What is the minimum hourly rate for a sonographer under the award?

Under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, a Level 1 sonographer with an AQF Level 8 qualification (the standard for sonographers) earns a minimum of $35.19 per hour from the first full pay period on or after 1 October 2026. This rate applies to a new graduate. After two to three years it rises to $38.02, then $41.71 in years four to six, and $45.30 from the seventh year.

How does the sonography salary compare to the National Minimum Wage?

The National Minimum Wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour for a full-time adult employee. A sonographer's award minimum of $35.19 is about 33% higher. Even the lowest sonographer rate is well above the minimum wage, reflecting the specialised training and skill required. Casual sonographers also receive a 25% loading, taking their minimum to $43.99 per hour.

What is the median sonography salary in Australia?

According to Jobs and Skills Australia, the median full-time earnings for Medical Imaging Professionals (which includes sonographers) was $2,360 per week as of May 2025, or about $122,720 per year. This is a market figure, not a legal minimum. The Australian Taxation Office reported a median salary or wage of $109,756 for sonographers in 2023–24, though that includes part-time and part-year workers.

Sonography Salary Guide: Award Rates, Market Pay, and How to Convert Hourly to Annual

A sonographer's salary under the Health Professionals Award starts at $35.19 per hour for a Level 1 graduate, equating to $69,529 per year based on a 38-hour week.

Understanding the sonography salary landscape

If you are considering a career in medical imaging or are already working as a sonographer, knowing the sonography salary landscape helps you negotiate pay, compare job offers, and plan your finances. Sonographers in Australia are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, which sets minimum rates, but many earn above the award. This guide explains the award minimums, market data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics and Jobs and Skills Australia, and how to convert an hourly rate to annual, fortnightly, and after-tax figures.

Award rates for sonographers

The Fair Work Commission maintains the Modern Awards Pay Database, which includes the Health Professionals and Support Services Award. Schedule B of that award lists "Sonographer" at AQF Level 8. From the first full pay period on or after 1 October 2026, the minimum hourly rates are:

Level 1, AQF 8, 1st year: $35.19 per hour
Level 1, AQF 8, 2nd–3rd year: $38.02 per hour
Level 1, AQF 8, 4th–6th year: $41.71 per hour
Level 1, AQF 8, 7th year+: $45.30 per hour

These rates apply to full-time and part-time employees working a 38-hour week. The annual salary is calculated as hourly rate × 38 hours × 52 weeks. For a first-year sonographer, that equals $69,529 per year. More experienced sonographers can progress to Level 2 (Senior Clinician) at $51.19 per hour, Level 3 (Advanced Clinician) at $52.19, and Level 4 (Manager) at $65.77 per hour.

Market data and median earnings

While the award sets a floor, many sonographers earn more. Jobs and Skills Australia reports that the median full-time earnings for Medical Imaging Professionals (ANZSCO 2512) was $2,360 per week in May 2025, or about $122,720 per year. That is based on the ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours. For comparison, the median for all occupations was $1,852 per week. The Australian Taxation Office's 2023–24 tax return data shows a median salary or wage of $109,756 for the 4,749 people who identified as sonographers. That figure includes part-time and part-year workers, so the full-time median is likely higher.

Casual loading and penalty rates

Sonographers employed on a casual basis receive a 25% loading on top of the minimum hourly rate. For a first-year Level 1 sonographer, the casual rate is $43.99 per hour. Casual loading is paid instead of paid leave entitlements. You can read more about casual loading on our site. Penalty rates also apply for weekend and public holiday work. Under the award, full-time and part-time sonographers get 150% on Saturday and Sunday, and 250% on public holidays. Casuals get 175% on weekends and 275% on public holidays. Overtime and shiftwork penalties add further.

Converting hourly to annual

To convert an hourly rate to an annual salary, use the formula: annual gross ≈ hourly rate × hours per week × 52. For a sonographer on the award minimum of $35.19 per hour working 38 hours per week: $35.19 × 38 × 52 = $69,529. If you work 40 hours per week (the average for sonographers according to Jobs and Skills Australia), the annual figure is higher: $35.19 × 40 × 52 = $73,195. Always confirm your ordinary hours. Our hourly conversion page explains the calculation in more detail.

Fortnightly pay is simply the weekly rate multiplied by two. For the first-year sonographer, weekly pay is $1,337.10, so fortnightly is $2,674.20 before tax. After tax, using the 2026–27 resident rates and the Medicare levy, the take-home pay for a full-time sonographer on the award minimum is approximately $56,759 per year, or $2,183 per fortnight (assuming no HELP debt or Medicare levy surcharge).

Tax and super considerations

Superannuation is paid on top of your salary. The super guarantee rate is 12% of ordinary earnings, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,000. For a sonographer earning $69,529, the super contribution would be about $6,953 per year. Super is not included in the annual salary figure. You can use our take-home pay calculator to estimate after-tax income. The minimum wage page compares the National Minimum Wage ($26.44 per hour) with award rates.

Remember that the figures here are estimates. They assume the same rate every week, no unpaid overtime, no penalty rates, no allowances, and no salary sacrifice. Always check your specific award or enterprise agreement for exact rates.

Summary

The sonography salary in Australia ranges from the award minimum of $35.19 per hour ($69,529 per year) for a new graduate to well over $100,000 for experienced sonographers in senior roles. Market data from the ABS and Jobs and Skills Australia shows median full-time earnings around $122,720 per year. Use the hourly-to-annual formula to compare offers, and remember to factor in casual loading, penalty rates, super, and tax.