What is the minimum wage for a graduate architect in Melbourne?

Under the Architects Award 2020, a graduate architect at Level 1 entry must be paid at least $34.40 per hour or $1,307.20 per week (38-hour week). This rate applies from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026. Casual employees receive $43.00 per hour including the casual loading.

Do I get superannuation on top of the award rate?

Yes. The superannuation guarantee requires your employer to pay an additional 12% of your ordinary time earnings into a complying super fund. This is on top of the award hourly or weekly rate shown.

Can my employer pay me less than the Architects Award rate?

No, unless a registered enterprise agreement or an individual flexibility arrangement provides a higher overall benefit. The award sets the legal minimum. Award-free employees (rare in architecture) must receive at least the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour.

Architect salary Melbourne: award rates and the legal minimum for 2026-27

The minimum hourly rate for a graduate architect (Level 1 entry) under the Architects Award 2020 is $34.40, well above the national minimum of $26.44.

Architect salary Melbourne: award coverage versus award-free rates

If you are searching for an architect salary Melbourne figure, the first question is whether you are covered by the Architects Award 2020 (MA000079). Most architects, graduates of architecture, and students of architecture in Melbourne are covered by this award. The award sets minimum pay rates that are higher than the national minimum wage. For the 2026-27 financial year, these rates apply from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026.

The legal minimum under the Architects Award

The Fair Work Commission sets the award rates, and the Fair Work Ombudsman explains and enforces them. The award divides employees into three main streams: students of architecture, graduates of architecture, and registered architects. Each stream has pay points based on experience.

For a graduate of architecture (Level 1):

Entry point: $34.40 per hour ($1,307.20 per week, $68,191 per year)
1st pay point: $36.22 per hour ($1,376.30 per week)
2nd pay point: $38.04 per hour ($1,445.40 per week)

For an experienced graduate of architecture (Level 2(a)): $39.77 per hour ($1,511.30 per week, $78,838 per year)

For a registered architect (Level 2(b)):

Entry: $39.77 per hour ($1,511.30 per week)
1st pay point: $41.00 per hour ($1,558.00 per week)
2nd pay point: $42.23 per hour ($1,604.80 per week)

These are minimum rates. Your employer may pay more, and an enterprise agreement can set higher rates. The award also includes penalty rates for public holidays and overtime (time-and-a-half).

How the award compares with the national minimum

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week) for adult employees not covered by an award. The lowest award classification for an ongoing employee (student of architecture 21 and over) is $26.44 per hour – the same as the national minimum. However, most architecture roles fall into higher classifications. The award also has a casual loading of 25%, so casual graduate architects receive $43.00 per hour.

What about award-free employees?

If you are not covered by the Architects Award (for example, if you work in a role that is more appropriately covered by another award, or if you are an independent contractor), the national minimum wage applies. For award-free juniors, lower percentages apply (e.g., under 16: $9.73 per hour). But in practice, most architects and architecture graduates are covered by the award.

Superannuation is on top

All minimum rates quoted are before tax. Your employer must also pay superannuation guarantee contributions of 12% of your ordinary time earnings into a complying super fund. This is not deducted from your pay; it is an additional cost to the employer.

Survey averages and negotiated salaries

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) publishes average weekly earnings for all employees, but not a specific figure for architects in Melbourne. The ABS May 2026 data shows full-time adult average ordinary-time earnings of $2,083.70 per week across all industries. Architect salaries in Melbourne can be higher than the award minimum, especially for experienced registered architects or those in senior roles. Negotiated salaries often reflect market conditions, firm size, and individual skills. The award is the floor, not the ceiling.

How to check your pay

If you are unsure which award covers you, use the Which minimum wage applies guide. For detailed rate tables, see Rate tables. The Guides section explains how to read award classifications. Remember that the award rate is the legal minimum; your contract or enterprise agreement may give you more.

Key points to remember

The Architects Award 2020 sets minimum pay for most architecture employees in Melbourne.
Graduate architects start at $34.40 per hour; registered architects start at $39.77 per hour.
Superannuation of 12% is paid on top of these rates.
Award rates are higher than the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour.
If you are award-free, the national minimum applies, but this is rare for architecture roles.
Enterprise agreements can set higher rates, but never lower than the award.

For more detail on how the figures are calculated, see How the figures work. If you have a specific situation, consult the Fair Work Ombudsman or a workplace advisor.