Solution Architect Salary: Hourly to Annual Guide for 2026-27
Based on recruitment data, the typical solution architect salary in Australia ranges from $130,000 to $180,000 per year, with an average around $150,000. Using a 38-hour week, that equates to an hourly rate of roughly $65 to $91 before tax and super.
Understanding the Solution Architect Salary
If you are researching a solution architect salary in Australia, you will find a wide range depending on experience, location, and industry. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) classifies solution architects under occupation code 273233, but does not publish a specific salary figure. Instead, market surveys from recruitment firms such as Clicks IT Recruitment indicate that permanent solution architects earn between $130,000 and $180,000 per year, with an average around $150,000. These figures are before superannuation and exclude bonuses. For contract roles, daily rates typically range from $780 to $1,140 for an eight-hour day.
It is important to note that these are market rates, not award rates. The Fair Work Ombudsman’s Architects Award 2020 (MA000079) covers building architects and graduates of architecture, not IT solution architects. The award rates for building architects range from $34.40 per hour for a graduate entry-level to $42.23 per hour for a registered architect at the second pay point. These are significantly lower than typical solution architect pay, reflecting the different skill sets and industries.
How to Convert Hourly to Annual
To convert an hourly rate to an annual salary, the standard formula is:
Annual gross = hourly rate × hours per week × 52
We assume a 38-hour week, which is the maximum ordinary hours under most awards and the National Employment Standards. For example, if your solution architect hourly rate is $75, your annual salary would be:
$75 × 38 × 52 = $148,200 per year
If you are paid a salary, you can reverse the calculation: divide your annual salary by 52 to get a weekly rate, then divide by 38 to get the hourly equivalent. For a $150,000 salary, that is $150,000 ÷ 52 ÷ 38 ≈ $75.90 per hour.
Our hourly conversion tool can do this for you instantly.
The 38-Hour Week and Fortnight
A 38-hour week is the benchmark for full-time work in Australia. Many employees are paid fortnightly, so it is useful to know your fortnightly gross pay: simply multiply your weekly pay by 2. Using the $75 per hour example:
- Weekly: $75 × 38 = $2,850
- Fortnightly: $2,850 × 2 = $5,700
This fortnightly figure helps when budgeting or comparing with payslips. Remember that superannuation is paid on top of these amounts, not deducted from them.
Tax and Superannuation Considerations
From 1 July 2026, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) resident tax rates are:
- Nil on income up to $18,200
- 15% on income from $18,201 to $45,000
- 30% on income from $45,001 to $135,000
- 37% on income from $135,001 to $190,000
- 45% on income above $190,000
Plus a Medicare levy of 2% (using the 2025-26 single reduction thresholds as the 2026-27 thresholds were not confirmed in this estimate).
For a $150,000 solution architect salary, the estimated tax (including Medicare) would be approximately $40,000 to $42,000, depending on offsets. Your take-home pay would be around $108,000 to $110,000 per year.
Superannuation is paid by your employer at 12% of your ordinary earnings, on top of your salary. For a $150,000 salary, that is an extra $18,000 per year contributed to your super fund, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. This means your total remuneration package is $168,000. Use our super and packaging guide to understand how salary sacrifice can affect your take-home pay.
Comparing with Award Rates and Minimum Wage
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 receive a 25% loading, making the casual minimum $33.05 per hour. These rates are far below typical solution architect pay, but they serve as a legal floor.
The Architects Award (MA000079) provides minimum rates for building architects, but as noted, it does not apply to IT solution architects. If you are employed under an enterprise agreement or individual contract, your rate must still meet the relevant award or the National Minimum Wage, whichever is higher. For solution architects, the applicable award is often the Professional Employees Award or the Clerks Award, depending on duties. Check your classification with the Fair Work Ombudsman’s pay guides or our reference tables.
Using Our Tools
Our the timesheet allows you to enter your base hourly rate and optionally add 25% casual loading. It then calculates your weekly, fortnightly, monthly, and annual gross pay. Remember: if you are a casual employee, your employer should pay the loading on top of the base rate. Do not enter a rate that already includes casual loading.
For a quick estimate of your after-tax income, see our take-home pay page. And to compare your solution architect salary with other occupations, browse our average pay data.
Understanding your solution architect salary in terms of hourly, weekly, and annual figures helps you negotiate confidently and plan your finances. Always verify your specific award coverage and contract terms, and remember that the figures here are estimates based on standard assumptions.
Open the same rate on the home timesheet. Read the reference tables before treating a figure as your pay.