Sonographer salary in Australia: the award minimum by years of experience, public hospital pay scales in Queensland Health, and what sonographers actually earned according to the ATO, with take-home pay in 2026–27.
A first-year sonographer gets at least $69,529 a year under the award. In public hospitals, Queensland Health pays $83,824 to $124,314 at HP3. The ATO median for sonographers was $109,756 in 2023-24.
Sonographers perform ultrasound scans for diagnosis, from pregnancy scans to cardiac and vascular imaging. Most work for private radiology groups; public hospitals employ them in medical imaging departments. Sonography is usually entered through a postgraduate qualification after a science degree.
Award minimum pay
From 1 October 2026, the Health Professionals and Support Services Award pays sonographers at Level 1 by AQF Level 8 and years of experience. Levels 2 to 4 are senior clinicians, advanced clinicians and managers.
Full-time 38 hours; per year is the weekly rate × 52. Casuals get 25% more an hour.
Queensland Health sonographer salary
Queensland Health employs sonographers on the Health Practitioner (HP) scale. New graduates usually start at HP3; HP4 covers senior clinicians and small-team managers, and HP5 to HP8 are advanced, specialist and management roles. Rates from 1 September 2026.
Every pay point is on the Queensland Health pay rates page.
NSW Health employs most sonographers through its medical imaging departments; see the NSW medical radiation scientist scale on the radiographer page.
What sonographers actually earn
The ATO's tax statistics for 2023-24 show what people in the occupation were actually paid, including part-timers, so full-time pay is usually higher than the median:
| Occupation (ATO) | People | Median | Average | Median, men | Median, women |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sonographer | 4,749 | $109,756 | $108,440 | $136,299 | $103,424 |
Salary or wage from ATO Taxation Statistics 2023-24, Table 15A. Averages are pulled up by a few high earners, so the median is the better guide.
Sonographer pay compared with other allied health jobs
| Job | ATO median 2023-24 | Award entry level |
|---|---|---|
| Sonographer | $109,756 | AQF 8 |
| Radiographer | $102,607 | AQF 7 |
Qualifications and registration
The award lists sonographers at AQF Level 8, which means an honours degree or graduate diploma is the usual minimum qualification. Sonographers are not registered with Ahpra; employers usually require accreditation with the Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry (ASAR).
NSW Health sonographers are paid under a separate medical radiation award, which isn't shown here.
Take-home pay: after income tax and the Medicare levy for a full year in 2026–27, before super and HELP.
Other allied health jobs: Physiotherapist · Speech pathologist · Occupational therapist · Radiographer · Psychologist · Podiatrist · Audiologist · Dietitian. See also NSW Health pay rates, Queensland Health pay rates and the salary packaging calculator.
Common questions
How much does a sonographer earn in Australia?
Pay depends on the employer. The award minimum for a first-year sonographer is $35.19 an hour, about $69,529 a year. Queensland Health pays $83,824 to $124,314 at HP3, and the ATO median salary or wage for sonographers was $109,756 in 2023-24.
What is a graduate sonographer's salary?
At least $69,529 a year under the award (AQF Level 8). In Queensland Health most new graduates start at HP3 ($83,824).
How much does a senior sonographer earn?
Senior clinicians in Queensland Health (HP4) earn $132,689 to $142,315. Under the award, Level 2 senior clinicians get at least $51.19 an hour.
Which award covers sonographers?
The Health Professionals and Support Services Award, which lists the Sonographer profession at AQF Level 8. Public hospital staff are paid under state agreements instead, which pay more.
Do sonographers need to be registered?
Sonographers are not registered with Ahpra; employers usually require accreditation with the Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry (ASAR).
Is super included?
No. All figures are before super, which is paid on top.
Sources: Fair Work Ombudsman pay guide for the Health Professionals and Support Services Award [MA000027] (clause B.3 for the profession's AQF level); Queensland Health health practitioner wage rates; ATO Taxation Statistics 2023-24. Checked 2026-10-23. General information only.