What is the minimum architecture salary under the award?

For a registered architect at Level 2(b) 2nd pay point, the minimum weekly rate is $1,604.80 ($42.23 per hour) from 1 July 2026. Graduates of architecture start at $1,307.20 per week ($34.40 per hour) at entry level. These rates are set by the Architects Award 2020, which the Fair Work Commission reviews annually.

How does superannuation affect architecture salary?

Employers must pay super guarantee of 12% on top of ordinary time earnings. For the $1,604.80 weekly minimum, that adds $192.58 per week. The super is not deducted from your pay; it is an additional cost to the employer. The total employment cost for that classification is therefore $1,797.38 per week.

Is the award rate the same as the market rate for architects?

No. The award sets a legal floor. Many architects earn above the award, especially with experience or in private practice. The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported average full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $2,083.70 per week in May 2026, which is higher than the award minimum. Enterprise agreements or individual contracts can also set higher rates.

Architecture salary guide: weekly pay, tax, and super under the Architects Award

The minimum pay floor for a registered architect under the Architects Award 2020 is $42.23 per hour or $1,604.80 per week, plus 12% super.

Architecture salary: understanding the pay floor

When researching an architecture salary in Australia, it is important to separate the legal minimum from what employers actually pay. The Architects Award 2020, which the Fair Work Commission maintains, sets minimum rates for graduates and registered architects. These rates apply to employees covered by the award, but many architects negotiate above them.

Award minimums for graduates and registered architects

The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes a pay guide for the Architects Award. From the first full pay period starting on or after 1 July 2026, the minimum weekly rates are:

Graduate of Architecture Level 1 – entry: $1,307.20 per week ($34.40 per hour)
Graduate of Architecture Level 1 – 2nd pay point: $1,445.40 per week ($38.04 per hour)
Experienced Graduate of Architecture Level 2(a): $1,511.30 per week ($39.77 per hour)
Registered Architect Level 2(b) – entry: $1,511.30 per week ($39.77 per hour)
Registered Architect Level 2(b) – 2nd pay point: $1,604.80 per week ($42.23 per hour)

These are the minimums. A registered architect with two years of experience at the 2nd pay point earns at least $1,604.80 weekly. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, so the casual hourly rate for that classification is $52.79.

How the weekly packet breaks down

Take the registered architect Level 2(b) 2nd pay point as an example. The weekly pay of $1,604.80 is before tax and Medicare. Using the 2026-27 tax rates and the full tax-free threshold, an estimate of the weekly tax is about $340, and Medicare (2% of income above $30,000 annualised) adds roughly $25 per week. That leaves approximately $1,240 after tax and Medicare. The employer also pays 12% superannuation on top of the $1,604.80, which is $192.58 per week. That super goes into your nominated fund and is not part of your take-home pay.

Comparing the award rate with the national minimum and averages

The adult national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week. The registered architect minimum of $42.23 per hour is well above that. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reported that in May 2026, full-time adult ordinary-time earnings averaged $2,083.70 per week. That average includes many senior and experienced architects, so it is not a target for early-career roles. The award minimum is a floor, not a ceiling.

When a higher rate applies

A modern award or enterprise agreement can require a higher rate than the award minimum. Some architecture firms have enterprise agreements that set above-award pay. Individual contracts can also exceed the award. If you are covered by an agreement, check its rates. The award is the backstop; you cannot be paid less than the award for your classification.

Students and junior rates

The award also covers students of architecture and those with a bachelor's degree leading to a Master of Architecture. Students under 21 are paid a percentage of the graduate entry rate, ranging from 35% in the first 13 weeks to 75% in the third year. Students 21 and over get a minimum of $26.44 per hour (the national minimum). Bachelor's degree holders with a pathway to a Master of Architecture are paid 85% to 95% of the graduate entry rate depending on experience.

Superannuation is on top

Whenever you see a salary figure, remember that superannuation is an additional employer cost. The super guarantee rate is 12% from 1 July 2026. For the registered architect minimum, the total employment cost is $1,797.38 per week. Your pay slip will show the base rate and the super contribution separately.

For more detail on how minimum wages work across different industries, see our How the figures work guide. You can also browse Rate tables for other award classifications.

What this guide does not cover

This guide focuses on the award minimum for architects. It does not cover bonuses, overtime, penalty rates, or allowances. It also does not cover state system employees or those covered by enterprise agreements. Always check your specific award or agreement for your exact entitlements.

If you are an award-free employee, the national minimum wage applies. But most architects are covered by the Architects Award or a registered agreement. The Fair Work Ombudsman can help you determine your correct classification and pay.