What award covers sonographers?

Sonographers are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, under the Health Professional employee classification. The applicable rate depends on the employee's AQF qualification level and years of experience at Level 1.

Do sonographers get paid above the award?

Yes. Many sonographers are paid above the award minimum through enterprise agreements or individual contracts. The award sets a floor only; employers and employees can negotiate higher rates. The Fair Work Ombudsman can advise on award coverage.

How is super calculated on a sonographer salary?

Superannuation is paid on top of ordinary time earnings. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee rate is 12% of the employee's ordinary time earnings. For a sonographer earning the award minimum of $1,308.80 per week, the employer must contribute an additional $157.06 per week into a super fund.

Sonographer salary guide: award rates, minimum pay and super

The legal minimum for a sonographer under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award ranges from $34.44 to $45.30 per hour depending on qualifications and experience, plus 12% superannuation.

What is the sonographer salary minimum?

If you are researching the sonographer salary in Australia, the first thing to know is that there is no single figure. The legal minimum depends on your classification under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, which covers most sonographers working in private and public health settings. The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage, but the award for sonographers requires a higher rate. The Fair Work Ombudsman explains and enforces these obligations.

For an award‑free employee (rare for sonographers), the adult national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week. However, almost all sonographers are covered by the award, so the award minimum is the relevant floor.

Award rates for sonographers

Under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award, sonographers are classified as Health Professional employees. The minimum rate is determined by the employee’s Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level and years of experience at Level 1. Most sonographers hold a bachelor degree (AQF 7) or a graduate diploma (AQF 8).

For a sonographer with a bachelor degree (AQF 7), the minimum weekly rates from 1 July 2026 are:

1st year: $1,308.80 per week ($34.44 per hour)
2nd – 3rd year: $1,409.00 per week ($37.08 per hour)
4th – 6th year: $1,565.30 per week ($41.19 per hour)
7th year and over: $1,689.50 per week ($44.46 per hour)

For a sonographer with a graduate diploma (AQF 8), the rates are slightly higher:

1st year: $1,337.10 per week ($35.19 per hour)
2nd – 3rd year: $1,444.90 per week ($38.02 per hour)
4th – 6th year: $1,584.90 per week ($41.71 per hour)
7th year and over: $1,721.40 per week ($45.30 per hour)

These are the minimums. An enterprise agreement or individual contract can set a higher rate, but never lower. The award also includes higher classifications (Levels 2, 3, 4) for senior or specialist sonographers, with rates up to $65.77 per hour.

How superannuation affects the package

When discussing a sonographer salary, remember that superannuation is paid on top. The super guarantee rate is 12% of ordinary time earnings from 1 July 2026. For a sonographer on the award minimum of $1,308.80 per week, the employer must contribute an extra $157.06 per week into a super fund. That brings the total employment cost to about $1,465.86 per week, but the employee’s take‑home pay is the $1,308.80 before tax.

Comparing the award to the national minimum

The lowest award rate for a sonographer ($34.44 per hour) is about 30% above the national minimum wage ($26.44 per hour). This reflects the skilled nature of the work. The Australian Bureau of Statistics does not publish a median earnings figure for sonographers because the occupation is a 6‑digit ANZSCO code, but the award rates give a clear floor.

What about casual sonographers?

Casual sonographers receive a 25% loading on the award minimum hourly rate. For a Level 7, 1st‑year sonographer, the casual rate is $43.05 per hour. The loading compensates for the lack of paid leave entitlements.

Where to find more information

For a full breakdown of award rates, see our Rate tables. If you are unsure whether the award applies to your workplace, read our guide Which minimum wage applies. The Fair Work Ombudsman website has the complete Health Professionals and Support Services Award and fact sheets.

Tax on a sonographer salary

Using the 2026‑27 tax rates, a sonographer earning the award minimum of $68,057.60 per year ($1,308.80 × 52) would pay approximately $13,000 in income tax plus the Medicare levy (2% once income exceeds $30,000). The exact amount depends on the low‑income tax offset and other factors. Super contributions are taxed separately in the fund at 15%.

Final note

The figures in this guide are the legal minimums under the award. Actual sonographer salaries can be significantly higher, especially in private practice or with experience. Always check your specific award classification and any enterprise agreement that applies to your workplace.

For the published floors, see the rate tables and how the figures work.