How to Compare a Sonography Salary Offer Using Take-Home Pay

Evaluating a Sonography Salary Offer

When you receive a job offer as a sonographer, the headline figure can be misleading. What matters is the amount that lands in your bank account each fortnight after tax, the Medicare levy, and any other deductions. This guide helps you compare offers using take-home pay, so you can make an informed decision.

What the Data Shows About Sonography Pay

According to Jobs and Skills Australia, the median weekly earnings for sonographers are not published separately due to data limitations. However, the broader category of Medical Imaging Professionals – which includes sonographers, radiographers, and nuclear medicine technologists – has a median full-time weekly earnings of $2,360. This figure is before tax and does not include superannuation. Keep in mind that your actual pay may vary based on experience, location, and the type of employer (public hospital, private practice, or agency).

Calculating Your Take-Home Pay

To compare offers, start with the annual salary. For 2026–27, the Australian Tax Office applies these resident tax rates:

• Nil on the first $18,200
• 15c per dollar from $18,201 to $45,000
• 30c per dollar from $45,001 to $135,000
• 37c per dollar from $135,001 to $190,000
• 45c per dollar above $190,000

You may also be eligible for the Low Income Tax Offset (LITO), which reduces tax by up to $700 for incomes under $37,500, then phases out. The Medicare levy adds 2% of your taxable income, but if you earn between $28,011 and $35,013 you pay a reduced rate (10c per dollar over $28,011). Below $28,011 you pay no levy.

For example, on a $100,000 salary (before super), your tax would be approximately $24,667 plus Medicare levy of $2,000, leaving a take-home of about $73,333 per year, or $2,820 per fortnight. Use our Take-home pay guide for a precise estimate.

Superannuation: What’s Yours and What’s Not

From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee rate is 12%. This is paid by your employer on top of your salary, not deducted from it – unless the offer says “including super”. If the offer is $100,000 plus super, your take-home pay is based on $100,000. If it’s $100,000 including super, the base salary is about $89,286, and your take-home will be lower. Always clarify this. Super is not accessible until retirement, so it should not be counted as take-home pay.

Comparing Offers Side by Side

When you have multiple offers, convert each to a fortnightly take-home amount. Consider:

• Base salary (before super)
• Superannuation (12% from 1 July 2026)
• Any salary packaging options (e.g., novated leases, which reduce taxable income)
• Location (cost of living, but not part of take-home)
• Hours (full-time vs part-time; sonographers have a 49% part-time share)

Use our Clearance tool to input different salaries and see the net amount instantly.

The Role of Awards and Minimum Standards

Sonographers are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, which sets minimum rates. The Fair Work Commission updates these annually. The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week. Most sonographers earn well above this, but the award provides a safety net for allowances and penalty rates.

Final Thoughts

Don’t be swayed by a high gross figure alone. Calculate the take-home pay, factor in super, and consider the total package. A lower headline salary with better salary packaging or a higher super contribution could leave you with more in your bank account each fortnight. For more details, see our guides on Tax and Medicare and Salary packaging.

Remember: this is an estimate only. For a binding assessment, consult a tax professional or the Australian Taxation Office.