What is the minimum hourly rate for a sonographer in Melbourne?

Sonographers are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020. The minimum hourly rate depends on the classification level (e.g., Health Professional Level 1 to 4). From 1 July 2026, award rates increased by 4.75%. For the exact minimum rates, refer to the Fair Work Ombudsman pay guide for this award. Entry-level rates typically start above the National Minimum Wage of $26.44 per hour.

How is casual loading applied to sonographer pay?

Casual employees under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award are entitled to a 25% casual loading on top of the minimum hourly rate. This loading is intended to compensate for the lack of paid leave entitlements. When using our calculator, you can check the 'casual loading' box to add 25% to the base hourly rate. Do not enter a rate that already includes casual loading.

How do I calculate my annual salary from my hourly rate?

Multiply your hourly rate by the number of hours you work per week, then by 52 weeks. For a standard full-time week of 38 hours, the formula is: hourly rate × 38 × 52 = annual gross salary. For example, $40 per hour × 38 × 52 = $79,040 per year. Your fortnightly pay is roughly the weekly amount multiplied by 2. Remember that superannuation (12%) is paid on top of your gross salary, and tax is deducted according to the 2026–27 resident tax rates.

Sonographer Salary Melbourne: Hourly to Annual Pay Calculator Guide

For a sonographer in Melbourne under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award, an hourly rate of $40 per hour (a typical rate for experienced professionals) equates to an annual gross salary of $79,040 based on a 38-hour week and 52 weeks per year.

How to Calculate Your Sonographer Salary Melbourne

To convert an hourly rate into an annual salary, use the standard formula: hourly rate × hours per week × 52 weeks. This assumes you work the same number of hours every week, with no unpaid overtime, penalty rates, or allowances. For full-time employees, a 38-hour week is the common benchmark under modern awards. If you work part-time, adjust the weekly hours accordingly.

For example, if you earn $40 per hour as a sonographer in Melbourne and work 38 hours each week, your annual gross salary is:

$40 × 38 × 52 = $79,040

Your fortnightly gross pay would be approximately $3,040 (weekly pay of $1,520 multiplied by 2). This gives you a clear picture of your base earnings before tax and super.

Award Coverage for Sonographers

Sonographers in Melbourne are typically covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027). The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes pay guides that list the minimum hourly rates for each classification level, from Health Professional Level 1 to Level 4. These rates are updated after each Annual Wage Review. From 1 July 2026, award minimum wages increased by 4.75%, and the National Minimum Wage rose to $26.44 per hour (or $1,004.90 per week for 38 hours).

For casual sonographers, a 25% casual loading applies on top of the base hourly rate. When using our calculator, check the casual loading box to add this amount—do not enter a rate that already includes casual loading. The Fair Work Commission’s Modern Awards Pay Database also provides detailed classification and penalty rate data for this award.

National Minimum Wage and Award Increases

The National Minimum Wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour for a 38-hour week, or $1,004.90 per week. Casual employees receive a minimum of $33.05 per hour (including the 25% loading). Award rates for sonographers are higher than the National Minimum Wage, reflecting the skilled nature of the role. The Fair Work Ombudsman’s pay guides and the minimum wage page provide the latest figures.

Tax and Superannuation

Your gross annual salary is the starting point for tax and super calculations. For the 2026–27 financial year, the Australian Taxation Office resident tax rates are:

Nil on income up to $18,200
15% on income from $18,201 to $45,000
30% on income from $45,001 to $135,000
37% on income from $135,001 to $190,000
45% on income above $190,000

A Medicare levy of 2% generally applies. The Medicare levy surcharge and HELP repayments are not included in this estimate.

Superannuation is paid on top of your gross salary at 12% of ordinary earnings, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. For a sonographer earning $79,040, the super contribution would be $9,484.80 per year, added by your employer.

Example Calculation for a Sonographer in Melbourne

Take an experienced sonographer earning $45 per hour (a common rate for Level 2 or 3 under the award). Working 38 hours per week:

Annual gross: $45 × 38 × 52 = $88,920
Fortnightly gross: ($45 × 38 × 2) = $3,420
Estimated tax (2026–27): approximately $18,667 (including Medicare levy)
Estimated after-tax income: $70,253 per year
Super (12% on top): $10,670.40 per year

These figures are estimates. Your actual pay may differ due to penalty rates, allowances, or salary packaging. Use our take-home pay guide for a more detailed breakdown.

Important Considerations

This calculator provides an estimate only. It assumes a consistent 38-hour week, no unpaid overtime, no penalty rates or allowances, and no salary sacrifice. Super is calculated at 12% of ordinary earnings and stops at the maximum contribution base. Tax uses the 2026–27 resident scale with the full tax-free threshold, and Medicare uses the 2025–26 single reduction thresholds (as 2026–27 thresholds were not confirmed at the time of this guide). Always refer to the Fair Work Ombudsman’s pay guides and the Australian Taxation Office for your specific situation.