What is the average sonographer salary in Australia?

The average sonographer salary varies by experience and location. According to the ABS Average Weekly Earnings (May 2026), full-time adult ordinary time earnings are $2,083.70 per week, which equates to about $108,352 annually for a 38‑hour week. However, award minimum rates under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award may be lower, and many sonographers earn above award. For the most current award rates, refer to the Fair Work Ombudsman’s pay guide for that award.

How is casual loading applied to sonographer pay?

Casual employees under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award are entitled to a 25% casual loading on top of the minimum hourly rate. For example, if the base award rate is $30.00 per hour, the casual rate becomes $37.50 per hour. This loading compensates for the lack of paid leave entitlements. When using our timesheet, you can check the ‘casual loading’ box to automatically add 25% to your base rate – do not enter a rate that already includes loading.

What award covers sonographers in Australia?

Sonographers are typically covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027). This award sets minimum wages, allowances, and penalty rates for health professionals including medical imaging technologists. The Fair Work Commission’s Modern Awards Pay Database and the Fair Work Ombudsman’s pay guides provide the current minimum rates. From 1 October 2026, the award includes changes from the gender‑based undervaluation review, increasing rates for some health professional employees.

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

Sonographers in Australia are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award, with minimum rates updated from 1 July 2026; assuming 38 hours per week, annual gross pay equals hourly rate × 38 × 52.

Sonographer Salary Australia: Understanding Your Pay

If you are a sonographer or considering a career in medical imaging, knowing how your hourly rate translates into annual, fortnightly, and take‑home pay is essential. This guide explains sonographer salary Australia using official award rates, the National Minimum Wage, tax brackets, and superannuation. We rely on data from the Fair Work Ombudsman, Fair Work Commission, Australian Bureau of Statistics, and Australian Taxation Office.

National Minimum Wage vs Award Rates

From 1 July 2026, the National Minimum Wage is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week for a 38‑hour week. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, bringing the casual minimum to $33.05 per hour. However, most sonographers are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027), which sets higher minimum rates. The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes pay guides for this award, updated after each Annual Wage Review. The Fair Work Commission’s Modern Awards Pay Database also provides detailed classification rates, allowances, and penalty rates.

Award rates for sonographers vary by classification level (e.g., Health Professional Level 1 to 4). The 2026 Annual Wage Review increased award minimum wages by 4.75%, effective from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026. Additionally, from 1 October 2026, the Health Professionals and Support Services Award includes further increases for some health professional employees following the gender‑based undervaluation review. Always check the latest pay guide for your specific classification.

Calculating Annual Pay from an Hourly Rate

The basic formula to estimate annual gross pay is:

Hourly rate × hours per week × 52

For a full‑time sonographer working 38 hours per week, the calculation is:

Annual gross = hourly rate × 38 × 52

For example, if your award rate is $35.00 per hour:

$35.00 × 38 × 52 = $69,160 per year

This assumes the same rate every week with no unpaid overtime, penalty rates, or allowances. If you are casual, multiply by 1.25 to include the 25% loading before using the formula. Our the timesheet tool lets you enter your base hourly rate and optionally add casual loading – do not enter a rate that already includes loading.

Fortnightly and Weekly Pay

To find your fortnightly gross pay, multiply your weekly pay by 2. Using the example above:

Weekly: $35.00 × 38 = $1,330 Fortnightly: $1,330 × 2 = $2,660

This can help you compare job offers or budget. For more detailed breakdowns, see our pay guides and reference tables.

Tax and Super Considerations

Income Tax (2026–27 Resident Rates)

The Australian Taxation Office applies a progressive tax scale. For 2026–27:

$0 – $18,200: Nil
$18,201 – $45,000: 15% on excess over $18,200
$45,001 – $135,000: 30% on excess over $45,000
$135,001 – $190,000: 37% on excess over $135,000
Over $190,000: 45% on excess over $190,000

Plus a Medicare levy of 2% (based on 2025–26 reduction thresholds, as 2026–27 thresholds were not confirmed). The levy applies to taxable income above certain thresholds. Use our take-home pay guide for a more precise estimate.

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 the maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year. For example, on a $69,160 annual salary, your employer pays an extra $8,299.20 into your super fund. This is not deducted from your gross pay – it is paid in addition. Learn more about super and packaging.

Example Take‑Home Calculation

For a full‑time sonographer earning $35.00 per hour ($69,160 annually):

Gross annual: $69,160
Tax (2026–27): approximately $10,888 (using the scale above, ignoring Medicare for simplicity)
Medicare levy (2%): $1,383
Net annual: $56,889
Net weekly: $1,094

This is an estimate only. It does not include HELP repayments, Medicare levy surcharge, or salary sacrifice. For a personalised calculation, use our hourly conversion tool.

Using the Timesheet Tool

Our the timesheet is designed for Australian workers. Enter your base hourly rate (without casual loading) and select the casual loading checkbox if applicable. The tool calculates annual, fortnightly, and weekly gross pay, then applies the latest tax and super rules. It assumes a 38‑hour week but you can adjust hours per week if needed.

Remember: annual pay = hourly rate × hours per week × 52. The tool does not account for unpaid overtime, penalty rates, allowances, or salary sacrifice. Always refer to your award or enterprise agreement for your exact entitlements. For award‑specific rates, check the Fair Work Ombudsman’s pay guides or the Fair Work Commission’s reference tables.

Casual Loading

If you are a casual sonographer, your employer must pay a 25% loading on top of the minimum award rate. In the timesheet, simply check the casual loading box – the tool adds 25% to your base rate automatically. Do not enter a rate that already includes loading. For more details, see our casual loading page.

Summary

Understanding sonographer salary Australia involves knowing your award classification, the correct hourly rate, and how to convert it to annual, fortnightly, and take‑home pay. Use the National Minimum Wage as a baseline, but rely on the Health Professionals and Support Services Award for accurate minimums. Always check the latest pay guides from the Fair Work Ombudsman and the Fair Work Commission’s Modern Awards Pay Database. Our timesheet and supporting guides can help you estimate your pay quickly and reliably.