Radiographer salary Australia: what the data says about comparing job offers

Reading a job ad for a radiographer role

When you see a job ad for a radiographer in Australia, the salary figure can be hard to judge. Is it a fair offer? How does it compare to what others earn? The keyword "radiographer salary australia" leads to public data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics and Jobs and Skills Australia. This article helps you read those numbers and compare offers using the Salary Index.

What the official data says

Jobs and Skills Australia publishes profiles for medical imaging professionals, a group that includes Medical Diagnostic Radiographers, Medical Radiation Therapists, Nuclear Medicine Technologists, and Sonographers. The most recent data (May 2025) shows median full-time weekly earnings of $2,360 for this group. That works out to about $122,720 per year before tax. Against the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $108,352 (index 100), that gives a salary index of roughly 113 – meaning the typical medical imaging professional earns 13% above the national line.

However, the data for the specific occupation "Medical Diagnostic Radiographers" (ANZSCO 251211) does not have median weekly earnings published. The ABS suppresses figures when the standard error is too high. So the group figure is the best public benchmark we have.

How to compare a job offer

Use the salary index to put any advertised salary in perspective. Take the annual gross salary (excluding super), divide by $108,352, and multiply by 100. For example:

• An ad offering $95,000 gives an index of 87.7 – below the national average.
• An ad offering $130,000 gives an index of 120 – above the group median.

You can also check the how the index works page for more detail. Remember that the index is a benchmark for full-time adult ordinary-time earnings. Part-time or casual roles will have different comparisons.

Award minimums and what they mean

Most radiographers are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020. The Fair Work Commission maintains a Modern Awards Pay Database with minimum rates, allowances, and penalty rates. From 1 October 2026, minimum rates for health professional employees in this award were updated following a gender-based undervaluation review.

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, but award rates for qualified radiographers are higher. Entry-level award floors start around $25.74 per hour. Award minima rose by 4.75% from 1 July 2026. Casual employees get a loading of about $33.05 per hour.

Factors that affect your pay

Location matters. State indexes vary: Western Australia (106.9) and the ACT (109.9) are above the national line, while Tasmania (88.6) and South Australia (94.6) are below. A job in Perth may pay more than one in Hobart, even for the same role. Check the states page for details.

Experience and specialisation also shift pay. Senior radiographers, those in private practice, or those with specialist skills (e.g., MRI, CT) can earn above the median. The group data shows a median age of 36 and 76% female workforce, but individual earnings vary.

Full-time vs part-time: Only 64% of medical imaging professionals work full-time. Part-time roles pay proportionally less but offer flexibility. Average full-time hours are 40 per week, slightly below the all-occupations average of 44.

Superannuation: The super guarantee is 12% from 1 July 2026, with a maximum contribution base of $270,830. When comparing offers, add 12% to the base salary for total remuneration. For example, a $100,000 salary plus $12,000 super gives a total package of $112,000.

Using the index to negotiate

If you receive a job offer, calculate its salary index and compare it to the group median of 113. If the offer is below that, you have a basis to negotiate. Also check the relevant pay guides for your award classification. Remember that the index is a gross benchmark – take-home pay depends on tax and the Medicare levy. For 2026–27, a resident earning $122,720 would pay about $28,867 in tax plus 2% Medicare levy, leaving roughly $91,000 after tax (excluding HELP or other deductions).

Where to find more information

• Salary Index – compare any salary to the national line.
• industries – see how health care and social assistance (index 97.8) compares.
• topics – explore other occupation salary guides.

The key takeaway: the public data gives you a solid starting point. Use the group median of $2,360 per week as a realistic benchmark for a full-time radiographer role, but adjust for location, experience, and award conditions. The salary index helps you see where an offer sits relative to the national average – a simple tool for a clearer picture.