Cardiac sonographer salary: award rates, super, and tax in Australia

What is a cardiac sonographer salary?

A cardiac sonographer is a specialist medical imaging professional who uses ultrasound equipment to examine the heart and its blood vessels. In Australia, this occupation falls under the broader ANZSCO group of Medical Imaging Professionals (2512), specifically Sonographers (251214). The cardiac sonographer salary is not published as a single median figure by the Australian Bureau of Statistics – the ABS notes that median weekly earnings for sonographers are not available due to statistical reliability constraints. However, we can build a clear picture using the minimum rates set by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, which covers most sonographers working in hospitals and private practices.

Award coverage and minimum rates

The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027), which includes a classification structure for Health Professional employees. A cardiac sonographer typically holds a bachelor’s degree (AQF Level 7) and may have postgraduate qualifications. Under the award, they are likely classified at Health Professional Level 2 or higher, depending on experience and responsibility.

From 1 July 2026, the minimum rates for a full-time Health Professional employee are:

• Level 2.1: $51.19 per hour, $1,945.40 per week, annualised to $101,161
• Level 2.2: $52.19 per hour, $1,983.20 per week, annualised to $103,126
• Level 3: $52.19 per hour (same as Level 2.2)
• Level 4: $65.77 per hour, $2,499.10 per week, annualised to $129,953

These rates include the 4.75% increase from the 2026 Annual Wage Review, as recorded in the Fair Work Commission’s Modern Awards Pay Database. A cardiac sonographer with several years of experience would typically be at Level 2.2 or Level 3, while a senior or lead sonographer might reach Level 4.

How the salary index compares

The Salary Index benchmarks gross pay against full-time adult ordinary-time earnings, which the ABS sets at $2,083.70 per week, annualised to $108,352 (May 2026). That figure is the index baseline of 100. The national minimum wage sits at an index of 48.2 ($52,255 per year). A cardiac sonographer on the Level 2.1 award rate of $101,161 has an index of approximately 93.4 – slightly below the national line. At Level 4 ($129,953), the index rises to about 119.9, well above the average. For context, the health care and social assistance industry index is 97.8, so a cardiac sonographer on award rates near Level 2 is close to that industry benchmark.

Actual salaries in the private sector or under enterprise agreements often exceed award minimums. Some cardiac sonographers in major hospitals or specialist clinics may earn between $110,000 and $140,000, which would push the index into the 101–129 range. Without a published median, these are estimates based on industry reports and job advertisements.

Gross pay, super, and tax

Understanding the cardiac sonographer salary means looking beyond the hourly rate. From 1 July 2026, the superannuation guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings. For a cardiac sonographer earning $101,161 per year, the employer must contribute an additional $12,139 into a super fund, bringing total remuneration to $113,300. The super contribution base maximum is $270,830, so this applies fully.

Tax on gross pay for 2026–27 (resident, tax-free threshold claimed, excluding Medicare levy) is calculated using these brackets:

• $0–$18,200: nil
• $18,201–$45,000: 15%
• $45,001–$135,000: 30%
• $135,001–$190,000: 37%
• Above $190,000: 45%

For a cardiac sonographer on $101,161:

• Tax on first $18,200: $0
• Tax on next $26,800 (to $45,000): $4,020
• Tax on remaining $56,161 (to $101,161): $16,848
• Total tax: $20,868
• Plus 2% Medicare levy: $2,023
• Total deductions: $22,891
• Take-home pay: $78,270 per year, or $6,523 per month

At the Level 4 rate of $129,953:

• Tax: $33,526
• Medicare levy: $2,599
• Take-home: $93,828 per year

These estimates ignore HELP debt repayments, salary sacrifice, or the Medicare levy surcharge for singles without private hospital cover.

State and industry context

The Salary Index also tracks state-level benchmarks. A cardiac sonographer working in New South Wales (index 101.2) or the ACT (109.9) may find that award rates near Level 2 sit slightly below the state average, while those in Tasmania (88.6) or South Australia (94.6) may be closer to or above the local line. The health care and social assistance industry index is 97.8, so a cardiac sonographer on Level 2.1 (index 93.4) is slightly below the industry average, but at Level 4 (index 119.9) they are well above.

Where to find more information

For the latest award rates, visit the Fair Work Ombudsman pay guides or the Fair Work Commission Modern Awards Pay Database. You can also compare your pay using the Salary Index. To see how your state or territory compares, check the states page. For a full explanation of how the index is calculated, see how the index works.

Key takeaways

• The cardiac sonographer salary is not published as a median, but award minimums provide a solid baseline.
• Under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, a typical cardiac sonographer earns between $51.19 and $65.77 per hour.
• Superannuation at 12% adds significantly to total remuneration.
• Take-home pay after tax and Medicare ranges from about $78,000 to $94,000 per year for award rates.
• Actual earnings may be higher, especially in private practice or with enterprise agreements.