What is the average landscape architect salary in Australia?

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025), the median full-time weekly earnings for Architects and Landscape Architects is $2,308. That equates to roughly $60.74 per hour for a 38-hour week. This figure is for full-time non-managerial employees paid at the adult rate. Actual salaries vary by experience, location, and whether you are employed under an award or enterprise agreement.

How does casual loading affect a landscape architect's pay?

Casual employees are entitled to a 25% loading on top of the minimum hourly rate. For a landscape architect earning the median hourly rate of $60.74, casual loading would add $15.19, making the casual rate $75.93 per hour. This loading compensates for entitlements like paid leave that casuals do not receive. The loading is paid on top of the base rate before super is calculated.

Is super included in the quoted landscape architect salary?

No, superannuation is paid on top of the salary. The super guarantee rate is 12% of ordinary earnings (as of 2026–27), up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year. For example, if your annual salary is $120,000, your employer must contribute an additional $14,400 to your super fund. This is not deducted from your quoted salary.

Landscape Architect Salary: Hourly Rates, Casual Loading and Super Paid on Top

Based on ABS data, the median full-time landscape architect earns $2,308 per week, or about $60.74 per hour for a 38-hour week, before tax and super.

Understanding the Landscape Architect Salary

If you are researching a landscape architect salary in Australia, you need to consider how pay is structured: hourly rates, annual equivalents, casual loading, and superannuation paid on top. This guide uses the latest data from the Fair Work Ombudsman, the Australian Bureau of Statistics, and the Australian Taxation Office to help you convert between hourly and annual figures.

How Landscape Architects Are Paid

Landscape architects are professionals who design outdoor spaces. They may be employed under the Architects Award [MA000079] or be award-free if their salary exceeds the high-income threshold. The Gardening and Landscaping Services Award [MA000101] covers landscaping employees but typically not qualified landscape architects. For the most accurate pay rates, check the relevant award or use the pay guides from the Fair Work Ombudsman.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the median full-time weekly earnings for Architects and Landscape Architects is $2,308. This is for non-managerial adult employees working full-time hours. The average full-time hours for this occupation is 44 hours per week, but for standard calculations we assume a 38-hour week as per the National Employment Standards.

The Hourly to Annual Formula

To convert an hourly rate to an annual salary, use the formula:

Annual gross = hourly rate × hours per week × 52

For a landscape architect earning the median hourly equivalent of $60.74 (based on $2,308 ÷ 38), the annual salary would be:

$60.74 × 38 × 52 = $120,022 (approximately)

This matches the median weekly figure when multiplied by 52. Always assume 38 hours unless you know your actual weekly hours. If you work 44 hours, the annual figure would be higher, but overtime and penalty rates may apply.

Casual Loading: 25% on Top

If you work as a casual landscape architect, you are entitled to a 25% casual loading on top of the minimum hourly rate. This loading compensates for not receiving paid leave entitlements. The loading is applied to the base rate before any penalties or overtime.

For example, if the base hourly rate is $60.74, the casual rate becomes:

$60.74 × 1.25 = $75.93 per hour

Annualised, that would be $75.93 × 38 × 52 = $150,038 before tax and super. The casual loading page explains more about how this works.

Superannuation: Paid on Top

Superannuation is an additional payment your employer makes into your super fund. The super guarantee rate is 12% of your ordinary time earnings (from 1 July 2026), up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year. This is paid on top of your salary, not deducted from it.

If your annual salary is $120,000, your employer contributes an extra $14,400 to super. For a casual earning $150,038, the super contribution would be $18,005 (capped if earnings exceed the base). Learn more about super and packaging.

Tax on Your Landscape Architect Salary

Income tax for 2026–27 uses the resident tax rates:

$0 – $18,200: nil
$18,201 – $45,000: 15c for each $1 over $18,200
$45,001 – $135,000: $4,020 plus 30c for each $1 over $45,000
$135,001 – $190,000: $31,020 plus 37c for each $1 over $135,000
$190,001+: $51,420 plus 45c for each $1 over $190,000

Plus the Medicare levy of 2% (with reductions for low-income earners). For a $120,000 salary, the tax would be approximately $29,467 plus Medicare $2,400, leaving about $88,133 after tax. Use the take-home pay page for a detailed estimate.

Comparing with Award Rates

The Fair Work Ombudsman's pay guide for the Gardening and Landscaping Services Award shows minimum rates for landscaping employees. For example, a Level 5 adult employee earns $30.38 per hour (full-time) or $37.98 casual. These rates are significantly lower than the median landscape architect salary because they apply to different roles. Landscape architects are professionals and typically earn above award rates.

Key Takeaways

The median landscape architect salary is $2,308 per week or about $60.74 per hour (38 hours).
Casual loading adds 25% to the base rate.
Super is 12% paid on top, up to the contribution cap.
Use the formula hourly × hours × 52 to estimate annual gross.
Always check your award or agreement for exact entitlements.

For more tools, visit the timesheet to calculate your own rates, or browse the reference tables for tax and super thresholds.