What is the minimum hourly rate for a cardiac sonographer?

Under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, a cardiac sonographer classified as a Health Professional employee Level 1 with an AQF Level 5 qualification earns a minimum hourly rate of $32.44 in their first year. Rates increase with experience and higher qualification levels. For example, a Level 1 employee with 7+ years earns $40.56 per hour. These rates are set by the Fair Work Commission and are updated annually.

How is casual loading applied to a cardiac sonographer?

Casual employees under the Health Professionals Award receive a 25% loading on top of the minimum hourly rate. For a cardiac sonographer earning $32.44 per hour, the casual rate would be $40.55 per hour ($32.44 × 1.25). The loading compensates for entitlements casuals do not receive, such as paid leave. The [casual loading](/topics/casual-loading) page explains this in more detail.

What is the annual salary for a cardiac sonographer working 38 hours per week?

Using the minimum hourly rate of $32.44 and a 38-hour week, the annual gross salary is approximately $64,117 ($32.44 × 38 × 52). This figure does not include superannuation, which is paid on top at 12% of ordinary earnings. Actual pay may be higher depending on experience, qualifications, and any applicable allowances or penalty rates.

Cardiac Sonographer Salary: Award Rates, National Minimum Wage, and How to Calculate Your Pay

A cardiac sonographer under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award earns at least $32.44 per hour (Level 1, AQF Level 5, 1st year) based on a 38-hour week.

Understanding the Cardiac Sonographer Salary

If you are researching a cardiac sonographer salary, you are likely looking at a role covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027). This award sets minimum pay rates for health professionals, including sonographers, and is enforced by the Fair Work Ombudsman. The award rates are updated each year following the Annual Wage Review, and the latest figures (from 1 July 2026) are available in the Modern Awards Pay Database maintained by the Fair Work Commission.

National Minimum Wage vs. Award Rates

The National Minimum Wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week for a 38-hour week. However, a cardiac sonographer is covered by an award, so the minimum pay is higher. Under the Health Professionals Award, a sonographer classified at Level 1 with an AQF Level 5 qualification (e.g., a diploma) earns at least $32.44 per hour in their first year. With experience, the rate rises to $40.56 per hour after seven years. Sonographers with a bachelor’s degree (AQF Level 7) may be classified at Level 2 or higher, attracting even higher minimums.

How to Convert Hourly Rates to Annual, Fortnightly, and Weekly Pay

To estimate your gross annual pay from an hourly rate, use the formula:

Annual gross ≈ hourly rate × hours per week × 52

For a cardiac sonographer earning $32.44 per hour and working 38 hours per week:

Weekly pay: $32.44 × 38 = $1,232.72
Fortnightly pay: $1,232.72 × 2 = $2,465.44
Annual gross: $32.44 × 38 × 52 = $64,117.44

This calculation assumes the same rate every week, no unpaid overtime, and no penalty rates or allowances. The hourly conversion page provides more examples.

Casual Loading

If you work as a casual cardiac sonographer, you are entitled to a 25% loading on top of the minimum hourly rate. For the $32.44 rate, the casual rate becomes $40.55 per hour. The loading is paid instead of benefits like annual leave and sick leave. Never enter a rate that already includes casual loading into a calculator; instead, use the base rate and add the loading separately. See the casual loading guide for details.

Tax and Superannuation

Income Tax (2026–27 Resident Rates)

Tax is deducted from your gross pay. For the 2026–27 financial year, the tax-free threshold is $18,200. Above that:

15% on income from $18,201 to $45,000
30% on income from $45,001 to $135,000
37% on income from $135,001 to $190,000
45% on income above $190,000

Additionally, the Medicare levy is generally 2% of taxable income. The take-home pay page can help you estimate net pay after tax and Medicare.

Superannuation Guarantee

Employers must pay superannuation on top of your ordinary earnings. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee rate is 12% of ordinary time earnings, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year. For a cardiac sonographer earning $64,117 annually, the super contribution would be $7,694 (12% of $64,117). Super is paid in addition to your salary, not deducted from it. Learn more on the super and packaging page.

Comparing with Average Earnings

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports that full-time adult average weekly ordinary time earnings were $2,083.70 in May 2026. For a full-time cardiac sonographer at the minimum award rate, weekly earnings of $1,232.72 are below that average, but with experience and higher classifications, earnings can exceed the average. The average pay page provides further context.

Important Disclaimer

Annual pay here is hourly rate × hours per week × 52. It assumes the same rate every week, no unpaid overtime, no penalty rates, no allowances, and no salary sacrifice. Super is estimated at 12% of ordinary earnings only, paid on top, and stops at the $270,830 maximum contribution base. Tax is the 2026–27 resident scale with the full tax-free threshold. Medicare uses the 2025–26 single reduction thresholds because the 2026–27 reduction thresholds were not confirmed here. HELP, the Medicare levy surcharge, and salary packaging are not deducted. This is an estimate, not a determination of your pay or tax.