Your ultrasound tech salary: what clears after tax and Medicare

What the official data shows

If you are a sonographer (also called an ultrasound technician) working in Australia, you may be wondering what your ultrasound tech salary actually delivers into your bank account after tax and the Medicare levy. The first thing to know is that there is no single official figure for sonographer pay. The Jobs and Skills Australia profile for sonographers (ANZSCO 251214) states that median weekly earnings are not available. That means any number you see online is an estimate, not a government‑backed benchmark.

What the data does show is that sonographers are predominantly female (77%), work part‑time at a higher rate than the average occupation (49% part‑time share), and have a median age of 39. Full‑time sonographers average 40 hours per week. The occupation falls under the Medical Imaging Professionals group (ANZSCO 2512).

How your pay is set

Most sonographers are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020. The Fair Work Commission maintains the Modern Awards Pay Database which contains the minimum rates for each classification level. These rates are updated each year, most recently from 1 July 2026 following the Annual Wage Review. The database also includes changes from the Gender‑based undervaluation review that took effect on 1 October 2026. If you are employed under this award, your minimum hourly rate depends on your classification (e.g., Health Professional Level 1, 2, etc.) and your years of experience.

If you are not covered by an award or registered agreement, the national minimum wage applies. As of 1 July 2026, that is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week (see the Fair Work Ombudsman for details). However, award rates for health professionals are typically higher.

Estimating your take‑home pay

Once you know your gross annual salary, you can estimate what reaches your bank account after tax and the Medicare levy. Use the 2026–27 resident tax rates:

• Up to $18,200 – nil tax
• $18,201 to $45,000 – 15 cents for each dollar over $18,200
• $45,001 to $135,000 – $4,020 plus 30 cents for each dollar over $45,000
• $135,001 to $190,000 – $31,020 plus 37 cents for each dollar over $135,000
• Over $190,000 – $51,370 plus 45 cents for each dollar over $190,000

You may also be eligible for the Low Income Tax Offset (LITO). For 2026–27, the maximum offset is $700 for taxable incomes up to $37,500, then phases out until $66,667. LITO can only reduce your tax to zero.

Medicare levy

The Medicare levy is 2% of your taxable income for most residents. The latest single‑person thresholds are $28,011 (lower) and $35,013 (upper). If your taxable income is below $28,011, you pay no levy. Between $28,011 and $35,013, a shading rate of 10 cents per dollar applies. Above $35,013, the full 2% is payable. If you have a spouse or dependants, different thresholds apply.

Superannuation

Your employer must pay superannuation on top of your salary at a rate of 12% (from 1 July 2026). Super is not deducted from your take‑home pay if your job advertisement says “plus super”. The maximum contribution base is $270,830 per year. Super is not included in your take‑home calculation because it goes into your super fund, not your bank account.

Putting it together: a worked example

Suppose your gross annual salary as a sonographer is $85,000. Here is a rough take‑home estimate:

• Tax: $4,020 + 30% × ($85,000 − $45,000) = $4,020 + $12,000 = $16,020
• LITO: At $85,000 you are above the phase‑out range, so no offset.
• Medicare levy: 2% × $85,000 = $1,700
• Total deductions: $16,020 + $1,700 = $17,720
• Net annual: $85,000 − $17,720 = $67,280
• Fortnightly take‑home: $67,280 ÷ 26 ≈ $2,587.69

This is an estimate only. It excludes HELP/HECS repayments, the Medicare levy surcharge, salary sacrifice, and payroll tax‑table rounding. For a personalised calculation, use our Take-home pay guide.

Where to find more information

• Tax and Medicare – detailed breakdown of thresholds and offsets
• Salary packaging – how to reduce taxable income with benefits like novated leases
• Average pay – compare your earnings with national averages
• Super – understand your employer’s obligations

Remember: the official sources do not publish a single median salary for sonographers. Your actual pay depends on your award classification, experience, location, and whether you work full‑time or part‑time. Always check your specific award or enterprise agreement for the minimum rate that applies to you.