What is the minimum wage for a sonographer in Australia?

The minimum wage for a sonographer depends on their classification under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020. A sonographer with a bachelor degree (AQF Level 7) must be paid at least $34.44 per hour in their first year, rising to $44.46 per hour after seven years. These rates are higher than the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour.

Do sonographers get paid more than the national minimum wage?

Yes. Even the lowest award rate for a qualified sonographer (AQF Level 7, first year) is about 30% above the national minimum wage. Sonographers are skilled health professionals, and the award recognises that with higher minimum rates. Many sonographers earn more than the award minimum through enterprise agreements or individual negotiation.

How does the sonographer award rate compare to other health professionals?

Sonographers fall under the same award as other health professionals like medical imaging technologists and nuclear medicine technologists. Their minimum rates are based on the same AQF level structure. For example, a sonographer at AQF Level 8 (postgraduate diploma) starts at $35.19 per hour, while a Level 2 health professional (more senior) starts at $51.19 per hour.

Sonographer Salary Australia: Award Minimums and Pay Floors Explained

The minimum pay for a qualified sonographer in Australia is set by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award, with rates starting at $34.44 per hour for a Level 7 employee.

Sonographer Salary Australia: What the Award Says

If you are searching for a sonographer salary Australia figure, the first thing to understand is that most sonographers are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020. This award sets legally enforceable minimum pay rates that are higher than the national minimum wage. The Fair Work Commission reviews the award each year, and the Fair Work Ombudsman explains and enforces the rules.

Award Coverage for Sonographers

Sonographers are classified under ANZSCO 251214 as Medical Imaging Professionals. According to , the occupation is part of the broader health professional group. The Health Professionals and Support Services Award covers employers in the health industry and their employees, including sonographers. The award has specific classification levels based on the employee's qualifications (Australian Qualifications Framework level) and years of experience.

Minimum Rates Under the Award

The award provides minimum weekly and hourly rates for Health Professional employees. For a sonographer with a bachelor degree (AQF Level 7), the 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+: $1,689.50 per week / $44.46 per hour

These figures come from the award text. A sonographer with a postgraduate diploma (AQF Level 8) starts at $1,337.10 per week ($35.19 per hour).

How the Award Compares to the National Minimum

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week). The award minimum for a qualified sonographer is well above that. Even the introductory rate for a new graduate (AQF Level 7, 1st year) is 30% higher. This reflects the specialised training and skill required.

Award-Free Sonographers

Some sonographers may not be covered by the award if they work in state public sector roles or under an enterprise agreement that provides higher pay. If you are award-free and agreement-free, the national minimum wage applies, but that is rare for sonographers. The award is the default safety net. Always check your employment contract and any applicable enterprise agreement, as these can set higher rates than the award.

Superannuation and Other Entitlements

On top of the minimum pay, employers must pay superannuation guarantee of 12% of ordinary time earnings. For a sonographer earning the award minimum of $1,308.80 per week, that is an extra $157.06 per week into super. The award also includes provisions for casual loading (25%), overtime, penalty rates, and allowances. For more details on how minimum wages are calculated, see our How the figures work guide.

Conclusion

When researching sonographer salary Australia, remember that the award minimum is the legal floor. Most sonographers will earn more, especially with experience and in private practice. The award rates are a reliable starting point for budgeting or negotiation. For a full list of award rates across all classifications, visit our Rate tables page.

This article is for general information only. It is not legal or financial advice. Always consult the Fair Work Ombudsman or a workplace relations professional for your specific situation.