Landscape architect salary vs the national average
The national full-time adult average weekly ordinary time earnings in Australia is $2,083.70, or about $108,352 a year (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). This is the line against which Place a salary on the line measures any occupation. For landscape architects, the published data groups them with architects under ANZSCO 2321. The median full-time weekly earnings for this combined group is $2,308, or roughly $120,016 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia, using ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025). That is about $224 a week above the national full-time average.
How the median is measured
The $2,308 figure is a median, not an average. It represents the middle point of full-time non-managerial adult employees in the occupation. Half earn more, half earn less. The ABS also publishes a national full-time median of about $90,532 a year for all occupations, and an all-employees median of about $74,100. The architects and landscape architects group sits well above both. However, the data does not separate landscape architects from architects, so the exact landscape architect salary may differ slightly.
What influences pay
Several factors can move a landscape architect's pay above or below the group median. The most significant is whether you work in the public or private sector. According to the ABS Average Weekly Earnings survey, the public sector full-time adult average weekly ordinary time earnings is $2,263.10, compared to $2,034.10 in the private sector. Public sector roles in government departments or local councils often pay more than private practices. Experience also matters: the median age for architects and landscape architects is 41, suggesting many have years of experience that lift earnings.
Hours worked are another factor. The average full-time hours for this occupation is 44 hours per week, above the standard 38-hour week used for the national average. Working longer hours increases total weekly earnings, but the median hourly earnings of $61 already reflect a high rate. Part-time work (22% of the occupation works part-time) would lower annual income, but the median is based on full-time employees only.
State and sector variations
Location plays a major role. The national full-time average varies by state and territory, from $96,008 a year in Tasmania to $119,090 in the Australian Capital Territory. Western Australia ($115,825) and New South Wales ($109,658) are also above the national average. A landscape architect in the ACT or WA could expect higher pay than one in Tasmania or South Australia ($102,450). States and territories provides a full breakdown. The occupation's median of $120,016 is close to the ACT average, suggesting that landscape architects in high-paying states may earn even more.
Tax and minimum wage context
For the 2026–27 financial year, the tax-free threshold is $18,200, with marginal rates of 15% up to $45,000, 30% up to $135,000, 37% up to $190,000, and 45% above that. The Medicare levy adds 2%. On a salary of $120,016, the effective tax rate is roughly 27% including Medicare, leaving about $87,600 after tax. The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 an hour, or $52,255 a year on 38 hours. A landscape architect earning the median is well above that, but award minimums for the occupation may apply to entry-level roles. The Fair Work Commission raised award rates by 4.75% in 2026.
What moves pay above or below the line
The line is the national full-time average of $108,352. The median for architects and landscape architects is above it, but individual pay can vary. To stay above the line, focus on public sector roles, high-paying states like the ACT or WA, and full-time hours. Experience and specialisation in areas like environmental planning or urban design can also push earnings higher. Conversely, working part-time, in private practice, or in lower-paying states could bring pay closer to or below the national average. The Job medians page shows how other occupations compare.
In summary, the landscape architect salary, as part of the architects and landscape architects group, is comfortably above the national full-time average. But the exact figure depends on sector, location, and experience. Use the tools on this site to see where your own pay sits on the line.