What is the minimum wage for architects in Australia?

The minimum wage for architects is set by the Architects Award 2020 (MA000079). For a Level 1 graduate architect (entry), the minimum hourly rate is $34.40, or $43.00 for casuals including the 25% loading. Registered architects at Level 2(b) entry earn $39.77 per hour. These rates are above the National Minimum Wage of $26.44 per hour.

How is casual loading applied to architect pay?

Casual employees under the Architects Award receive a 25% loading on top of the minimum hourly rate. For example, a Level 1 graduate architect (entry) has a casual rate of $43.00 per hour, which is $34.40 plus 25%. This loading is paid for all ordinary hours and is not applied to overtime. The [timesheet](/) on this site lets you add the 25% loading to a base hourly rate.

What is the annual salary for a registered architect under the award?

A registered architect at Level 2(b) entry earns $39.77 per hour. For a 38-hour week, the annual salary is $39.77 × 38 × 52 = $78,838. This matches the award's minimum annual rate. With 12% super paid on top, the total remuneration package is about $88,299 before tax.

Architect Salary Australia: Award Rates, Annual Pay, and Tax for 2026-27

Based on the Architects Award 2020, a Level 1 graduate architect earns $34.40 per hour, which equates to $67,974 annually for a 38-hour week.

Understanding Architect Salary Australia: From Hourly Rates to Annual Pay

If you're searching for "architect salary australia", the most reliable source is the Architects Award 2020 (MA000079) published by the Fair Work Ombudsman. This award sets minimum pay rates for graduates, experienced graduates, and registered architects. Whether you're an employee negotiating a salary or an employer checking obligations, converting hourly award rates to annual, fortnightly, and after-tax figures helps you plan.

Award Rates for Architects (from 1 July 2026)

The Fair Work Ombudsman's pay guides show the following minimum hourly rates for full-time and part-time employees working 38 ordinary hours per week:

Level 1 – Graduate of Architecture
Entry: $34.40/hour
1st pay point: $36.22/hour
2nd pay point: $38.04/hour
Level 2(a) – Experienced Graduate of Architecture: $39.77/hour
Level 2(b) – Registered Architect
Entry: $39.77/hour
1st pay point: $41.00/hour
2nd pay point: $42.23/hour

These rates apply from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026. They are higher than the National Minimum Wage of $26.44 per hour, reflecting the specialised skills of architects.

Converting Hourly Rates to Annual Salary

The standard formula for annual gross pay is:

Annual gross = hourly rate × hours per week × 52

We assume a 38-hour week, as defined in the award. For example, a Level 1 graduate architect (entry) at $34.40/hour:

Weekly: $34.40 × 38 = $1,307.20
Fortnightly: $1,307.20 × 2 = $2,614.40
Annual: $1,307.20 × 52 = $67,974.40 (rounded to $67,974)

This matches the award's minimum annual rate of $68,191 (after rounding differences). Use our hourly conversion tool to calculate your own figures.

Casual Loading and How It Works

Casual employees under the Architects Award receive a 25% loading on the minimum hourly rate. The loading is paid for all ordinary hours and is not applied to overtime. For example:

Level 1 graduate (entry) casual rate: $34.40 × 125% = $43.00/hour
Level 2(b) registered architect (entry) casual rate: $39.77 × 125% = $49.71/hour

When using a calculator, always enter the base hourly rate (without loading) and then add the 25% loading separately. The timesheet on this site has a checkbox to apply casual loading on top of the base rate.

Superannuation Paid on Top

Employers must pay superannuation guarantee contributions of 12% of ordinary earnings (from 1 July 2026) on top of the base salary. The super is not deducted from your pay – it's an additional contribution to your fund. For a Level 1 graduate earning $67,974 annually, the super contribution would be:

$67,974 × 12% = $8,157 (up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830).

This means the total remuneration package (salary plus super) is about $76,131.

Tax on Architect Salaries (2026–27)

Using the 2026–27 resident tax rates:

Nil tax on the first $18,200
15% on income from $18,201 to $45,000
30% on income from $45,001 to $135,000
37% on income from $135,001 to $190,000
45% on income over $190,000

Plus the Medicare levy of 2% (single thresholds not confirmed for 2026–27, so we use 2025–26 rates).

For a Level 1 graduate earning $67,974:

Tax: $18,200 × 0% + ($45,000 – $18,200) × 15% + ($67,974 – $45,000) × 30% = $0 + $4,020 + $6,892.20 = $10,912.20
Medicare levy: $67,974 × 2% = $1,359.48
Total tax and Medicare: $12,271.68
After-tax income: $67,974 – $12,272 = $55,702

This is an estimate only. Your actual tax may differ due to deductions, HELP repayments, or the Medicare levy surcharge.

Key Differences in Ordinary-Time Earnings

When comparing architect salary australia figures, note that the award rates are minimums. Many architects earn above award, especially in private practice or with experience. The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports full-time adult average weekly ordinary time earnings of $2,083.70 (May 2026), which equates to about $108,352 annually – well above the award minimum for registered architects. However, award rates are the legal floor.

Disclaimer

Annual pay calculated here uses hourly rate × hours per week × 52. It assumes the same rate every week, no unpaid overtime, no penalty rates, no allowances, and no salary sacrifice. Super is estimated at 12% of ordinary earnings only, paid on top, and stops at the $270,830 maximum contribution base. Tax uses the 2026–27 resident scale with the full tax-free threshold. Medicare uses the 2025–26 single reduction thresholds because the 2026–27 reduction thresholds were not confirmed here. HELP, the Medicare levy surcharge, and salary packaging are not deducted. This is an estimate, not a determination of your pay or tax.