How do I calculate my annual architecture salary from an hourly rate?

Multiply your hourly rate by 38 hours per week and then by 52 weeks. For example, $34.40/hour × 38 × 52 = $67,942.40 per year. This assumes the same rate every week with no unpaid overtime or penalty rates.

What is the difference between the National Minimum Wage and the Architects Award rate?

The National Minimum Wage is $26.44/hour for award-free employees, while the Architects Award sets higher minimum rates for architecture roles. For example, a Level 1 entry Graduate of Architecture must be paid at least $34.40/hour, reflecting the specialised nature of the work.

How does casual loading affect my architecture salary?

Casual employees receive a 25% loading on top of the minimum hourly rate. For a Level 1 entry casual, that's $43.00/hour. This loading applies only to ordinary hours and is not paid on overtime. Use the casual loading checkbox on our timesheet to see the difference.

Understanding Your Architecture Salary: Hourly Rates, Annual Pay, and Award Entitlements

For a Level 1 Graduate of Architecture at entry point, the minimum hourly rate is $34.40, leading to an annual salary of approximately $67,942.40 based on a 38-hour week and 52 weeks.

How to Convert an Architecture Salary from Hourly to Annual

Understanding your architecture salary starts with the basic conversion from an hourly rate to an annual figure. The formula is simple: multiply your hourly rate by the number of hours you work each week, then multiply by 52 weeks. For most full-time and part-time employees under the Architects Award, the standard week is 38 ordinary hours. So, annual gross pay ≈ hourly rate × 38 × 52.

For example, a Level 1 Graduate of Architecture at the entry pay point earns a minimum of $34.40 per hour. That works out to $1,307.20 per week and $67,942.40 per year. If you prefer to think in fortnights, simply double the weekly figure: $2,614.40 per fortnight. This consistent 38-hour week assumption makes it easy to compare offers or check your pay against award minimums.

Award Rates for Architects

The Fair Work Ombudsman’s Architects Award 2020 sets minimum pay rates for architecture roles. These rates are higher than the National Minimum Wage because they reflect the professional qualifications and experience required. The award classifies employees by level and pay point:

Level 1 – Graduate of Architecture: Entry $34.40/hr, 1st pay point $36.22/hr, 2nd pay point $38.04/hr.
Level 2(a) – Experienced Graduate of Architecture: $39.77/hr.
Level 2(b) – Registered Architect: Entry $39.77/hr, 1st pay point $41.00/hr, 2nd pay point $42.23/hr.

These are minimums – many architects earn above award, but the award provides a legal baseline. The weekly rates in the award are calculated using the formula: annual rate × 6 ÷ 313, which aligns with the 38-hour week. For part-time employees, the same hourly rates apply, but they work fewer than 38 hours per week.

National Minimum Wage vs Award

If you are not covered by an award, the National Minimum Wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week for 38 hours). However, architecture graduates and registered architects are almost always covered by the Architects Award, so the award rates above are the relevant minimum. The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum, but the award overrides it for specific occupations. Always check your classification under the award to ensure you’re being paid correctly.

Casual Loading

Casual employees under the Architects Award receive a 25% loading on top of the minimum hourly rate for ordinary hours. This compensates for the lack of paid leave and other entitlements. For example, a casual Level 1 entry Graduate of Architecture earns $43.00 per hour (the base $34.40 plus 25%). The loading does not apply to overtime hours – overtime is paid at 150% of the base rate. Use our timesheet to see how the casual loading changes your weekly and annual figures. Just enter your base hourly rate and tick the casual loading checkbox – never enter a rate that already includes loading.

Superannuation and Tax

Superannuation is paid on top of your ordinary earnings. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year. So if your architecture salary is $70,000, your employer must contribute an additional $8,400 to your super fund. This is not deducted from your pay – it’s extra.

Tax is calculated using the 2026–27 resident rates: nil on the first $18,200, then 15% up to $45,000, 30% up to $135,000, 37% up to $190,000, and 45% above that. Most architects will fall into the 30% or 37% brackets. Don’t forget the Medicare levy of 2% (based on 2025–26 thresholds). Our take-home pay guide can help you estimate net income after tax and Medicare.

Using the Timesheet Tool

Our timesheet is designed for exactly this conversion. Enter your base hourly rate (without casual loading) and the tool calculates weekly, fortnightly, and annual figures. It also applies the casual loading if you select that option. For a quick reference, check our pay guides for award summaries, or see the hourly conversion page for more examples. Remember, the estimates here assume a consistent 38-hour week, no unpaid overtime, no penalty rates, and no salary sacrifice. Super is estimated at 12% of ordinary earnings only, paid on top, and stops at the $270,830 maximum contribution base. Tax uses the 2026–27 resident scale with the full tax-free threshold. Medicare uses the 2025–26 single reduction thresholds because the 2026–27 reduction thresholds were not confirmed here. HELP, the Medicare levy surcharge, and salary packaging are not deducted. This is an estimate, not a determination of your pay or tax.

By understanding these components, you can confidently evaluate any architecture salary offer and ensure you’re receiving the correct minimum entitlements under Australian law.