Cardiac Sonographer Salary Australia: Award Rates, Super, and Tax Explained
Find out what a cardiac sonographer salary in Australia looks like. We examine award minimums, the salary index, superannuation, and tax for this specialised role.
Exact figures are uncertain, but award minimums for health professionals suggest an index around 93, while actual earnings for experienced cardiac sonographers are likely higher.
What is a cardiac sonographer?
A cardiac sonographer is a specialist who uses ultrasound to image the heart and its vessels, helping diagnose conditions like valve disease, heart failure, and congenital defects. In Australia, cardiac sonographers fall under the broader occupation of Sonographers (ANZSCO 251214), which includes those working in cardiac, vascular, and general ultrasound. According to, there are about 6,000 sonographers employed nationally, with a median age of 39 and a strong female majority (77%). About half work part-time, and full-time sonographers average 40 hours per week.
Award coverage and minimum rates
Most cardiac sonographers are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027). This award sets minimum pay rates based on qualifications and experience. The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes the full award, and the page shows rates effective from 1 October 2026. For a Health Professional employee at Level 2.1 (typically a qualified sonographer with some experience), the minimum weekly rate is $1,945.40 ($51.19 per hour). Annualised over 52 weeks at 38 hours, that’s about $101,160.
Higher classifications exist: Level 3 pays $1,983.20 per week, and Level 4 (senior or specialist) pays $2,499.10 per week ($65.77 per hour). Cardiac sonographers with advanced skills or supervisory roles may fall into these higher bands. Remember, these are minimums – many employers pay above award, especially in private cardiac clinics or hospitals.
Salary index context
The Salary Index benchmarks gross pay against the national line: index 100 equals full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $108,352 per year (from ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). Using the award minimum of $101,160 gives an index of 93.4 – below the national average but well above the national minimum wage index of 48.2. For comparison, the health care and social assistance industry index is 97.8, so a cardiac sonographer on award rates sits slightly below that industry benchmark. Experienced cardiac sonographers in high-demand areas like Sydney or Perth may earn $120,000–$140,000, pushing their index above 110. See industries for more sector comparisons.
Superannuation and tax
From 1 July 2026, the superannuation guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830. On the award minimum of $101,160, that’s an extra $12,139 paid into your super fund annually. For tax, using 2026–27 resident rates (excluding Medicare), a cardiac sonographer earning $101,160 would pay:
- Nil on first $18,200
- 15% on the next $26,800 ($4,020)
- 30% on the next $90,000 ($27,000)
- 37% on the remaining $0 (since $101,160 is below $135,000) Total tax about $31,020, plus 2% Medicare levy ($2,023). Take-home pay would be roughly $68,117 plus super. Higher earners face the 37% bracket up to $190,000. Learn more about how the index works to see how tax and super affect your real income.
State and territory differences
Where you work matters. The states page shows that ACT has an index of 109.9 (average $119,090), while Tasmania is 88.6 ($96,008). Cardiac sonographers in the ACT or Western Australia (index 106.9) may command higher wages due to demand and cost of living. Conversely, those in Tasmania or South Australia may see lower offers. The award minimum applies nationally, but enterprise agreements and market rates vary.
Conclusion
While a precise “cardiac sonographer salary Australia” figure is not published, the award provides a clear floor: around $101,160 annualised for a Level 2.1 health professional. Actual earnings are often higher, especially for experienced specialists. Use the Salary Index to compare any offer against the national line, and remember to factor in super (12%) and tax when evaluating a role. For more on pay structures, see our pay guides.
Questions people ask
What award covers cardiac sonographers in Australia?
Cardiac sonographers are typically classified as Health Professional employees under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027). This award sets minimum wages, allowances, and conditions. The classification depends on qualifications and experience, ranging from Level 1 (AQF Level 5) to Level 4. From 1 October 2026, the minimum weekly rate for a Level 2.1 Health Professional is $1,945.40.
How much can a cardiac sonographer expect to earn per year?
Exact annual earnings are not publicly available for cardiac sonographers specifically. Based on the award minimum for a Level 2.1 Health Professional, annualised pay is about $101,160 before tax and super. However, experienced cardiac sonographers in private practice or with advanced skills often earn significantly more. The national median for all sonographers is not reported by the ABS.
How does the salary index apply to cardiac sonographers?
The Salary Index compares gross annual earnings to the national line of $108,352 (index 100). Using the award minimum of $101,160 gives an index of about 93.4. This is below the national average but above the national minimum wage index of 48.2. Actual earnings for cardiac sonographers are likely higher, potentially pushing the index above 100 depending on experience and location.