What are the typical starting salaries and job roles I can expect after completing a Master's in Architecture in Australia, given my background in architecture and 5 years of experience?

Your 5 years of Indian architecture experience genuinely helps in the job search, but it does not automatically translate into Australian registration, and understanding that distinction is central to setting realistic salary expectations.

Typical Starting Roles and Pay

Hays specifically reports Sydney graduate architects averaging around AUD 77,000, sitting within a broader AUD 65,000 to 85,000 range for entry-level roles.

Registration Is a Separate Process From Your Master's

Your five years of Indian experience does not automatically qualify you as a registered architect in Australia. Registration runs through the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia and the relevant state or territory board, and it involves its own overseas qualifications assessment pathway independent of completing an Australian master's degree.

Where Your Experience Still Pays Off

• Revit and BIM skills: Practical documentation and modelling experience is highly valued by Australian firms.
• Construction detailing and coordination: Real project delivery experience differentiates you from graduates with only studio-based training.
• Client-facing roles: Prior professional exposure can fast-track you toward project or job captain responsibilities sooner than a typical new graduate.

My Advice

Start the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia overseas qualifications assessment early, ideally alongside your master's application, since registration timelines run independently of your study and can otherwise delay your move into higher-paying registered roles. Lead your job applications with your BIM, documentation and construction coordination experience specifically, since that is what separates you from local graduates competing for the same entry-level positions.