Sydney Architectural Drafting Personnel Rates and Salary Guide

As provided by our affiliated partners, BTandP.

Experience LevelPer Hour ContractPer Annum Salary
Graduate – No Experience

$29.79# - $32.00

$47,095# - $51,000

1 Year Experience

$32.69# - $35.00

$51,674# - $56,000

2 Years' Experience

$36.82# - $37.50

$58,215# - $60,000

3 Years' Experience

$38.48# - $40.00

$60,832# - $65,000

4 Years' Experience

$41.37# - $42.00

$65,407# - $70,000

5 Years' Experience

$41.00 - $47.50

$65,500 - $77,000

6 Years' Experience

$45.00 - $49.00

$74,500 - $83,500

7 Years' Experience

$48.00 - $53.50

$80,000 - $88,000

8 Years' Experience

$51.50 - $57.00

$83,500 - $93,500

9 Years' Experience

$55.00 - $60.50

$90,000 - $105,000

10 Years' Experience

$59.00 +

$100,000 +

Please Note: Above rates DO NOT include the statutory 11% Superannuation contribution.

2023 has seen a slight overall decline in activity levels compared to the extremely buoyant market prior to December 2022. The impact of increasing interest rates, continuing high material costs, lower levels of Government spending and increasing financial uncertainty in some sectors have contributed to a recruitment market, that whilst still active, is less bullish in its outlook than it had previously.

The tight candidate market still exists; however, remuneration levels that are generally being achieved are more in the mid-high range of our salary bands rather than at the high end or even above, as we had experienced in 2022.

High demand continues for those with highly sought after project expertise and relevant software skills, and as a consequence, higher-end salary negotiations are more involved around an individuals suitability to a role based on either project sector expertise, or other sought-after skills and experience relevant to that role. Please note: Effective 1st July 2023, Award rates have increased by 5.75 percent, along with Superannuation moving to 11 percent.

The following guidelines are averages for each category and by no means reflect the highest or lowest figures available (except for Award Based figures shown in the experience bands notated with #). Professionals are assessed on their ability and experience, which could place them above or below the averages for the applicable years of experience.

For candidates above 10 years, rates and salaries are solely by negotiation, however if duties are still predominantly documentation, the rates of 10 years experience would apply. Personnel supervising up to 5 staff would receive a loading of between $2,000 per annum and $8,000 per annum. (Approximately $1.50 per hour to S5.00 per hour if engaged on contract).

Please note that for those personnel under 20 years of age, Junior rates may apply.

For further information, please get in touch with one of our consultants.

Please refer to the Fair Work Ombudsman regarding how overtime hours are treated.

BIM Expertise

Please Note: In the past we have included a loading for those with strong BIM based experience in both Revit and ArchiCAD.
Based on the high level of use now, the above figures assume abilities in this area.

For those with solely AutoCAD experience, rates and salaries may now be in the lower to mid ranges indicated.

Rate to Salary Parity

Whilst the ‘1650’ formula is still the standard conversion used to equate contract rates to salary figures, it is becoming increasingly difficult to relate this to senior level positions where the number of hours worked can vary markedly and “compensation” for increased hours is not common for most salaried personnel.

As such we suggest careful consideration of all circumstances in a contract arrangement to ensure an equitable situation is attained for all parties.

We are happy to provide specific advice in these circumstances.

Notes

#     Notates minimum wages based on Fair Work Commission Annual Wage Review 2023

Architectural Personnel: Architects Award (MA000079)

Drafting Personnel: Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award (MA000010)

Interior Designers: Miscellaneous Award (MA000104)

*     Notates minimum wages for Registered Architects above 3 years’ experience

Should qualification be Advanced Certificate or National Diploma 1, please contact us.