Architects 2025 Pay Rates (MA000079)

Plain-English Summary

Who does this award cover?

The Architects covers employees in architectural practices, including registered architects, graduate architects, architectural drafters, and architectural technicians. If you work in an architectural practice as an employee, this award applies to you. It covers approximately 15,000 workers across Australia.

This award does NOT cover engineers (Professional Employees Award, MA000065), interior designers not employed by architectural practices, or building surveyors. See clause 4.1 for the full coverage terms.

How classification levels work

Classifications are based on qualifications and registration status, from architectural student through to graduate architect, registered architect, and senior architect.

Key features of this award

The Architects Award has a simple penalty structure with rates for ordinary hours and overtime. The maximum penalty rate is 150%, reflecting the professional nature of the work.

Classification Levels and Base Rates

All rates effective 1 July 2025. Source: Fair Work Commission Annual Wage Review 2024-25.

Refer to the Fair Work Commission pay guide for MA000079 for current dollar amounts for each classification level. Hourly rate = weekly rate / 38. Casual rate = hourly rate x 1.25.

Penalty Rates

Penalty rate multipliers from the Fair Work Commission penalty rate schedule for MA000079. All penalties are calculated on the base hourly rate.

The award specifies penalty rates ranging from 100% to 150% depending on when and how you work.

Full-Time and Part-Time Employees

Casual Employees

Penalty rate categories in this award

The following penalty rate descriptions apply under MA000079:

• Ordinary hours
• Overtime

Casual penalty rates include the 25% casual loading. Refer to the specific award clauses for exact percentages applicable to each classification level and employment type.

Worked Examples

Example 1: Casual worker on a Sunday

A casual employee working a 3 hours-hour minimum shift on a Sunday.

• Base hourly rate: refer to your classification level in the MA000079 pay guide
• Sunday casual rate: base rate x Sunday casual penalty percentage
• Minimum payment: Sunday casual rate x 3 hours hours
• Clause reference: refer to casual penalty rates clause

Example 2: Full-time worker on a public holiday

A full-time employee working an 8-hour public holiday shift.

• Base hourly rate: refer to your classification level in the MA000079 pay guide
• Public holiday rate: base rate x public holiday percentage (up to 150%)
• Total: public holiday rate x 8 hours
• Clause reference: refer to public holiday clause

Example 3: Part-time worker with overtime

A part-time employee who works 2 hours beyond their rostered hours on a weekday.

• Base hourly rate: refer to your classification level in the MA000079 pay guide
• Overtime rate: base rate x overtime percentage
• Clause reference: refer to overtime clause

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does this award cover graduate architects?

Yes, graduate architects who have completed their degree but are not yet registered are covered, classified at the appropriate graduate level.

2. What about architectural drafters?

Yes, architectural drafters and technicians employed in architectural practices are covered.

3. Is overtime common in architecture?

Architecture can involve periods of intensive work around project deadlines. The award provides overtime rates at 150% for all overtime hours.

4. What is the minimum shift length under this award?

The minimum engagement for casual and part-time employees is 3 hours per shift. Even if you are sent home early, you must be paid for the minimum shift length.

5. How do I check my exact pay rate?

Use our free calculator or refer to the Fair Work Commission pay guide for MA000079. You can also contact the Fair Work Ombudsman on 13 13 94 for free advice.

Check Your Rate

Working in architecture and want to know your exact pay rate? Use our free calculator to check.

Check your pay rate now

Select your classification level, employment type, and the hours you work.

Schema Markup Suggestions

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Breadcrumb Schema

Home > Awards > Architects (MA000079)

Rates current as of 1 July 2025. Source: Fair Work Commission, CC BY 4.0. This information is general in nature and is not legal advice. Always verify rates against the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool (PACT) at calculate.fairwork.gov.au.