What is the minimum wage for an architect in Australia?

The minimum wage depends on your classification under the Architects Award 2020. For a registered architect at entry level (Level 2(b)), the minimum hourly rate is $39.77, which equals $1,511.30 per week for full-time work. Graduate architects (Level 1) start at $34.40 per hour. These rates apply from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026.

Do architects get superannuation on top of their salary?

Yes. Under the Superannuation Guarantee, employers must pay superannuation contributions of at least 12% of ordinary time earnings on top of the agreed salary or wage. This applies to all architects, whether paid at award rates or above.

Can an architect be paid less than the award rate?

Generally no, unless a valid enterprise agreement or individual flexibility arrangement allows a different rate that still meets the Better Off Overall Test. Award rates are the legal minimum. Some employees, such as students of architecture under 21, have lower percentage rates based on experience.

Architect salary Australia: award minimums and what they mean for your pay

The minimum hourly rate for a registered architect under the Architects Award 2020 is $39.77, but many architects earn above this award floor.

Architect salary Australia: understanding the pay floor

When searching for "architect salary australia", many results show averages from surveys or job ads. But the legal starting point is the minimum rate set by the Architects Award 2020 (MA000079), which applies to most architects and graduates of architecture across the country. This article explains the award minimums, how they relate to the national minimum wage, and what you need to know about superannuation and higher rates.

The legal minimum: Architects Award 2020

The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage, but many occupations have their own modern award that provides higher minimum rates. For architects, the Architects Award 2020 covers employers and employees in the classifications defined in Schedule A. The award rates from 1 July 2026 are:

Graduate of Architecture (Level 1): entry $34.40/h ($1,307.20/wk), 1st pay point $36.22/h ($1,376.30/wk), 2nd pay point $38.04/h ($1,445.40/wk).
Experienced Graduate of Architecture (Level 2a): $39.77/h ($1,511.30/wk).
Registered Architect (Level 2b): entry $39.77/h ($1,511.30/wk), 1st pay point $41.00/h ($1,558.00/wk), 2nd pay point $42.23/h ($1,604.80/wk).

These are the minimum weekly and hourly rates for full-time and part-time employees. Casual employees receive a 25% loading on top of the hourly rate. For example, a casual registered architect at entry level would get $49.71/h.

How the award compares to the national minimum wage

The adult national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week. The lowest award rate for an architect (graduate entry) is $34.40, which is nearly 30% higher. This means that even the most junior qualified architect must be paid well above the national minimum. However, students of architecture under 21 years of age are paid a percentage of the graduate entry rate, starting at 35% for the first 13 weeks ($12.04/h).

What about survey averages and market rates?

The award rates are the legal floor, not a reflection of what most architects earn. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) publishes average earnings for all full-time adults, but does not break out architecture specifically. In May 2026, full-time adult ordinary-time earnings averaged $2,083.70 per week. Many architects, especially those with registration and experience, earn significantly more than the award minimum through enterprise agreements or individual contracts. If you are negotiating an architect salary in Australia, the award rate is your safety net, not your target.

Superannuation is on top

When discussing pay, remember that superannuation is an employer contribution on top of your salary. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings. For a full-time registered architect on the award minimum of $1,511.30 per week, the employer would also contribute $181.36 per week to super. This is not deducted from your pay; it is an additional benefit.

When can a higher rate apply?

A modern award sets the minimum, but an enterprise agreement or an individual contract can require a higher rate. Some employers offer above-award salaries to attract talent. Always check your employment contract and any applicable agreement. If you are covered by an enterprise agreement, the rates in that agreement must be at least as favourable as the award overall.

Internal resources

For more guidance on which pay floor applies to your situation, see Which minimum wage applies and our Rate tables for award and national minimum comparisons.

Summary

The legal minimum for an architect in Australia is set by the Architects Award 2020, with rates ranging from $34.40/h for a graduate entry to $42.23/h for a registered architect at the top pay point. These rates are higher than the national minimum wage. Superannuation of 12% is paid on top. Market rates can be higher, but the award is your guaranteed floor.

For the published floors, see the rate tables and how the figures work.