What is the legal minimum pay for a sonographer in Australia?

Sonographers are classified as Health Professional employees under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020. The minimum weekly rate depends on your AQF qualification level and years of experience. For example, a sonographer with a bachelor degree (AQF Level 7) in their first year must be paid at least $1,308.80 per week ($34.44 per hour). More experienced sonographers at the same level receive up to $1,689.50 per week ($44.46 per hour). These rates are higher than the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour.

Can a sonographer be paid less than the award rate?

No. The Health Professionals Award is a modern award that sets the minimum pay and conditions for sonographers. Your employer cannot pay you less than the award rate that applies to your classification. However, an enterprise agreement registered with the Fair Work Commission can provide different (usually higher) rates. If you are award-free (rare for sonographers), the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour would apply, but most sonography roles are covered by the award.

Does the sonography salary include superannuation?

No. The award rates and the national minimum wage are base rates before superannuation. Your employer must pay superannuation guarantee contributions on top of your ordinary time earnings. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee rate is 12% of your ordinary time earnings. For example, if your minimum weekly award rate is $1,308.80, your employer must also contribute at least $157.06 per week to your super fund.

Sonography salary guide: award coverage versus award-free rates

Sonographers are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, with minimum weekly rates ranging from $1,232.70 to $1,689.50 depending on qualifications and experience; the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour is not the applicable floor.

Sonography salary: award coverage sets the floor

When researching the sonography salary in Australia, the first thing to understand is that most sonographers are covered by a modern award. This means the legal minimum pay is not the national minimum wage but the higher rates set out in the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020. This guide explains how the award applies, what the minimum rates are, and how they compare to award-free scenarios.

Which award covers sonographers?

Sonographers are classified under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027). The Fair Work Ombudsman administers this award. Under the award, sonographers are Health Professional employees. Their minimum pay depends on their Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level and years of experience in the profession. For example:

A sonographer with a diploma (AQF Level 6) in their first year: $1,232.70 per week ($32.44 per hour)
With a bachelor degree (AQF Level 7) in their fourth to sixth year: $1,565.30 per week ($41.19 per hour)
With a graduate diploma (AQF Level 8) after seven years: $1,721.40 per week ($45.30 per hour)

These rates are from the award as at 1 October 2026. They are the legal minimums. Your employer must pay at least these amounts if you are classified correctly.

How does the award compare to the national minimum wage?

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week for a 38‑hour week). All award rates for sonographers are well above this. For instance, even the lowest Health Professional rate (AQF Level 5, first year) is $32.44 per hour. This is because sonography requires specialised qualifications and skills.

If you are award‑free (for example, working in a role not covered by any award), the national minimum wage would apply. However, Jobs and Skills Australia data shows that sonographers are almost always employed under the Health Professionals Award or an enterprise agreement. The award is the relevant pay floor.

What about enterprise agreements?

Some hospitals and private practices have enterprise agreements registered with the Fair Work Commission. These agreements can set higher rates than the award. They may also include different penalty rates, allowances, or conditions. Always check your employment contract and any applicable agreement. The award rate is the minimum; your actual sonography salary may be higher.

Superannuation is on top

All minimum rates discussed are base rates. Your employer must also pay superannuation guarantee contributions. From 1 July 2026, the rate is 12% of your ordinary time earnings. For a sonographer earning the minimum award rate of $1,308.80 per week, the super contribution would be at least $157.06 per week. This is paid into your nominated super fund and is not deducted from your take‑home pay.

No published median salary for sonographers

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) does not publish median weekly earnings for the specific occupation of sonographer (ANZSCO 251214) because the sample size is too small. Jobs and Skills Australia provides demographic data but not earnings. Therefore, any figure you see online claiming an average sonography salary should be treated with caution. The only reliable figures are the award minimums and any enterprise agreement rates.

Award‑free junior rates do not apply

If you are a junior sonographer (under 21), the award contains its own junior rates for Health Professional employees. These are not the same as the national minimum junior percentages. The award specifies percentages of the adult rate based on age. For example, a 19‑year‑old sonographer at AQF Level 7 first year would receive 80% of $1,308.80, which is $1,047.04 per week. Always refer to the award for the correct rate.

How to check your correct rate

To find your exact minimum pay, you need to know your AQF qualification level and your years of experience in the profession. The award schedules list the rates. You can also use the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay Calculator or the Fair Work Commission’s Modern Awards Pay Database. For more guidance, see our Which minimum wage applies page and our Rate tables.

Summary

The sonography salary in Australia is governed by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020. Minimum weekly rates range from about $1,232 to $1,721 depending on qualifications and experience. The national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour is not the applicable floor. Superannuation of 12% is paid on top. No official median salary exists for this occupation, so rely on award rates and any enterprise agreement for accurate expectations.

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