If you’re interested in architecture careers in Australia, it’s important to understand your potential earnings. Salaries are influenced by a range of different factors, including experience, location, and specialisation. Understanding these factors helps provide you with a reliable salary expectation, which is key for career planning.
At Remitly, we’re all about supporting your career growth. Whether you’re an architecture student preparing for job interviews or an established professional looking to level up your career, we’ll provide a clear and straightforward guide to architect salaries in Australia. Read on to learn about average salaries, factors that influence pay, salary differences by location, and future projections for 2026.
What is the average architect’s salary in Australia?
If you’re planning to work as an architect in Australia, you can expect to earn an average annual salary of $95,000 to $115,000 AUD*.
Your expected salary as an architect in Australia will vary greatly depending on your experience level and registration status. Here’s what you can expect, salary-wise, based on your level of experience in the architecture industry.
- Graduate/Junior Architect (2–5 years’ experience)
New graduates entering the field of architecture can expect to make less than the average salary. With one to three years of experience, you can expect around $75,000 AUD. - Mid-level Architect (5–10 years’ experience)
As you approach the mid-level of experience in architecture, you’ll have gained experience and increased your qualifications. These achievements will be reflected in a higher salary of around $95,000 AUD. - Senior Architect (10+ years’ experience)
Architects with lots of experience will be able to fill more niche roles, which come with higher salaries. Expect to make an average salary of $120,000 AUD.
Key factors that influence an architect’s salary
Architect salaries in Australia fall into a wide range and depend heavily on a few different factors. Understanding how different choices will affect your salary and career trajectory is pivotal to your success and growth.
Location
Australia is a big country with many different landscapes and living situations. From the urban cities of Sydney and Melbourne to the outback and Gold Rush towns, different locations will call for different types of architectural expertise—and provide different compensation.
Certain cities offer higher pay to compensate for the higher cost of living. Locations where lots of building projects happen have a greater demand for architects, which can also drive up salaries. We’ll break down the differences based on state, region, and city later in this post.
Experience and registration
We’ve already covered how your years of experience as an architect can affect your projected average salary. Another major factor in architect salaries in Australia is registration. A registered architect is a qualified professional who is legally recognised by a state or territory board.
In order to become a registered architect in Australia, one must complete a bachelor’s and master’s degree, document practical experience, and pass the Architectural Practice Examination. Only after completing these three requirements can a professional use the protected title “architect” when offering their services.
By creating a legal distinction between registered and non-registered architects, Australia ensures the competence and ethics of registered architects. This contributes to public assurance and confidence in the industry.
Specialisation
As the world changes, so do architectural demands. Specialising in any up-and-coming branch of architecture can both add to your job security as well as maximise your potential earnings. Here are a few areas of expertise that are in demand in Australia:
- Sustainability
Environmental responsibility and sustainable design are at the forefront of global architecture. Understanding eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient building practices is a plus in the Australian architecture industry.
- Building Information Modelling (BIM) management
BIM is a 3D technology that can be used to represent a building’s physical and functional aspects in a digital format. In addition to analog design skills, experience and expertise with BIM is becoming more and more necessary for career growth in architecture.
- Heritage conservation
This special branch of architecture focuses on the protection, preservation, and adaptation of historical buildings and sites for contemporary use. Architects working in this field will balance the preservation of original character with modern needs.
- High-density design
As Australia’s urban centres grow, more and more people need housing. The multi-residential sector is expanding, increasing the demand for architects who can blend functionality with aesthetic appeal.
Firm size and type
In addition to where you work, how you work can impact your potential earnings as an architect. As with many professions, working in a boutique studio on private projects stands to earn you the highest pay-per-project rate. However, working privately requires architects to focus on business development and management in addition to design.
Working for a large, multinational firm will allow architects to focus on design and leave the business management to other departments. Architects in these roles will benefit from a higher average salary than public sector architects and more job security than self-employed, private architects.
Lowest on the average salary are public sector architects. Despite lower pay, public sector architects experience high job security and often have great benefits like pensions and healthcare.
Architect salaries by state and territory
According to SEEK, the Australian state where architects earn the highest salary is the Australian Capital Territory. Here, architects will earn an average salary of $154,016 AUD. Similarly, higher average salaries are offered to architects in the Northern Territory. Here, architects earn around $130,000 AUD. The state with the least competitive salaries is Victoria, where architects earn an average of $95,000 AUD.
Comparison of major Australian cities
For a more detailed look at average architect salaries, check out how different Australian cities and regions compare:
| Average architect salary (AUD) | Cities and regions |
| $130,000+ | Darwin, Canberra |
| $100,000–$110,000 | Perth, Adelaide, Newcastle, Maitland, Hunter, Sydney, Brisbane |
| $95,000–$99,999 | Melbourne, Gosford and Central Coast, Gold Coast |
Salary forecast: what to expect in 2026
Architecture continues to be a strong career path in Australia, based on high demand and growth, diverse opportunities, and competitive salaries. However, developing your career in architecture is a commitment. It requires a lot of schooling as well as experience. Registration is necessary in order to maximise your salary.
Salaries for architects in Australia are projected to rise about 15% over the next five years. This is based on government infrastructure spending, housing demand, and the shift towards sustainable design. If we apply this projected growth to the 2025 average salary of $105,000 AUD, the salary for architects in Australia for 2026 will be around $108,150 AUD.
If we apply this same growth to the salary ranges from the start of this article, projections for the average architect salary in Australia for 2026, based on experience level, are:
- Graduate/Junior Architect: $77,250 AUD
- Mid-level Architect: $97,850 AUD
- Senior Architect: $123,600 AUD
How to increase your earning potential
If you’re looking to increase your salary as an architect in Australia, there are a few actionable steps you can take to boost your income and maximise your savings.
- Get registered
Getting registered will unlock the full potential of your career path as an architect in Australia. This qualification will allow you to apply for a greater variety of roles with higher salaries.
- Develop niche skills
Gaining experience with skills that are in demand, like green building design or digital and 3D modelling, can increase your salary.
- Build leadership experience
Experience in project management or team leadership will make your profile a better fit for senior architect roles with higher compensation.
Comparing architect salaries to similar professions
Individuals considering a career in architecture might also consider other design careers. Here is the average salary in Australia for other roles, as reported by SEEK:
- Draftsperson: $88,000 AUD
- Architectural designer: $95,000 AUD
- Design lead: $150,000 AUD
Salary negotiation tips and next steps
If you’re preparing for salary negotiations as an architect, the key is to enter the conversation informed and prepared. Research typical salaries for your experience level, employment type, and location. The tips below will help you approach the negotiation with confidence.
- Be informed
Alongside salary benchmarks in your role, prepare a list of your achievements. Focus on how your work has positively impacted your clients and community. If you’ve developed niche skills, like BIM or 3D design, present those as well. Wherever possible, back this up with quantifiable data to create a strong case.
- Choose the right moment
If you’re new to a firm, consider waiting at least six months to discuss your salary. This will ensure that you’ve had enough time to make a positive impression. You might also time your conversation a few months before the end of the fiscal year, when budgets and promotions are under review.
- Think beyond the base pay
Salary is just one part of a compensation package. Consider negotiating benefits such as flexible working, extra holiday allowance, professional development funding, or bonuses. These perks can add significant value even if the base salary is less negotiable.
Overall, the outlook for architects in Australia is positive. The projected architect salary in Australia for 2026 is $108,150 AUD. If you remain informed about the factors influencing an architect’s salary, you’ll be able to proactively increase your earnings. Building a successful and rewarding career in architecture in Australia is not only possible, but with a little strategic planning, it is absolutely within your power.
*Figures up-to-date as of 1 December 2025
FAQs
What is the expected salary in Australia for a 2026 graduate architect?
For a new graduate entering the architecture field in Australia in 2026, you can expect to earn around $77,250 AUD.
Which Australian city pays architects the most?
The Australian state where architects will earn the highest average salary is the Australian Capital Territory. Cities where architects earn higher on average are Canberra and Darwin.
How much more do registered architects earn?
Registered architects typically see a $20,000 AUD bump in salary from their starting rate.
Is a career in architecture still a good choice in Australia?
Yes. Architecture continues to be a fruitful and diverse profession in Australia. With changes in the industry and moves towards sustainability and multi-residential projects, architects continue to present solutions and shape the future of Australia.