Architecture salaries
in Melbourne - 2026
Based on data from 3,000+ active job vacancies, 1,890 survey respondents and insights from 65 recruitment experts.
Architecture and Design
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How much do architects earn in Melbourne?
Architects in Melbourne earn an average base salary of $100,000 in 2026. Graduates start between $68,191 and $75,000, registered architects earn $85,000 to $110,000 depending on experience, senior architects earn $100,000 to $120,000, and directors and principals earn $160,000 to $220,000. All figures are base salaries excluding superannuation.
Updated 1 July 2026. Based on 1,890 survey responses, 1,200+ placements and 3,000+ live vacancies.
Melbourne architecture salary table 2026
Base annual salaries in AUD, excluding superannuation and bonuses. Benchmark your own salary with our calculator.
Showing annual base salaries, excluding superannuation.
| Role | Low | Average | High | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grad of Architecture (0-3 yrs) | $68,191 | $72,000 | $75,000 | |
| Grad of Architecture (3-6 yrs) | $78,838 | $82,000 | $88,000 | |
| Grad of Architecture (6-10 yrs) | $88,000 | $95,000 | $100,000 | |
| Registered Architect (3-6 yrs) | $78,838 | $85,000 | $90,000 | |
| Registered Architect (6-10 yrs) | $90,000 | $100,000 | $110,000 | |
| Senior Architect | $100,000 | $110,000 | $120,000 | |
| Associate | $120,000 | $130,000 | $140,000 | |
| Senior Associate | $130,000 | $140,000 | $150,000 | |
| Associate Director / Associate Principal | $140,000 | $150,000 | $160,000 | |
| Director / Principal | $160,000 | $180,000 | $220,000 | |
| Technician (0-3 yrs) | $60,000 | $65,000 | $70,000 | |
| Technician (3-6 yrs) | $70,000 | $75,000 | $85,000 | |
| Senior Technician (6-10+ yrs) | $85,000 | $95,000 | $105,000 | |
| BIM Modeller / Coordinator | $80,000 | $95,000 | $105,000 | |
| BIM Manager | $110,000 | $130,000 | $150,000 | |
| Visualiser | $75,000 | $90,000 | $110,000 | |
| Design Manager | $110,000 | $130,000 | $150,000 | |
| Design Coordinator | $90,000 | $110,000 | $120,000 |
Source: Bespoke Careers 2026 Salary Guide, updated 1 July 2026.
The architecture career path in Melbourne
Average base salary by seniority, from graduate to director.
Average base salaries, excluding superannuation. Director packages often include profit share on top.
How Melbourne compares
Average base salary for the same level across Australia. Titles vary slightly between cities, so the closest equivalent is shown.
Base annual salaries from the Bespoke Careers 2026 Salary Guide.
What’s shaping Melbourne salaries in 2026
Graduates
Melbourne’s market is recovering, led by social housing, build-to-rent and adaptive reuse. Early-career designers who are fluent in Revit are well positioned, though salary expectations need to reflect project budgets that are still under pressure.
Mid-career
Project Architects, Architectural Documenters and BIM Coordinators with strong Revit skills are the most in-demand profiles in the city. Interior designers with healthcare, hospitality or workplace experience are particularly sought after.
Senior
Experienced mid-to-senior designers are scarce in Melbourne and salary expectations are rising steadily. Strong candidates with Revit fluency and sector depth are in a genuinely competitive position when they negotiate.
Leadership
Director-level architects are benefiting from Melbourne’s recovery in social housing, build-to-rent and high-end multi-residential. The market has returned to solid growth after a cautious post-pandemic period.
Get the full 2026 Salary Guide
105 roles across 20 global cities, hiring trends for every market, and practical advice for your next pay conversation. Built from 1,890 survey responses, 1,200+ placements and insight from 65 recruitment experts. Free to download.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average salary for an architect in Melbourne?
The average base salary for an architect in Melbourne is approximately $100,000 per year in 2026. Graduate architects typically earn $68,000 to $100,000 depending on experience, senior architects earn $100,000 to $120,000, associates reach $120,000 to $150,000, and directors earn $160,000 to $220,000.
How is the architect salary data collected?
Our salary data draws on input from over 1,890 survey respondents, 1,200 recent placements, 3,000 job listings and insight from 65 recruitment experts across our global offices.
Do architects earn more at large or small practices in Melbourne?
Architects in Melbourne typically earn more at larger practices, thanks to structured pay scales and larger project budgets. However, smaller studios offer broader experience, closer director access, more design influence and faster progression. Pay might be lower, but the hands-on exposure and autonomy can outweigh the difference, especially early in your career.
Are contractors paid more than permanent architects in Melbourne?
Yes. Contract roles often pay 10-20% more than permanent ones to offset the lack of leave entitlements and superannuation top-ups. To find out more about contracting, head here.
Which architecture sectors pay the most in Melbourne?
Social housing, build-to-rent, commercial and health sectors often offer higher salaries than cultural or small-scale residential projects in Melbourne, driven by project scale, complexity and strong current demand.
Do architects in Melbourne receive bonuses or additional benefits?
Many architectural roles in Melbourne offer bonuses or profit-sharing on top of base salaries, especially for senior positions. Superannuation at 12% is mandatory, and some firms offer additional perks like flexible working, professional development allowances and extra leave. See our full Melbourne benefits benchmark for what Standard, Enhanced and Outstanding packages look like.
How do salaries for architects in Melbourne compare to other Australian cities?
Melbourne salaries remain competitive but generally sit slightly below Sydney, reflecting Sydney’s higher cost of living and market demand. Brisbane has recently overtaken Melbourne in some senior brackets, driven by a strong project pipeline. Melbourne still offers a strong design culture and a more affordable lifestyle than Sydney.
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The latest architecture jobs in Melbourne
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See how your pay compares against the 2026 market for your exact role, and get your results by email.