Radiographer Salary Australia: Award Rates and Minimum Pay in 2026

Understanding the radiographer salary in Australia

When researching a radiographer salary in Australia, the first question is often which pay floor applies. Radiographers (formally Medical Diagnostic Radiographers, ANZSCO 251211) operate X‑ray and other imaging equipment to produce diagnostic images. Their employment conditions are typically set by a modern award, an enterprise agreement, or the national minimum wage if no other instrument covers them. This guide separates the legal minimum from award rates and explains how superannuation adds to total remuneration.

The legal pay floor

For any national‑system employee who is not covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement, the national minimum wage applies. From 1 July 2026, that rate is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 for a 38‑hour week. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, bringing the casual minimum to $33.05 per hour. These figures are set by the Fair Work Commission and enforced by the Fair Work Ombudsman. However, most radiographers work under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, which provides higher minimum rates.

Award rates for radiographers

The Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027) covers medical diagnostic radiographers employed in private hospitals, medical centres, and diagnostic imaging practices. The award classifies health professional employees into levels based on their qualification (Australian Qualifications Framework level) and years of experience. For a radiographer with a bachelor degree (AQF Level 7), the minimum weekly rates are:

• 1st year: $1,308.80 ($34.44 per hour)
• 2nd–3rd year: $1,409.00 ($37.08 per hour)
• 4th–6th year: $1,565.30 ($41.19 per hour)
• 7th year and over: $1,689.50 ($44.46 per hour)

These rates apply to full‑time employees working an average of 38 ordinary hours per week. Part‑time and casual employees receive the same hourly rate, with casuals also entitled to the 25% loading. The award also contains higher classifications (Levels 2, 3, and 4) for senior or specialist roles, with Level 4 reaching $2,499.10 per week ($65.77 per hour).

It is important to note that the award minimum is a floor. Many radiographers earn above these rates through enterprise agreements or individual negotiation. The Fair Work Ombudsman’s award page provides the full classification structure and allowances.

National minimum wage as a backstop

If a radiographer is not covered by any award or agreement, the national minimum wage applies. This is rare in the health industry, but it can occur in small, unregistered practices or for certain trainees. The national minimum is also the backstop: no award rate can fall below it. For example, the award’s introductory rate for a new health professional employee (first six months) is $25.74 per hour, which is below the national minimum. In that case, the employer must pay at least $26.44 per hour. The Fair Work Commission ensures that all modern award rates meet or exceed the national minimum after each annual wage review.

Superannuation and total package

Employers must pay superannuation guarantee contributions of 12% on top of ordinary time earnings. This is not deducted from the employee’s wage; it is an additional payment into a super fund. For a radiographer on the award minimum of $1,308.80 per week, the employer adds $157.06 in super, making total remuneration about $1,465.86 per week. The super guarantee rate is legislated to remain at 12% for the 2026‑27 financial year. When comparing job offers, always consider the base salary plus super, as the total package can vary significantly.

How the figures work

All figures in this guide are sourced from the Fair Work Ombudsman’s modern award database and the Fair Work Commission’s national minimum wage determination. The ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours does not publish median earnings for the six‑digit occupation of Medical Diagnostic Radiographer, so no survey average is available here. Award rates are the most reliable legal minimum. For a deeper look at how minimum wages are calculated, see our methodology page. If you are unsure which award applies to your role, visit our guides for step‑by‑step help.

Enterprise agreements and above‑award pay

A registered enterprise agreement can set higher rates than the award, but it cannot undercut the award minimum. Many public hospitals and large private imaging providers have enterprise agreements that offer higher base salaries, shift penalties, and allowances. If you work under such an agreement, the agreement rate is your legal minimum. Always check your employment contract and the applicable industrial instrument.

Summary

For most radiographers in Australia, the legal minimum pay is set by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, with rates ranging from about $1,232 to $1,689 per week depending on qualifications and experience. The national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour is a backstop for award‑free employees. Superannuation of 12% is paid on top. Actual salaries can be higher, especially for experienced or specialised radiographers. For more information, see our rate tables or topics page.