Draftsperson Salary Guide 2026: Awards, Minimum Rates & Take-Home Pay

Understanding the draftsperson salary landscape

A draftsperson salary in Australia is not a single figure. It depends on which modern award applies, the employee’s classification level, and whether an enterprise agreement or individual contract sets a higher rate. This guide explains the legal minimums, award structures, and what you can expect to take home after tax and super.

Award coverage determines the rate

According to the , draughtspersons (also called draftspersons) create technical drawings using CAD systems. Their award coverage hinges on the employer’s industry and the role’s requirements:

• Building and Construction Award – applies if the employer is in general building and construction and the work is done on a construction site. Off-site drafting is not covered by this award.
• Manufacturing Award – covers draughtspersons on an occupational basis if no other industry award applies. This is the default for many draftspersons working in engineering, manufacturing, or consulting firms.
• Professional Award – applies if the role requires a degree in engineering or qualifications at least equal to a graduate member of Engineers Australia.

If none of these apply, the employee may be award-free and entitled only to the national minimum wage.

The legal minimum and award rates

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a 38‑hour week. Casual employees get a 25% loading, making the casual rate $33.05 per hour. However, award-covered employees must be paid at least the award rate, which is often higher.

The Modern Awards Pay Database contains the latest minimum rates for each classification. For example, the Manufacturing Award has several levels for draughtspersons based on qualifications (Certificate IV, Diploma, etc.). The exact dollar figure is not published here because it varies by classification and year. Use the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay and Conditions Tool to find the precise rate for your situation.

Remember: an enterprise agreement or individual contract can set a rate above the award minimum, but never below.

Superannuation, tax, and take-home pay

When discussing a draftsperson salary, remember that superannuation is an employer contribution on top of the salary. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings. So if your award rate is $30 per hour, the employer pays an extra $3.60 into your super fund.

Tax is withheld by your employer using PAYG withholding. For the 2026‑27 income year, resident tax rates apply with the tax‑free threshold. Medicare levy of 2% applies once annual income exceeds $30,000. The table below shows estimated weekly take‑home pay for a single adult with no HELP debt, using the national minimum wage as an example:

Gross weekly	Tax	Medicare	Net weekly	Super (12% on top)
$1,004.90	$0	$0	$1,004.90	$120.59

Note: This is illustrative. Actual tax depends on total annual income, offsets, and deductions. Award rates are typically higher, so tax and Medicare will apply.

Comparing with average earnings

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reported in May 2026 that full‑time adult ordinary‑time earnings averaged $2,083.70 per week. A draftsperson’s salary may be below or above this average depending on experience, industry, and location. The national minimum wage is about half the average full‑time earnings.

For more context, see our rate tables and guides on award classifications.

Key takeaways

• A draftsperson salary is award‑dependent; the national minimum wage is the floor only if no award applies.
• Always check the specific award classification using official tools.
• Super is paid on top of the salary at 12%.
• Tax and Medicare reduce take‑home pay; use the ATO tax calculator for your situation.

If you are unsure which award covers you, start with our Which minimum wage applies page.