Disclaimer:
Disclaimer: The information in this report is relevant as at 23 August 2023. The views expressed herein are general information only and are provided in good faith to assist employers and their employees. The Information is based on data supplied by third parties. While such data is believed to be accurate, it has not been independently verified and no warranties are given that it is complete, accurate, up to date or fit for the purpose for which it is required. CO-architecture does not accept responsibility for any inaccuracy in such data. To the maximum extent permitted by law, CO-architecture will not be liable to any party in contract, tort (including for negligence) or otherwise for any loss or damage arising either directly or indirectly as a result of reliance on, use of or inability to use any information provided in this report. Where liability cannot be excluded by law then, to the extent permissible by law, liability is limited to the resupply of the information or the reasonable cost of having the information re-supplied.
The Fair Work system in Australia is designed to ensure equitable treatment of employees, and the Architects Award plays a pivotal role within this framework. Serving as an integral component of the system, the Architects Award influences the economic landscape of architectural employment in the country. With a notable 5.75% increase in modern award rates effective from July 2023, its important that employers and employees are aware of their obligations and rights under the Fair Work system. It serves as a crucial guide for enforcing minimum employment terms and conditions, drawing on the combined guidance of the National Employment Standards (NES) and Modern Awards.
These are minimum standards for all employees.
Beyond mere financial considerations, the impact of the Architects Award extends to shaping the ethos of workplace culture and the trajectory of professional growth within architectural firms. Adhering to the stipulations of the award is synonymous with promoting equitable practices in the workplace. This entails ensuring entitlements such as flexible work schedules, parental leave, annual holidays, personal/carer's leaves, and other benefits. Architectural firms that rigorously abide by both the Architects Award and the 11 NES provisions take deliberate measures to create workplaces where employee well-being is prioritised and their professional advancement is championed.
These are minimum rates required to meet your practice’s obligations under the relevant Award and the National Employment Standards. (The new national minimum wage is $882.80 or $23.23 per hour.) The updated pay rate summaries are as followed;
The Architects Award 2024
Adult
Full-time & part-time
|
Classification |
Weekly pay rate |
Hourly pay rate |
Public holiday |
Overtime |
|
Level 1 - graduate of
architecture - entry |
$1,162.10 |
$30.58 |
$45.87 |
$45.87 |
|
Level 1 - graduate of
architecture - 1st pay point |
$1,223.60 |
$32.20 |
$48.30 |
$48.30 |
|
Level 1 - graduate of
architecture - 2nd pay point |
$1,285.00 |
$33.82 |
$50.73 |
$50.73 |
|
Level 2(a) - experienced
graduate of architecture |
$1,343.60 |
$35.36 |
$53.04 |
$53.04 |
|
Level 2(b) - registered
architect - entry |
$1,343.60 |
$35.36 |
$53.04 |
$53.04 |
|
Level 2(b) - registered
architect - 1st pay point |
$1,385.10 |
$36.45 |
$54.68 |
$54.68 |
|
Level 2(b) - registered
architect - 2nd pay point |
$1,426.70 |
$37.54 |
$56.31 |
$56.31 |
Casual
|
Classification |
Hourly pay rate |
Public holiday |
Overtime |
|
Level 1 - graduate of architecture
- entry |
$38.23 |
$45.87 |
$45.87 |
|
Level 1 - graduate of
architecture - 1st pay point |
$40.25 |
$48.30 |
$48.30 |
|
Level 1 - graduate of
architecture - 2nd pay point |
$42.28 |
$50.73 |
$50.73 |
|
Level 2(a) - experienced
graduate of architecture |
$44.20 |
$53.04 |
$53.04 |
|
Level 2(b) - registered
architect - entry |
$44.20 |
$53.04 |
$53.04 |
|
Level 2(b) - registered
architect - 1st pay point |
$45.56 |
$54.68 |
$54.68 |
|
Level 2(b) - registered
architect - 2nd pay point |
$46.93 |
$56.31 |
$56.31 |
Student of Architecture
Full-time & part-time
|
Classification |
Hourly pay rate |
Public holiday |
Overtime |
|
Under 21
years of age - first 13 weeks of employment |
$10.70 |
$16.05 |
$16.05 |
|
Under 21
years of age - next 13 weeks of employment (14 - 26 weeks) |
$15.29 |
$22.94 |
$22.94 |
|
Under 21
years of age - next 26 weeks of employment (27 - 52 weeks) |
$19.88 |
$29.82 |
$29.82 |
|
Under 21
years of age - 2nd year of experience |
$21.41 |
$32.12 |
$32.12 |
|
Under 21
years of age - 3rd year of experience |
$22.94 |
$34.41 |
$34.41 |
|
21 years of
age and over - less than 3 years experience |
$22.61 |
$33.92 |
$33.92 |
|
21 years of
age and over - 3rd year of experience |
$22.94 |
$34.41 |
$34.41 |
Casual
|
Classification |
Hourly pay rate |
Public holiday |
Overtime |
|
Under 21
years of age - first 13 weeks of employment |
$13.38 |
$16.05 |
$16.05 |
|
Under 21
years of age - next 13 weeks of employment (14 - 26 weeks) |
$19.11 |
$22.94 |
$22.94 |
|
Under 21
years of age - next 26 weeks of employment (27 - 52 weeks) |
$24.85 |
$29.82 |
$29.82 |
|
Under 21
years of age - 2nd year of experience |
$26.76 |
$32.12 |
$32.12 |
|
Under 21
years of age - 3rd year of experience |
$28.68 |
$34.41 |
$34.41 |
|
21 years of
age and over - less than 3 years experience |
$28.26 |
$33.92 |
$33.92 |
|
21 years of
age and over - 3rd year of experience |
$28.68 |
$34.41 |
$34.41 |
Bachelor’s Degree with a pathway to a Master of Architecture
Full-time & part-time
|
Classification |
Hourly pay rate |
Public holiday |
Overtime |
|
Bachelor's
degree with a pathway to a Master of Architecture - 1st year of experience |
$25.99 |
$38.99 |
$38.99 |
|
Bachelor's
degree with a pathway to a Master of Architecture - 2nd year of experience |
$27.52 |
$41.28 |
$41.28 |
|
Bachelor's
degree with a pathway to a Master of Architecture - 3rd year of experience |
$29.05 |
$43.58 |
$43.58 |
Casual
|
Classification |
Hourly pay rate |
Public holiday |
Overtime |
|
Bachelor's
degree with a pathway to a Master of Architecture - 1st year of experience |
$32.49 |
$38.99 |
$38.99 |
|
Bachelor's
degree with a pathway to a Master of Architecture - 2nd year of experience |
$34.40 |
$41.28 |
$41.28 |
|
Bachelor's
degree with a pathway to a Master of Architecture - 3rd year of experience |
$36.31 |
$43.58 |
$43.58 |
Allowances
|
Allowances |
Rate |
|
Equipment reimbursement |
reimbursement
for the cost of purchasing relevant technical equipment |
|
Excess travel costs
allowance - not overnight - working away from usual workplace |
an allowance
equivalent to all daily fares more than the normal fares to and from home to
work |
|
Meal allowance - working
away from usual workplace - air travel |
$11.03 for
each meal period occurring during travel |
|
Overnight expenses
allowance - working away from usual workplace |
an allowance
equivalent to all reasonable expenses |
|
Permanent transfer of
employee allowance |
an allowance
equivalent to travelling fares, temporary lodging costs and cost of
transporting the family from the old to the new residence |
|
Protective / special
clothing allowance |
reimbursement
for the cost of the protective clothing |
|
Training and professional
development reimbursement |
reimbursement
for the cost of attending a conference or similar or undertaking a training
course |
|
Travel allowance -
working away from usual workplace |
an allowance
to cover appropriate travel arrangements |
|
Travelling time allowance
- working away from usual workplace |
payment at
the minimum hourly rate for time spent in travel in excess of normal travel
time from home to work |
|
Vehicle allowance |
$0.95 per km |
Frequently asked questions
What is the Architects Award in Australia?
The Architects Award in Australia refers to the award system that provides minimum terms and conditions of employment for employees in the architectural industry. This system ensures that employees receive fair pay and working conditions according to industry standards.
The award system is managed and overseen by the Fair Work Commission, the national workplace relations tribunal in Australia. The commission ensures that modern awards, such as the Architects Award, are updated and maintained in line with the needs of the industries they cover.
The Architects Award will typically set out the minimum wage rates, types of employment, hours of work, overtime and penalty rates, allowances, leave entitlements, and other conditions that apply to employees in the architectural sector.
If you're interested in the specific details or current provisions of the Architects Award, you might want to visit the Fair Work Commission website or the Fair Work Ombudsman website, where they provide updated details on the various awards that are in effect across different industries in Australia.
How is the Architects Award related to the National Employment Standards (NES)?
In Australia, the National Employment Standards (NES) set the 11 minimum employment entitlements that have to be provided to all employees. These entitlements cover areas like maximum weekly hours, requests for flexible working arrangements, various types of leave (annual leave, personal/carers leave, compassionate leave, etc.), public holidays, notice of termination, and redundancy pay, among others.
Where can I find detailed information about the latest award rates?
To find detailed information about the latest award rates in Australia, including the Architects Award, you should refer to the Fair Work Commission's official website. The Fair Work Commission is responsible for reviewing and setting award wages, and their website contains the most up-to-date and comprehensive details on each award.
Is there a pay calculator available on Fair Work?
Yes, the Fair Work Ombudsman's website provides a "Pay Calculator" known as the "Pay and Conditions Tool" (PACT). This tool helps employers and employees calculate pay rates, leave entitlements, overtime, and penalty rates under the modern awards.
Using the Pay and Conditions Tool, you can:
- Determine base pay rates.
- Calculate overtime and penalty rates for specific hours worked.
- Work out allowances that may be applicable.
- Understand various leave entitlements and calculate leave payments.
