What is the average ultrasound tech salary in Australia?

There is no single published average for ultrasound techs. The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports full-time adult ordinary time earnings of about $2,084 per week (May 2026), which is around $108,000 a year. However, ultrasound techs typically fall under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, where minimum rates for Level 1 start near $30–$35 per hour, giving an annual base of roughly $59,000–$69,000. Experienced techs or those in senior roles earn more. For the most accurate figure, check the Fair Work Ombudsman pay guide for that award.

How is casual loading applied to an ultrasound tech salary?

Casual employees receive a 25% loading on top of the base hourly rate. For example, if the award minimum rate is $30.00 per hour, a casual would earn $37.50 per hour. This loading compensates for not receiving paid leave. The loading is added to the base rate before calculating annual pay. Use the checkbox on our timesheet to add the 25% casual loading – never enter a rate that already includes it.

What super guarantee rate applies to ultrasound techs?

The super guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings, paid on top of the base salary. For 2026–27, the maximum contribution base is $270,830. So if an ultrasound tech earns $80,000 a year, the employer must contribute an additional $9,600 into super. This is not deducted from the employee’s pay; it is an extra cost for the employer.

Ultrasound Tech Salary in Australia: Hourly Rates, Award Pay, and Take-Home Estimates

A full-time ultrasound tech on a Health Professionals award earns a minimum hourly rate that, at 38 hours per week, gives an annual salary of roughly $60,000 to $80,000 before super and tax.

Understanding the Ultrasound Tech Salary in Australia

If you’re researching an ultrasound tech salary in Australia, you’ll need to look beyond a single number. Pay depends on the award classification, experience, location, and whether you work full-time, part-time, or casually. Most ultrasound technicians (sonographers) are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, which sets minimum hourly rates, allowances, and penalty rates. The Fair Work Commission publishes these rates in its Modern Awards Pay Database, and the Fair Work Ombudsman provides pay guides that are updated after each Annual Wage Review.

From 1 July 2026, award minimum wages increased by 4.75%. In addition, from 1 October 2026, health professional employees in this award received further increases under the gender-based undervaluation review. These changes are reflected in the latest pay guides and database extracts.

How to Convert an Hourly Rate to Annual Pay

The standard formula for converting an hourly rate to an annual salary is:

Annual gross pay = hourly rate × hours per week × 52

For a full-time employee, we assume 38 hours per week (the ordinary hours in most awards). For example, the National Minimum Wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour. At 38 hours:

$26.44 × 38 × 52 = $52,253.44 per year

But ultrasound techs are paid above the National Minimum Wage. A Health Professional Level 1 minimum hourly rate might be around $30–$35 (exact figures vary by classification level; check the award pay guide). At $32.00 per hour:

$32.00 × 38 × 52 = $63,232 per year

To see your fortnightly pay, multiply the weekly amount by 2. Weekly pay is hourly rate × 38 hours.

Award Rates vs National Minimum Wage

The National Minimum Wage is a safety net. Most employees, including ultrasound techs, are covered by a modern award that sets higher minimum rates. The Fair Work Ombudsman’s pay guides list the specific classification rates for each award. For the Health Professionals and Support Services Award, you’ll find levels from Health Professional Level 1 up to Level 5. The Fair Work Commission’s database also includes wage-related allowances (e.g., for qualifications) and penalty rates for weekend or evening work.

Remember: if there is a conflict between a recruiter survey and official Fair Work data, always rely on the Fair Work Ombudsman or Fair Work Commission figures.

Casual Loading and Superannuation

Casual employees receive a 25% loading on top of the base hourly rate. This is not an extra penalty – it replaces paid leave entitlements. On our timesheet, you can check a box to add 25% casual loading. Do not enter a rate that already includes the loading.

Superannuation is paid on top of your ordinary time earnings. The super guarantee is 12% for 2026–27, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. For an ultrasound tech earning $70,000, the employer contributes an extra $8,400 into super. This is not deducted from your pay.

Tax and Take-Home Pay

Your take-home pay depends on tax and the Medicare levy. For 2026–27, the resident tax rates are:

$0 – $18,200: nil
$18,201 – $45,000: 15%
$45,001 – $135,000: 30%
$135,001 – $190,000: 37%
Over $190,000: 45%

Medicare levy is generally 2% of taxable income. Use our take-home pay calculator to estimate net pay after tax and Medicare. Note that HELP repayments, the Medicare levy surcharge, and salary packaging are not included in this estimate.

Estimating an Ultrasound Tech Salary

While the Australian Bureau of Statistics reports average weekly earnings for full-time adults at $2,083.70 (May 2026), that figure covers all occupations. Ultrasound techs typically earn less than the all-occupations average, especially at entry level. Based on award minimums, a full-time ultrasound tech on Level 1 might earn around $60,000–$70,000 per year before super. With experience and higher classifications, salaries can reach $85,000–$95,000.

For a personalised estimate, use our hourly conversion tool. Enter your base hourly rate (without casual loading) and select 38 hours per week. The calculator will show annual gross, super, and estimated tax.

Important Notes

Annual pay is calculated as 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, paid on top, and stops at the $270,830 maximum contribution base.
Tax uses 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.
This is an estimate, not a determination of your pay or tax. Always refer to the relevant award and the Fair Work Ombudsman for your exact entitlements.

For more details, see our reference tables and minimum wage page.