Where architect salaries sit against the national full-time average
The national full-time adult ordinary-time average, as measured by the ABS Average Weekly Earnings survey for May 2026, is $2,083.70 a week, or about $108,352 a year. This is the line that this site uses to compare occupations. For architects, the most authoritative public figures are the minimum rates set by the Architects Award 2020, which apply to employees covered by the award. These minimums are significantly below the national average, but actual salaries for experienced architects often exceed award rates.
Award minimums for architects
The Architects Award 2020, published by Fair Work, sets minimum annual salaries for full-time employees. From 1 July 2026, the rates are:
- Level 1 – Graduate of Architecture: Entry $68,191; 1st pay point $71,798; 2nd pay point $75,401.
- Level 2(a) – Experienced Graduate of Architecture: $78,838.
- Level 2(b) – Registered Architect: Entry $78,838; 1st pay point $81,276; 2nd pay point $83,716.
These rates are for a 38-hour week, with ordinary hours between 8 am and 6 pm Monday to Friday. Casual employees receive a 25% loading on top of the base hourly rate.
How the award rates compare to the national average
Every award classification for architects falls below the national full-time average of $108,352. The highest award minimum – $83,716 for a registered architect at the second pay point – is about $24,636 less than the average. Even the graduate entry rate of $68,191 is $40,161 below the average. This gap is partly because the award sets a floor, not a market rate. Many architects, especially those with experience or in private practice, earn above the award.
The ABS does not publish a specific average for architects. The closest industry data may be from the professional services sector, but no occupation-level figure is available. For a broader view, the full-time median salary across all occupations is about $90,532 (ABS Employee Earnings, August 2025), which is above most award architect rates but below the national average.
State and territory differences
Architect salaries can vary by location. The national full-time average itself differs across states, as shown in the ABS data for May 2026:
- New South Wales: $109,658
- Victoria: $106,137
- Queensland: $106,064
- South Australia: $102,450
- Western Australia: $115,825
- Tasmania: $96,008
- Northern Territory: $103,173
- Australian Capital Territory: $119,090
Architects in states with higher overall averages, such as the ACT and Western Australia, may have more room to negotiate above award rates. Those in Tasmania, where the state average is lower, may find award rates more typical. States and territories page has more detail on regional differences.
Beyond the award: market rates and experience
The award minimums are a starting point. Experienced registered architects, particularly those in senior roles or with specialised skills, often command salaries well above $83,716. Industry surveys and job advertisements suggest that mid-career architects can earn between $90,000 and $120,000, and senior architects or practice directors can exceed $130,000. However, these figures are not from official sources and should be treated as indicative.
For graduates, the award provides a clear progression: from $68,191 at entry to $75,401 after two pay points. After registration, the award steps continue to $83,716. Many employers offer above-award salaries to attract talent, especially in competitive markets like Sydney and Melbourne.
How the figures are set
The national average comes from the ABS Average Weekly Earnings survey, which samples employers and is released twice a year (May and November). The award rates are set by the Fair Work Commission after annual wage reviews. In 2026, modern award rates increased by 4.75%. The national minimum wage, also from Fair Work, is $26.44 per hour, or $52,255 a year. How the figures are set explains the methodology in more detail.
Using this site to compare your salary
You can place a salary on the line to see how it compares to the national full-time average, the full-time median, and the minimum wage. The tool uses a 38-hour week and shows weekly and hourly equivalents. For architects, entering your current salary will show whether you are above or below the line, and by how much.
Summary
Architect salaries in Australia, based on the award minimums, are below the national full-time average of $108,352. The award ranges from $68,191 for a graduate to $83,716 for a registered architect. Actual earnings for experienced architects are often higher, but no official average exists. For a personalised comparison, use the salary line tool.