Diagnostic Radiographer Salary: State and Industry Differences in Australia

What is a diagnostic radiographer salary?

When you search for a diagnostic radiographer salary in Australia, you're looking at the pay for professionals who operate X-ray and other imaging equipment to help diagnose medical conditions. This role sits within the broader category of Medical Imaging Professionals (ANZSCO 2512), which also includes sonographers, nuclear medicine technologists, and radiation therapists.

Understanding where this salary sits against the national line helps you see how it compares to other jobs. The Salary Index uses a simple idea: the national line is 100, which equals full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $108,352 per year (based on ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). If a job pays more than that, its index is above 100; if less, below 100.

Where does the diagnostic radiographer salary sit on the index?

The most recent data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (May 2025) shows that Medical Imaging Professionals earn a median full-time weekly salary of $2,360. That works out to about $122,720 a year, giving an index of 113.3. That's above the national line, meaning the typical radiographer earns more than the average full-time worker.

However, there's a catch. Jobs and Skills Australia does not publish a median weekly earnings figure for the specific 6-digit occupation "Medical Diagnostic Radiographer" (251211) because the sample size is too small. The $2,360 figure is for the whole group. So while it's a good guide, it's not exact for every radiographer.

State differences in diagnostic radiographer pay

Where you work matters. The states page shows how average earnings vary across Australia. For example:

• Western Australia has an index of 106.9 (annualised $115,825)
• ACT has an index of 109.9 ($119,090)
• New South Wales is close to the national line at 101.2 ($109,658)
• Victoria is slightly below at 98 ($106,137)
• Queensland is 97.9 ($106,064)
• South Australia is 94.6 ($102,450)
• Northern Territory is 95.2 ($103,173)
• Tasmania is the lowest at 88.6 ($96,008)

A diagnostic radiographer in Perth or Canberra is likely to earn more than one in Hobart or Adelaide, reflecting both the cost of living and local labour market conditions. Public hospital pay scales also differ by state, and some states have their own industrial agreements on top of the federal award.

Industry context: health care and social assistance

Almost all diagnostic radiographers work in the Health Care and Social Assistance industry. That industry has an index of 97.8, which is slightly below the national line. But within that industry, medical imaging professionals earn above the industry average because of their specialised skills.

For comparison, the industries page shows that Mining has an index of 154.7, while Retail trade is 75.9. Radiographers sit somewhere in the middle, but above the all-industries average.

Award coverage and minimum rates

Diagnostic radiographers are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020. From 1 July 2026, all award minimum rates increased by 4.75%. Then from 1 October 2026, the Fair Work Commission increased minimum rates for health professional employees as part of a gender undervaluation review. The exact classification depends on qualifications and experience.

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week, index 48.2). But award rates for qualified radiographers are higher. For example, an entry-level award floor is $25.74 per hour, but that's for the lowest classification. A registered radiographer would be on a higher level.

Superannuation and tax considerations

From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% on top of your salary, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830. So if your diagnostic radiographer salary is $122,720, your employer adds $14,726 in super.

For tax, the 2026–27 resident rates (excluding Medicare) are:

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

Plus a 2% Medicare levy. A radiographer earning $122,720 would pay about $27,067 in income tax plus $2,454 Medicare levy, leaving around $93,199 take-home (ignoring HELP, salary sacrifice, etc.).

How to use the salary index for your own pay

The how the index works page explains that you can calculate your own index: divide your annual gross salary by $108,352 and multiply by 100. If you earn $130,000, your index is 120. That helps you compare across jobs and locations.

For diagnostic radiographers, the index of 113.3 is a solid benchmark. But remember: it's an average. New graduates earn less; experienced senior radiographers earn more. Private practices may pay differently from public hospitals.

Where to find more information

• Pay guides for health professionals under the award
• Topics on medical imaging careers
• The Fair Work Commission's Modern Awards Pay Database for current minimum rates

The key takeaway: a diagnostic radiographer salary in Australia is above the national average, with state and industry variations. Use the index to see where you stand.