What is the legal minimum wage for a cardiac sonographer in Australia?

The legal minimum wage for an award-free adult cardiac sonographer is the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour (or $1,004.90 per week for a 38-hour week) as of 1 July 2026. However, most cardiac sonographers are covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement that sets a higher minimum rate. The Fair Work Ombudsman explains and enforces these obligations.

Does the Health Professionals and Support Services Award apply to cardiac sonographers?

Cardiac sonographers are typically classified under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 or a similar health industry award. This award sets minimum rates above the national minimum wage, depending on the classification level. The precise award rate is not listed in this reference, so you should check the award or your enterprise agreement for the exact figure. The Fair Work Commission sets the award rates, and the Fair Work Ombudsman provides guidance.

How does superannuation affect a cardiac sonographer's total remuneration?

Employers must pay superannuation guarantee contributions of 12% on top of ordinary time earnings (as of 1 July 2026). For a cardiac sonographer earning the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour, the employer would add an extra $3.17 per hour in super. This is not deducted from the employee's pay; it is an additional payment into a super fund. Award or agreement rates may be higher, and super is calculated on that higher base.

Cardiac Sonographer Salary Australia: Legal Floor and Award Coverage

The legal floor for a cardiac sonographer is the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour, but award rates or enterprise agreements typically set higher pay; a precise market average is not available in this reference.

Cardiac Sonographer Salary Australia: Understanding the Pay Floor

If you are searching for a cardiac sonographer salary in Australia, the first thing to know is that there is no single published figure in this reference. Instead, the legal minimum wage provides a floor, and most cardiac sonographers are covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement that sets a higher rate. This guide explains the legal minimum, how award coverage works, and what to consider when comparing salaries.

The Legal Minimum Wage

For an award-free adult employee, the national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week for a 38-hour week. Casual employees receive a loading of 25%, making the casual minimum $33.05 per hour. These rates apply to national-system employees who are not covered by an award or agreement. However, most cardiac sonographers work under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award or a similar award, which sets higher minimum rates. The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage, and the Fair Work Ombudsman explains and enforces it.

Award Coverage for Cardiac Sonographers

Cardiac sonographers are health professionals who perform ultrasound imaging of the heart. They are typically classified under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, which includes various levels based on qualifications and experience. The award minimum rates are higher than the national minimum wage, but the exact figures are not provided in this reference. You can find the current award rates on the Fair Work Ombudsman website or in your enterprise agreement. Remember that an award or enterprise agreement can require a higher rate than the national minimum, but never a lower one.

Comparing Salaries: The Role of Enterprise Agreements

Many public hospitals and private practices have enterprise agreements that set pay rates above the award. These agreements are negotiated between employers and employees (or unions) and can include additional benefits such as penalty rates, allowances, and higher super contributions. If you are employed under an enterprise agreement, your minimum pay is the rate specified in that agreement. The national minimum wage only applies if no award or agreement covers you.

Superannuation: An Employer Payment on Top

When discussing pay, it is important to remember that superannuation is an employer payment on top of your salary. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee rate is 12% of ordinary time earnings. For example, if your base salary is $26.44 per hour, your employer must pay an additional $3.17 per hour into your super fund. This is not part of your take-home pay but is a compulsory retirement contribution. Award or agreement rates may be higher, and super is calculated on that higher amount.

What If You Are Award-Free?

If you are a cardiac sonographer who is not covered by any award or enterprise agreement (rare in this profession), the national minimum wage applies. However, you may still negotiate a higher salary. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides guidance on minimum entitlements. For award-free junior employees, the national minimum wage is reduced by age-based percentages (e.g., 36.8% for under 16, up to 100% at 21 and over). Apprentice and trainee rates for award-free employees follow the Miscellaneous Award, not the junior percentages.

How This Site Can Help

For more information on which minimum wage applies to your situation, see Which minimum wage applies. You can also explore Rate tables for national minimum wage history and award backstop rates. Remember that this guide is for orientation only and is not a pay determination or legal advice. Always check your award or agreement for the exact rate.

Key Takeaways

The legal floor for a cardiac sonographer is the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour, but award or agreement rates are typically higher.
A precise market average for cardiac sonographer salary is not available in this reference.
Superannuation of 12% is paid by the employer on top of ordinary time earnings.
Always verify your coverage under a modern award or enterprise agreement to ensure you receive the correct minimum pay.

For the published floors, see the rate tables and how the figures work.