What is the minimum hourly rate for an architect in Melbourne under the award?

Under the Architects Award 2020 [MA000079], the minimum hourly rate for a Level 1 entry graduate of architecture is $34.40 for full-time and part-time employees (38-hour week). Casual employees receive $43.00 per hour, which includes a 25% casual loading. Rates increase with experience and registration. These rates apply nationally, including Melbourne.

How do I convert an architect's hourly rate to an annual salary?

Multiply the hourly rate by hours per week (usually 38 for full-time) and then by 52 weeks. For example, $34.40 × 38 × 52 = $67,974.40. This is the gross annual pay before tax and super. Super is paid on top at 12% of ordinary earnings. The formula assumes consistent hours and no overtime or penalties.

What is the difference between the National Minimum Wage and the Architects Award rate?

The National Minimum Wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour (or $33.05 casual). However, architects are covered by the Architects Award, which sets higher minimum rates. For example, a Level 1 entry architect must be paid at least $34.40 per hour full-time. The award also includes overtime at 150% and public holiday rates. Always check the award for your classification.

Architect Salary Melbourne: Award Rates, Hourly Pay, and Annual Conversion

A full-time Level 1 entry architect in Melbourne earns $34.40 per hour under the Architects Award, or $1,307.20 per week for 38 hours, equating to $67,974.40 annually before tax and super.

Understanding Architect Salary Melbourne

When searching for an architect salary Melbourne, the most reliable figures come from the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Architects Award 2020 [MA000079]. This award sets minimum pay rates for architects across Australia, including Melbourne. It’s important to distinguish these award rates from the National Minimum Wage, which is a floor for all employees but often lower than industry-specific awards.

National Minimum Wage vs Award Rates

The National Minimum Wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour for full-time employees, or $33.05 per hour for casuals (including 25% loading). However, architects are covered by the Architects Award, which mandates higher minimums. For example, a Level 1 entry graduate of architecture earns $34.40 per hour full-time, well above the national minimum. The award also includes pay points for experience and registration, such as Level 2(b) registered architect entry at $39.77 per hour.

Architect Award Rates (Melbourne & National)

Based on the Fair Work Ombudsman’s pay guide effective from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026, here are key rates for architects:

Level 1 – Graduate of Architecture (entry): $34.40/hour full-time, $43.00/hour casual
Level 1 – 1st pay point: $36.22/hour full-time, $45.28/hour casual
Level 2(a) – Experienced Graduate: $39.77/hour full-time, $49.71/hour casual
Level 2(b) – Registered Architect (entry): $39.77/hour full-time, $49.71/hour casual
Level 2(b) – 2nd pay point: $42.23/hour full-time, $52.79/hour casual

These rates apply to all locations, including Melbourne. The award also specifies that ordinary hours are 38 per week, Monday to Friday between 8 am and 6 pm. Overtime is paid at 150% of the minimum hourly rate.

From Hourly to Annual: The Conversion Formula

To estimate an annual salary for an architect in Melbourne, use the standard formula:

Annual gross pay = hourly rate × hours per week × 52

Assuming a 38-hour full-time week, a Level 1 entry architect earning $34.40/hour would have:

Weekly pay: $34.40 × 38 = $1,307.20
Annual pay: $1,307.20 × 52 = $67,974.40

For part-time employees, the same formula applies with their contracted hours. Casual employees receive a higher hourly rate that already includes the 25% loading, so you do not add loading on top when converting.

Fortnightly Pay

Many employers pay fortnightly. Simply multiply the weekly rate by 2. For the example above, fortnightly gross pay is $1,307.20 × 2 = $2,614.40. This can help with budgeting.

Tax and Super on Architect Salaries

Income Tax (2026–27 Resident Rates)

Using the Australian Taxation Office’s 2026–27 tax scale:

Nil on first $18,200
15% on income between $18,201 and $45,000
30% on income between $45,001 and $135,000
37% on income between $135,001 and $190,000
45% on income above $190,000

Plus a 2% Medicare levy (based on 2025–26 single thresholds). For a $67,974.40 annual salary, the estimated tax would be approximately $11,467 plus Medicare, leaving a take-home pay around $55,000. Use our take-home pay guide for a detailed estimate.

Superannuation Guarantee

Employers must pay super on top of your ordinary earnings at 12% (from 1 July 2026). This is not deducted from your salary; it’s an additional contribution. For the example above, super would be $67,974.40 × 12% = $8,156.93 per year, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. Learn more about super and packaging.

Casual Loading and Award Compliance

If you work as a casual architect in Melbourne, your hourly rate includes a 25% loading in lieu of paid leave. The award states the casual loading is not paid for overtime hours. For example, a Level 1 entry casual earns $43.00/hour, which is $34.40 × 1.25. When converting to annual, use the casual rate directly. See our casual loading page for more.

Why Use Award Rates for Architect Salary Melbourne?

Recruiter surveys often report higher figures, but the Fair Work Ombudsman’s award rates are the legal minimum. For accurate budgeting, always start with the award. The minimum wage page explains the national floor, while the Architects Award provides the specific rates for your classification.

Summary

Architect salary Melbourne is governed by the Architects Award 2020.
Full-time Level 1 entry: $34.40/hour, $1,307.20/week, $67,974.40/year.
Casual loading adds 25% on top of the base rate.
Super is 12% paid on top; tax follows the 2026–27 resident scale.
Use the formula hourly × 38 × 52 for annual gross.

For more conversions, try our hourly conversion tool or check average pay for other industries.