Sonographer salary Melbourne: a guide
If you are looking for a sonographer salary in Melbourne, the most reliable starting point is the national average for the health care and social assistance industry. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) does not publish a separate figure for sonographers, but the industry average gives a solid benchmark.
The national full-time average
For May 2026, the ABS reported that full-time adult ordinary time earnings across all industries were $2,083.70 a week, or about $108,352 a year. This is the line that Place a salary on the line uses as the national benchmark. Men averaged $2,181.00 a week ($113,412 a year) and women $1,934.50 a week ($100,594 a year).
Health care and social assistance average
Within health care and social assistance, the full-time adult ordinary time average was $2,037.20 a week in May 2026, according to the ABS. That works out to about $105,934 a year. This is the closest published figure for sonographers, who work in diagnostic imaging departments, hospitals, and private practices.
How it compares to other benchmarks
The full-time median across all occupations is about $90,532 a year (ABS Employee Earnings, August 2025). The all-employees median (including part-time) is about $74,100. A sonographer earning around the health care average would be well above both medians. The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 an hour, $1,004.90 a week, or $52,255 a year on a 38-hour week. Award minimums for health professionals rose by 4.75% from the same date.
State and territory context
Victoria's full-time average is about $106,137 a year, very close to the health care industry average. Melbourne salaries may be slightly higher or lower depending on the employer. The ACT has the highest state average at $119,090, while Tasmania is lowest at $96,008. You can compare state figures on the States and territories page.
Reading the same pay as a year, a week, and an hour
This site converts any salary into weekly and hourly figures based on a 38-hour week. For example, if a sonographer earns $105,934 a year, that is $2,037 a week and about $53.61 an hour. You can enter your own salary on the Place a salary on the line page to see how it stacks up against the national full-time average.
Award coverage and minimum rates
Sonographers in Melbourne are usually covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020. The Fair Work Commission's Modern Awards Pay Database contains the minimum rates for each classification level. From 1 July 2026, these rates increased by 4.75%. Actual pay may be above the award, especially for experienced sonographers or those in senior roles.
Industry medians and other resources
For a broader view, the Industry medians page shows median earnings for different sectors. The health care and social assistance median (all employees) is not separately published by the ABS, but the average gives a good indication. The Guides section has more articles on how salaries are set and what factors influence pay.
Tax considerations
For the 2026–27 income year, resident tax rates are: nil up to $18,200, 15% from $18,201 to $45,000, 30% from $45,001 to $135,000, 37% from $135,001 to $190,000, and 45% above $190,000. The Medicare levy is 2% (with possible reductions). A sonographer earning $105,934 would be in the 30% bracket plus Medicare, so take-home pay would be around $75,000–$80,000 depending on deductions.
Summary
While the ABS does not publish a specific sonographer salary for Melbourne, the health care and social assistance average of $105,934 a year is the best available benchmark. Actual salaries will vary, but this figure gives you a realistic starting point for negotiations or career planning. Use the tools on this site to compare your pay to the national line and see where you stand.