Where diagnostic radiographer pay sits against the national line
Diagnostic radiographers (also known as medical imaging technologists) operate X-ray and other imaging equipment to help diagnose and treat medical conditions. If you're researching a diagnostic radiographer salary in Australia, the most current reference point is the national full-time average published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). This page uses that benchmark to show where this occupation typically lands.
The national full-time average
The ABS Average Weekly Earnings survey for May 2026 reports that full-time adult ordinary-time earnings averaged $2,083.70 per week across all occupations. That works out to about $108,352 per year (multiplied by 52 weeks). This is the line that Place a salary on the line uses to compare any role.
For context, the full-time median (the middle of the distribution) is lower at about $90,532 per year, and the all-employees median is about $74,100 per year (ABS Employee Earnings, August 2025). The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, or $52,255 per year on a 38-hour week.
What the data says about diagnostic radiographers
The ABS does not publish a separate average or median for the six-digit occupation 'Medical Diagnostic Radiographers' (ANZSCO 251211) because the sample size is too small for a reliable estimate. However, the broader four-digit group 'Medical Imaging Professionals' (ANZSCO 2512) – which includes radiographers, sonographers, and nuclear medicine technologists – has a published median.
According to the ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, the median full-time weekly earnings for Medical Imaging Professionals is $2,360. That is about $122,720 per year. This is a median, not an average, meaning half of full-time workers in this group earn more and half earn less.
Compared to the national full-time average of $2,083.70, the median for medical imaging professionals is $276.30 higher per week – about 13% above the line. That places diagnostic radiographers comfortably above the typical Australian full-time worker.
What would move pay above or below the average?
Several factors can push an individual diagnostic radiographer's salary higher or lower than the group median:
Experience and seniority – Entry-level radiographers earn less than those with several years of experience or those in senior roles such as chief radiographer or department manager. The median figure already reflects a mix of experience levels.
Location – State full-time averages vary significantly. The highest is the Australian Capital Territory at about $119,090 per year, followed by Western Australia at $115,825. The lowest is Tasmania at $96,008. Radiographers in high-cost states like WA or the ACT may earn more than the national median, while those in Tasmania or South Australia ($102,450) may earn closer to or below it.
Public vs private sector – The ABS data for May 2026 shows public sector full-time ordinary-time earnings average $2,263.10 per week ($117,681 per year), while private sector averages $2,034.10 ($105,773 per year). Many diagnostic radiographers work in public hospitals, which tend to pay higher base rates and offer penalty rates for shift work. Private imaging centres may offer different pay structures, sometimes with bonuses.
Award and enterprise agreements – Most diagnostic radiographers are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award or a hospital enterprise agreement. The award received a 4.75% increase from 1 July 2026, but actual pay rates can be higher under local agreements. The national minimum wage increase of 4.75% also flows through to award classifications.
Hours and overtime – The average full-time hours for medical imaging professionals is 40 hours per week (ABS 2021 Census), slightly above the standard 38-hour week used for the national line. Overtime and penalty rates for after-hours, weekends, or on-call work can boost annual earnings significantly.
How the site's line works
The Place a salary on the line tool takes a yearly salary before tax, then shows the weekly and hourly equivalent on a 38-hour week, and the distance from the national full-time average. For a diagnostic radiographer earning the median of $122,720, the weekly figure would be about $2,360 – well above the line. For a starting radiographer on, say, $90,000, the weekly figure would be about $1,731, which is below the average but still above the national minimum wage.
Tax and take-home pay
Resident tax rates for 2026–27 are: nil on the first $18,200, 15% on income up to $45,000, 30% up to $135,000, 37% up to $190,000, and 45% above that. The Medicare levy adds 2%. A radiographer on $122,720 would fall into the 30% bracket, with an average tax rate around 24% including Medicare, leaving about $93,000 after tax.
Summary
Diagnostic radiographers typically earn above the national full-time average, with a median around $2,360 per week for the broader medical imaging group. Actual pay depends on location, sector, experience, and hours. For a personalised comparison, use the States and territories page to see how your state's average stacks up, or check Job medians for other health professions.