Radiographer Salary: How Award Rates Compare to the National Minimum Wage

What is a radiographer salary?

A radiographer salary in Australia depends on the award classification, experience, and where you work. Radiographers (also called medical diagnostic radiographers) operate X-ray and other imaging equipment to help diagnose and treat medical conditions. They are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, which sets minimum pay rates that are reviewed each year by the Fair Work Commission.

Award rates versus the national minimum wage

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week (annualised $52,255). That gives a Salary Index of 48.2 – meaning it is just under half the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $2,083.70 per week (index 100). A radiographer, even at entry level, earns well above that. Under the Health Professionals Award, a Level 1 radiographer (new graduate) earns roughly $35–$38 per hour. That is about 32–44% above the national minimum wage, and the index for that hourly rate would be around 74–80 (compared to the national line of 100).

Experienced radiographers at Level 3 or 4 can earn $45–$50 per hour, putting them above the national average. The broader category of medical imaging professionals (which includes radiographers, sonographers, and nuclear medicine technologists) has a median full-time weekly earning of $2,360, according to Jobs and Skills Australia. That works out to an index of about 113 – 13% above the national line.

How the Salary Index helps you compare

The Salary Index converts any annual gross salary into a number where 100 equals the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings ($108,352 per year as of May 2026). For example, a radiographer earning $90,000 per year has an index of 83. One earning $120,000 has an index of 111. This lets you see at a glance how a pay offer stacks up against the average worker, regardless of the dollar figure.

State and industry differences

Where you work matters. The states page shows that Western Australia has an index of 106.9 (above the national line), while Tasmania is 88.6. Radiographers in WA might earn more due to higher demand and cost of living. The industries page shows health care and social assistance has an index of 97.8 – slightly below the national line – but radiographers within that industry tend to earn above the industry average because of their specialised skills.

Award classifications in detail

The Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 has four main levels for health professionals:

• Health Professional Level 1: New graduates or those with less than one year of experience. Minimum hourly rate around $35–$36 (as of October 2026).
• Health Professional Level 2: After one year, or with some experience. Rate around $38–$41 per hour.
• Health Professional Level 3: Experienced practitioners who may supervise others. Rate around $42–$46 per hour.
• Health Professional Level 4: Senior specialists, managers, or those with advanced clinical skills. Rate around $47–$52 per hour.

These rates are minimums. Many public hospitals and private imaging centres pay above award through enterprise agreements or individual contracts. A radiographer with five years of experience in a major city might earn $55–$65 per hour, which would give an index of 110–130.

Superannuation and tax

Remember that the salary figures quoted are before tax and before super. The super guarantee is 12% from 1 July 2026, so on a $2,360 weekly salary, your employer adds $283.20 to your super fund. For tax, the 2026–27 resident rates start at nil for the first $18,200, then 15% up to $45,000, 30% up to $135,000, and so on. Plus a 2% Medicare levy. A radiographer earning $100,000 per year would take home roughly $75,000 after tax and Medicare, excluding HELP or other deductions.

Where to find current pay guides

For the most up-to-date award rates, check the Fair Work Commission’s Modern Awards Pay Database, which includes the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020. You can also look at pay guides on this site for a summary of key classifications. If you are negotiating a salary, remember that the award is a floor, not a ceiling. Use the Salary Index to benchmark offers against the national line.

Summary

A radiographer salary in Australia is well above the national minimum wage, with typical earnings around the national average or higher. The exact figure depends on your award level, experience, and location. The median for medical imaging professionals is $2,360 per week (index 113), but radiographer-specific data is not published due to statistical reliability. If you are entering the profession, expect to start around $35–$38 per hour and progress to $50+ per hour with experience. Always compare using the Salary Index to see where you stand relative to the national line.