimums; many architects negotiate above award, especially in private practice or with experience.

Take-home pay sketch

Using 2026–27 tax rates and the 2% Medicare levy, a graduate architect on $68,191 pays about $14,500 in tax and Medicare, leaving about $53,700. A registered architect on $83,716 pays about $19,800, take-home about $63,900. Compare to the national average of $108,352: tax on that is about $28,500, take-home about $79,800. The award rates are significantly lower.

State comparisons

State full-time averages vary. The Australian Capital Territory is highest at about $119,090; Western Australia about $115,825; New South Wales about $109,658; Victoria about $106,137; Queensland about $106,064; South Australia about $102,450; Northern Territory about $103,173; Tasmania about $96,008. An architect on award rates would be below the average in every state.

Where to go next

Questions

What is the minimum salary for a graduate architect in Australia?

Under the National Architects Award 2020, a Level 1 graduate of architecture (entry) earns $68,191 per year, rising to $75,401 at the second pay point. An experienced graduate (Level 2a) earns $78,838. These rates apply from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026.

How does an architect's salary compare to the national average?

The national full-time adult average weekly ordinary time earnings is $2,083.70 per week, or about $108,352 per year (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). Most architect award classifications fall below this average. For example, a registered architect at the top award step earns $83,716, which is about 77% of the national average.

What is the take-home pay for an architect after tax?

Using 2026–27 tax rates (tax-free threshold $18,200, then 15%, 30%, 37%, 45% plus 2% Medicare levy), a graduate architect earning $68,191 would take home roughly $53,700 after tax and Medicare. A registered architect on $83,716 would take home about $63,900. These are estimates and do not include deductions or offsets.

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