Architect salary Melbourne: gross pay, super, and tax explained

Understanding the keyword

When people search for "architect salary melbourne", they typically want to know the gross annual or weekly pay for architects working in Melbourne, Victoria. This figure depends on experience, registration status, and whether the role is covered by the Architects Award 2020 or an enterprise agreement. The salary index helps compare any pay figure to the national line of $108,352 (index 100). For example, a Melbourne architect earning $120,000 would have an index of 111, meaning they earn 11% above the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings benchmark.

Award minimums for architects

The Fair Work Ombudsman administers the Architects Award 2020, which covers most architect employees in Australia. As of 1 July 2026, the minimum annual rates are:

• Level 1 Graduate of Architecture (entry): $68,191
• Level 1 Graduate of Architecture (1st pay point): $71,798
• Level 1 Graduate of Architecture (2nd pay point): $75,401
• Level 2(a) Experienced Graduate of Architecture: $78,838
• Level 2(b) Registered Architect (entry): $78,838
• Level 2(b) Registered Architect (1st pay point): $81,276
• Level 2(b) Registered Architect (2nd pay point): $83,716

These rates are the legal floor. Many architects in Melbourne earn above award, especially in commercial firms or with several years of experience. The award also sets ordinary hours of 38 per week, Monday to Friday between 8 am and 6 pm.

Median earnings for architects

According to Jobs and Skills Australia, the median full-time weekly earnings for Architects and Landscape Architects (national) is $2,308. That annualises to $120,016. On the salary index, this is about 111 — above the national line. The median hourly earnings are $61, reflecting the professional nature of the work. About 78% of architects work full-time, averaging 44 hours per week.

Melbourne sits in Victoria, which has a state index of 98 (annualised $106,137). While the national median for architects is higher than the Victorian average across all occupations, individual architect salaries in Melbourne may be influenced by local demand, firm size, and project types. The professional, scientific and technical services industry (which includes architecture) has an index of 114.7, indicating above-average pay nationally.

Salary index context

The salary index is a simple tool: divide the yearly gross salary by the national line ($108,352) and multiply by 100. For an architect on the award minimum of $68,191, the index is 63. For one earning the national median of $120,016, the index is 111. This helps you see where a pay figure sits relative to the average full-time worker. You can read more about how the index works.

Melbourne's cost of living and rental market are often cited in salary discussions, but the index focuses on gross pay. For a more detailed breakdown by state, see our states page. The industries page shows how architecture compares to other fields.

Superannuation and total package

From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings, up from 11.5%. For an architect on $120,016, the employer must contribute an additional $14,402 per year into a super fund. The total remuneration package is therefore $134,418. The super guarantee has a maximum contribution base of $270,830, so high earners may not receive super on earnings above that threshold.

Super is in addition to the gross salary shown in pay guides. When comparing job offers, consider the total package including super. The Architects Award requires employers to make contributions to avoid the superannuation guarantee charge.

Tax considerations for Melbourne architects

Resident tax rates for 2026–27 (excluding Medicare) are:

• $0 – $18,200: nil
• $18,201 – $45,000: 15%
• $45,001 – $135,000: 30%
• $135,001 – $190,000: 37%
• Above $190,000: 45%

Plus a Medicare levy of 2% on taxable income. For an architect earning $120,016, the estimated tax is $29,467, and Medicare is $2,400, leaving take-home pay of about $88,149 per year. This is a rough estimate and does not include HELP repayments, salary sacrifice, or the Medicare levy surcharge.

Where to find current pay guides

The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes pay guides for the Architects Award. These include all minimum rates, allowances, and penalty rates. You can access them via the pay guides page on Salary Index. Always check the latest version, as award rates are updated annually (a 4.75% increase applied from 1 July 2026).

If you are covered by an enterprise agreement, the agreement rates may differ. The award only applies when no agreement is in place.

Final thoughts

"Architect salary melbourne" is a broad query. The answer ranges from award minimums around $68,000 to market rates well above $120,000 for experienced registered architects. Use the salary index to benchmark any offer against the national line, and remember to factor in super and tax for a true picture of take-home pay. For more topics related to pay and conditions, visit our topics page.