Architect Salary Sydney: Award Rates vs National Minimum Wage 2026

For architects covered by the Architects Award 2020, the minimum hourly rate from 1 July 2026 is $34.40 for a Level 1 graduate, while award-free workers are entitled to the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour.

Architect Salary Sydney: Understanding Your Pay Floor

When researching an architect salary in Sydney, it is essential to distinguish between the legal minimum, the award rate, and what you might actually negotiate. This guide uses the latest public figures from the Fair Work Ombudsman and the Fair Work Commission to clarify the pay floor for architects in Sydney.

The Architects Award 2020 – The Primary Minimum for Most Architects

Most architects and graduates of architecture in Sydney are covered by the Architects Award 2020 (MA000079). This award sets minimum rates of pay, allowances, and conditions. From the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026, the award rates increased by 4.75% following the Annual Wage Review.

The Fair Work Ombudsman’s pay guide and the Association of Consulting Architects’ summary provide the following key minimum rates for full-time and part-time employees:

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

Casual employees receive a 25% loading, so the casual hourly rates are 25% higher than the base hourly rate. For example, a casual Level 1 entry graduate earns $43.00 per hour.

These rates are the legal minimum. Many architects in Sydney earn above these figures, especially those with experience or in senior roles. The award does not prevent an employer from paying more.

The National Minimum Wage – The Backstop for Award-Free Workers

If an architect in Sydney is not covered by any modern award (for example, if they work in a role that falls outside the Architects Award and no other award applies), they are entitled to the national minimum wage. From 1 July 2026, the national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a full-time adult employee. Casual employees receive $33.05 per hour.

The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage each year. The Fair Work Ombudsman explains and enforces it. Note that junior employees, apprentices, and trainees may receive lower rates under specific provisions.

Award Coverage vs. Award-Free: Which Applies to You?

To determine whether you are covered by the Architects Award or another award, you need to check the award’s coverage clause. The Architects Award covers employees who are:

Graduates of architecture
Registered architects
Students of architecture
And whose employer is in the architectural services industry or a related field.

If your employer has an enterprise agreement, that agreement may override the award, but it cannot provide less than the award minimums. If you are award-free, the national minimum wage applies.

It is always best to confirm your classification with your employer or seek advice from the Fair Work Ombudsman. You can also use the Which minimum wage applies tool on this site to get started.

Superannuation Is Paid on Top

All the rates mentioned above are before superannuation. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings. This means an employer must pay an additional 12% into your super fund on top of your salary. For example, a graduate architect on $34.40 per hour would have an extra $4.13 per hour contributed to super.

What About Survey Averages and Negotiated Salaries?

This guide focuses on the legal minimum. Actual architect salaries in Sydney can vary widely based on experience, firm size, and specialisation. The search results for this article did not provide a specific median or average salary for architects in Sydney from a survey source such as the ABS or a professional association. Therefore, we cannot report a reliable average figure here. For a more complete picture, you may wish to consult industry salary surveys or job advertisements.

Negotiated salaries are typically higher than award rates, especially for registered architects with several years of experience. The award rate is the floor, not the ceiling.

Key Takeaways

The legal minimum for an architect in Sydney covered by the Architects Award 2020 is at least $34.40 per hour (Level 1 graduate) from July 2026.
Award-free workers are entitled to the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour.
Superannuation of 12% is paid on top of these rates.
Actual salaries are often higher; the award sets only the minimum.
Always check your specific award coverage or enterprise agreement.

For more detailed rate tables, visit our Rate tables page. You can also read our Guides on how awards interact with the national minimum wage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum salary for a graduate architect in Sydney under the award? Under the Architects Award 2020, a Level 1 graduate of architecture (entry) must be paid at least $1,307.20 per week or $34.40 per hour from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026. This rate applies to full-time and part-time employees. Casual employees receive $43.00 per hour. These figures are from the Fair Work Ombudsman's pay guide and the Association of Consulting Architects' summary.

Do all architects in Sydney have to be paid under the Architects Award? No. The Architects Award 2020 covers employees who perform work as architects, graduates of architecture, or students of architecture, and whose employer is in the industry. However, if an enterprise agreement applies, it may set different (usually higher) rates. Award-free employees (those not covered by any award) are entitled to the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week) from 1 July 2026. Always check your specific employment situation.

Is superannuation included in the architect salary figures? No. Superannuation is paid on top of the salary. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee rate is 12% of ordinary time earnings. For example, a graduate architect earning $34.40 per hour would also receive an additional $4.13 per hour in super contributions from their employer. The award rates and national minimum wage are before super.