Sonographer Salary in Australia (2026 Guide)
Sonography is one of the better-paid allied health careers in Australia. Pay depends on your state, whether you work in a public hospital or private practice, your experience and your specialty areas. Here is what the latest published figures show.
$2,360
Median weekly pay (medical imaging professionals)
About $122,700 a year, full-time
~6,000
Sonographers employed in Australia
49% work part-time
~$131,000
Average advertised salary (healthcare)
From employer job ads
Salary by state and experience
Benchmark base salaries (excluding super) from Healthcare Australia's 2026 Salary Guide.
| State | 1–4 years | 5–10+ years |
|---|---|---|
| ACT | $132,000 | $145,000 |
| NSW | $132,000 | $147,000 |
| NT | $135,000 | $150,000 |
| QLD | $133,000 | $140,000 |
| SA | $118,000 | $141,000 |
| TAS | $120,000 | $138,000 |
| VIC | $123,000 | $145,000 |
| WA | $128,000 | $145,000 |
Public hospital vs private practice
Public hospital sonographers are paid under each state's health award or enterprise agreement, with set grades and yearly increments. Private practices must pay at least the federal award minimum, but most advertised private roles pay well above it — senior and locum roles often quote high hourly rates. Specialties such as cardiac, obstetric and musculoskeletal ultrasound can attract higher pay.
How to increase your earning potential
- Gain ASAR accreditation and keep your CPD current.
- Build competency across more exam types (vascular, MSK, obstetric, cardiac).
- Consider regional, rural or locum work, which often pays a premium.
- Move into senior, tutor or clinical lead roles as you gain experience.
New to the career? Read how to become a sonographer in Australia.
Studying to become a sonographer?
SonoReady Australia is free with an account — a full question bank, mock exams, flashcards, scan protocols, pathology and interactive scanning practice.
Sources
- Jobs and Skills Australia — Sonographers
- Jobs and Skills Australia — Medical Imaging Professionals
- Healthcare Australia — 2026 Salary Guide
- SEEK — Sonographer salary
Figures are guides only and change over time. Check current awards and job ads before making decisions.