Diagnostic Radiographer Salary: Award Minimum Rates and National Minimum Wage Guide

Understanding the diagnostic radiographer salary floor

If you are researching the diagnostic radiographer salary in Australia, the first thing to know is that your pay is not simply the national minimum wage. Most diagnostic radiographers are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, which sets higher minimum rates based on qualifications and experience. This guide explains the legal minimums, how they compare with the national minimum wage, and what you should expect in your pay packet.

Which award applies?

The Fair Work Ombudsman administers the Health Professionals and Support Services Award [MA000027]. This award covers medical diagnostic radiographers, sonographers, nuclear medicine technologists, and other health professionals. Your classification depends on your Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level and years of experience. For example, a new graduate with a bachelor degree (AQF7) starts at Level 1, 1st year, which from 1 October 2026 pays $34.44 per hour or $1,308.80 per week for a full-time employee working 38 ordinary hours.

As you gain experience, your rate increases. The award sets four pay points within Level 1: 1st year, 2nd–3rd year, 4th–6th year, and 7th year and over. At the top of Level 1 (AQF7, 7th year+), the rate is $44.46 per hour or $1,689.50 per week. Higher AQF levels (e.g., honours or postgraduate diplomas) attract higher rates. The award also includes Level 2, 3, and 4 classifications for more senior roles, with Level 4 paying $65.77 per hour.

How does this compare with the national minimum wage?

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a full-time adult employee not covered by an award. However, because the award sets higher rates, the national minimum acts only as a backstop. If your award classification ever fell below the national minimum (which it does not for qualified radiographers), the national minimum would apply. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, so the casual national minimum is $33.05 per hour.

It is important to note that junior employees, apprentices, and trainees may be paid a percentage of the adult rate. For award-free juniors, the Fair Work Ombudsman publishes percentage scales (e.g., under 16 years: 36.8% of the national minimum). But under the Health Professionals Award, junior rates are not common because radiographers typically enter the profession after completing a degree.

What about superannuation?

Superannuation is an employer payment on top of your salary. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of your ordinary time earnings. If your minimum weekly rate is $1,308.80, your employer must contribute an additional $157.06 to your super fund each week. This is not deducted from your pay; it is paid separately. Always check your payslip to confirm the correct super amount.

How to check your own rate

To find your exact minimum rate, you need to know your AQF level and years of experience. The award’s classification definitions are in Schedule B—Common Health Professionals and Standard Minimum Qualifications. You can also use the Which minimum wage applies tool on this site to see if your job is award-covered. For a full list of award rates, visit our Rate tables page.

If your employer pays above the award (for example, under an enterprise agreement or individual contract), that is allowed as long as the total package is not less than the award minimum. The award is the legal floor; you cannot be paid less.

What the ABS data shows

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) does not publish a median weekly earnings figure specifically for medical diagnostic radiographers at the six‑digit ANZSCO level. Jobs and Skills Australia notes that median earnings are not produced for six‑digit occupations due to sample size. However, the ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (May 2023) provides a guide for the broader category of Medical Imaging Professionals (ANZSCO 2512). For full‑time non‑managerial employees, the median weekly earnings were around $2,000–$2,200, but this figure is not specific to radiographers and should be treated with caution. The only legally enforceable minimums are those in the award or the national minimum wage.

Key takeaways

• The diagnostic radiographer salary minimum is set by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award, not the national minimum wage.
• A new graduate (AQF7, 1st year) earns at least $34.44 per hour plus 12% super.
• Rates increase with experience and higher qualifications.
• Your employer may pay more under an enterprise agreement or individual contract, but never less than the award.
• Always check your classification and years of experience to confirm your correct rate.

For more detailed guidance, see our Guides page or read How the figures work to understand the methodology behind these calculations.