What a Radiography Salary Really Looks Like in Australia

Reading a Job Ad for a Radiography Salary

When you see a job ad for a radiographer, the advertised salary might be expressed as an annual figure, an hourly rate, or a range. To compare offers fairly, you need to know where that figure sits against the national line. The Salary Index helps: it's your yearly gross divided by the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings ($108,352 as of May 2026), times 100. An index of 100 means you're earning the average; above 100 means above average.

For radiography, the typical full-time salary is well above that line. According to Jobs and Skills Australia, the median full-time weekly earnings for Medical Imaging Professionals (which includes radiographers, sonographers, and nuclear medicine technologists) is $2,360. That annualises to about $122,720, giving an index of 113. So if you see an ad offering $120,000, that's roughly on par with the median. An offer of $100,000 would be below the median but still above the national average (index 92).

What the Award Says

Most radiographers are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020. The Fair Work Commission updated the minimum rates from 1 October 2026 as part of a gender-based undervaluation review. The award has classification levels – typically Level 1 for new graduates, Level 2 for experienced practitioners, and Level 3 or 4 for senior or specialist roles. The minimum hourly rate for a Level 1 health professional is above the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour. For example, a Level 2 rate might be around $35–$40 per hour, depending on the specific classification and any allowances.

You can check the exact rates using the Fair Work Ombudsman's PACT tool or the Commission's Modern Awards Pay Database. Remember that award rates are minimums – many employers pay above award to attract and retain staff.

Comparing Offers Across States

Radiography salaries can vary by state. The Salary Index for each state shows how average earnings compare nationally. For instance, Western Australia has an index of 106.9 (annualised $115,825), while Tasmania is 88.6 ($96,008). If you're comparing a job in Perth versus Hobart, the cost of living and award rates may differ. However, the median radiography salary from JSA is a national figure – local variations exist but aren't published at that level of detail.

Super and Tax

Your radiography salary is before super. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12%, so on $122,720 your employer adds $14,726 to your super fund. Tax on that salary (2026–27 rates, excluding Medicare) would be roughly: nil on the first $18,200, 15% on the next $26,800, 30% on the next $90,000, and 37% on the remainder up to $190,000. Plus a 2% Medicare levy. A quick estimate: take-home pay on $122,720 might be around $88,000–$90,000 after tax and Medicare, depending on your circumstances.

How to Use the Index When Reading Ads

When you see a job ad, convert the salary to an index. For example, an ad offering $130,000 gives an index of 120 – that's 20% above the national line. Compare that to the median radiography index of 113. If the ad says "$55 per hour" for a full-time role (38 hours), that's $108,680 annualised, index 100 – exactly average for all occupations, but below the radiography median. If it's casual, add 25% loading: $68.75 per hour, index 125.

Remember that the index is a benchmark, not a guarantee. Your actual pay depends on experience, location, and the specific employer. Use the pay guides and industries pages to see how radiography compares to other health roles.

Why the Keyword Matters

The term "radiography salary" covers a range of roles: diagnostic radiographer, radiation therapist, sonographer, nuclear medicine technologist. Each may have slightly different pay scales. The JSA data groups them together, so the median is a useful starting point. For more precise figures, look at specific ANZSCO codes: 251211 (Medical Diagnostic Radiographer), 251212 (Medical Radiation Therapist), 251213 (Nuclear Medicine Technologist), 251214 (Sonographer).

Final Thoughts

A radiography salary in Australia is generally above the national average, with a typical full-time earner at index 113. When comparing job offers, always check the award classification, consider super and tax, and use the Salary Index to see where the offer sits against the line. For more on how the index works, see how the index works.

If you're negotiating, remember that the median is a guide – your skills and location matter. Use the states page to see how your state's average compares, and check topics for more on health industry pay.