What is the legal minimum pay for a sonographer in Perth?

If a sonographer is not covered by any award or registered agreement, the national minimum wage applies: $26.44 per hour or $1004.90 per week (from 1 July 2026). However, most sonographers are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 or a similar award, which sets higher minimum rates. Use the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool to find the correct award rate.

Does the ABS publish a median salary for sonographers in Perth?

No. The ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours does not produce median weekly earnings for 6-digit ANZSCO occupations such as sonographers (251214). National data from Jobs and Skills Australia shows sonographers have a median age of 39 and 77% are female, but no median salary figure is available for Perth specifically.

Does superannuation count as part of the sonographer salary?

No. The superannuation guarantee (12% from 1 July 2026) is paid by the employer on top of ordinary time earnings. It is not part of the quoted salary or wage. When comparing a sonographer salary in Perth, always check whether the figure includes super or not.

Sonographer salary Perth: which pay floor applies and how the pay floor works

The national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour (from 1 July 2026) is the legal floor for award-free sonographers in Perth, but most are covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement that sets higher rates; specific Perth median earnings are not published by the ABS for this occupation.

Sonographer salary Perth: understanding the pay floor

If you are searching for a sonographer salary Perth, the first thing to know is which legal minimum applies. Australia’s pay system can be confusing because there are multiple floors: the national minimum wage, modern award rates, and enterprise agreement rates. For a sonographer in Perth, the correct floor depends on whether you are covered by an award or agreement.

The national minimum wage as a backstop

From 1 July 2026, the national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a full-time adult employee not covered by an award or agreement. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, making the casual minimum $33.05 per hour. These rates are set by the Fair Work Commission and enforced by the Fair Work Ombudsman. Which minimum wage applies explains how to determine your coverage.

However, most sonographers in Perth are employed under a modern award. The Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 is the most likely award for sonographers working in private practices, hospitals, or diagnostic imaging centres. That award sets higher minimum rates than the national minimum wage. Introductory rates for new employees (limited to the first six months) can be as low as $25.74 per hour, but after that the ongoing rate must rise to at least $26.44 per hour. Always check the award classification that matches your role.

What the data says about sonographers

According to Jobs and Skills Australia, sonographers are classified under ANZSCO 251214. The occupation is predominantly female (77%) with a median age of 39 years. Full-time workers average 40 hours per week. provides these demographic details but does not publish a median salary for Perth or nationally at the 6-digit level. The ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (May 2025) does not produce median weekly earnings for 6-digit occupations, so we cannot give a reliable average or median sonographer salary in Perth from official sources.

Award rates vs. enterprise agreements

Some sonographers in Perth may be covered by an enterprise agreement negotiated between their employer and a union. Enterprise agreements can set rates higher than the award, but they must pass the “better off overall test” compared to the award. If you are unsure, use the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay and Conditions Tool to find the correct minimum for your job. Guides can help you navigate the process.

Superannuation is extra

When discussing a sonographer salary in Perth, remember that the superannuation guarantee (12% from 1 July 2026) is paid by the employer on top of ordinary time earnings. It is not included in the hourly or weekly wage figures quoted above. For example, if your award rate is $30 per hour, your employer must also pay $3.60 per hour into your super fund.

Common misconceptions

“The national minimum wage is $26.44, so everyone must get that.” Not true. Juniors, apprentices, trainees, and employees on introductory award rates can be paid less. For award-free juniors, the rates range from $9.73 per hour (under 16) to $25.84 (20 years old).
“My award rate is the same as the national minimum.” Many award rates are higher. Always check your specific award classification.
“The Fair Work Ombudsman sets the minimum wage.” No, the Fair Work Commission sets the rates; the Ombudsman explains and enforces them.

How to find your correct pay floor

Identify your award or agreement. Most sonographers in Perth are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020.
Find your classification level within that award.
Check if an enterprise agreement applies.
Use the Fair Work Ombudsman’s online tools to calculate your minimum pay including penalties and allowances.
Remember that super is paid on top.

For more detail on how pay floors are calculated, see How the figures work.

Final word on sonographer salary Perth

Without a published median from the ABS or a specific Perth survey, it is impossible to state a typical sonographer salary in Perth. The legal floor is $26.44 per hour (or higher under an award). Actual salaries will vary by experience, employer, and location. Always rely on official award rates and your employment contract rather than online averages.