What award covers cardiac sonographers in Australia?

Cardiac sonographers are typically covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027). The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes a pay guide for this award that lists minimum hourly rates for each classification level. Rates were updated from 1 October 2026 following the gender-based undervaluation review.

How do I calculate my annual salary from an hourly rate as a cardiac sonographer?

Multiply your hourly rate by the number of hours you work each week, then by 52. For a full‑time cardiac sonographer working 38 hours per week, the formula is: hourly rate × 38 × 52 = annual gross salary. If you work part‑time, use your actual weekly hours. Super is paid on top of this at 12% (up to the maximum contribution base).

Is casual loading included in the cardiac sonographer award rate?

No. The minimum hourly rate in the award is for permanent employees. Casual cardiac sonographers receive a 25% loading on top of the permanent rate. When using a pay calculator, enter the base permanent rate and check the casual loading box to add the 25% – do not enter a rate that already includes loading.

Cardiac Sonographer Salary Australia: Award Rates, Tax, and Super Explained

A cardiac sonographer covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award earns a minimum hourly rate set by the Fair Work Ombudsman, which is higher than the National Minimum Wage of $26.44; assuming 38 hours per week, annual gross pay is hourly rate × 38 × 52.

Understanding the Cardiac Sonographer Salary Australia

If you’re searching for a cardiac sonographer salary Australia, you’ll want to know the minimum award rate, how to convert it to annual pay, and what tax and super you can expect. This article explains the key figures using the latest Fair Work Ombudsman and Australian Taxation Office data.

The Award That Covers Cardiac Sonographers

Cardiac sonographers (also called cardiac ultrasound technologists) are health professionals. They are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027). The Fair Work Ombudsman provides a pay guide for this award that lists minimum hourly rates for each classification level. From 1 October 2026, rates for health professional employees increased as part of the gender‑based undervaluation review (Fair Work Commission decision [2026] FWCFB 231).

These minimum rates are higher than the National Minimum Wage of $26.44 per hour (from 1 July 2026). A cardiac sonographer’s exact rate depends on their classification (e.g., Level 1, Level 2) and experience. To find the current rate, refer to the official pay guide on the Fair Work Ombudsman website.

How to Calculate Annual Gross Pay

The standard formula for annual gross salary is:

Hourly rate × hours per week × 52

For a full‑time cardiac sonographer working 38 hours per week, this becomes:

Hourly rate × 38 × 52

For example, if the award rate is $35.00 per hour, the annual gross pay would be $35.00 × 38 × 52 = $69,160. If you work part‑time, use your actual weekly hours. This calculation assumes the same rate every week, no unpaid overtime, and no penalty rates or allowances.

Fortnightly Pay

Many employers pay fortnightly. To estimate your gross fortnightly pay, multiply your weekly pay by 2:

Hourly rate × 38 × 2

Using the same example: $35.00 × 38 × 2 = $2,660 gross per fortnight.

Casual Loading

If you work as a casual cardiac sonographer, you are entitled to a 25% loading on top of the permanent minimum rate. The loading compensates for not receiving paid leave. When using a pay calculator, enter the base permanent rate and select the casual loading option – do not enter a rate that already includes the loading.

Superannuation (Paid on Top)

Superannuation is paid by your employer on top of your ordinary earnings. From 1 July 2026, the Super Guarantee rate is 12%. It applies to ordinary time earnings up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year. For a cardiac sonographer earning $69,160, the employer would contribute an additional $8,299.20 per year (12% of $69,160).

Tax on Your Salary

For the 2026–27 financial year, the Australian resident tax rates are:

$0 – $18,200: Nil
$18,201 – $45,000: 15% of excess over $18,200
$45,001 – $135,000: $4,020 plus 30% of excess over $45,000
$135,001 – $190,000: $31,020 plus 37% of excess over $135,000
Over $190,000: $51,370 plus 45% of excess over $190,000

Most taxpayers also pay the Medicare levy of 2% (based on 2025–26 single reduction thresholds, as 2026–27 thresholds were not confirmed at the time of this estimate).

Using the example annual gross of $69,160:

Tax: $4,020 + 30% × ($69,160 – $45,000) = $4,020 + $7,248 = $11,268
Medicare levy (2%): $1,383.20
Total tax and levy: $12,651.20
Net annual pay: $56,508.80

National Minimum Wage vs Award Rates

The National Minimum Wage ($26.44 per hour) is the legal minimum for all employees not covered by an award. However, cardiac sonographers are covered by the Health Professionals Award, which sets higher minimum rates. Always check the award rate, not the NMW, when calculating your salary.

Using the Timesheet Calculator

Our timesheet calculator lets you enter your base hourly rate and optionally add casual loading. It then shows your annual gross, fortnightly pay, estimated super, and estimated tax. Remember that the results are estimates – they do not include penalty rates, allowances, salary sacrifice, HELP repayments, or the Medicare levy surcharge.

Summary

Cardiac sonographer salary Australia is based on the Health Professionals and Support Services Award.
Minimum hourly rates are higher than the National Minimum Wage.
Annual gross = hourly rate × 38 × 52 (for full‑time).
Super is 12% paid on top.
Tax uses the 2026–27 resident scale plus 2% Medicare levy.

For the most accurate and up‑to‑date rates, always consult the official pay guides from the Fair Work Ombudsman or the reference tables on the Fair Work Commission’s Modern Awards Pay Database.