Medical imaging covers a wide range of specialised roles, including radiographers, sonographers, mammographers and radiologists, each with very different training pathways and pay. Healthcare Australia’s (HCA) 2026 Salary Guide publishes detailed benchmark data for radiographers, sonographers and mammography specialists, and this guide uses that data to break down what medical imaging professionals earn in Australia in 2026, plus what’s known about radiologist earnings specifically.
A note on scope: radiologists are specialist medical practitioners, doctors who complete additional specialist training, and like other specialist doctor roles, HCA’s Salary Guide does not publish a specific radiologist benchmark, given how significantly earnings vary with billing mix, private/public split and practice ownership. We cover what’s known about radiologist pay separately below, alongside HCA’s published data for the wider medical imaging workforce.
Radiographer and sonographer salaries in Australia, 2026
Figures below are annual base salaries, exclusive of superannuation (12% from 1 July 2025). HCA’s data also shows mammography specialists earning roughly $98,000–$103,000 in the first 1–4 years, rising to around $125,000–$130,000 with 5–10+ years of experience, fairly consistently across states.
| State | Radiographer (1–3 yrs) | Radiographer (10+ yrs) | Sonographer (1–4 yrs) | Sonographer (5–10+ yrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ACT | $95,000 | $129,000 | $132,000 | $145,000 |
| NSW | $95,000 | $140,000 | $132,000 | $147,000 |
| NT | $86,000 | $139,000 | $135,000 | $150,000 |
| QLD | $83,000 | $135,000 | $133,000 | $140,000 |
| SA | $83,000 | $131,000 | $118,000 | $141,000 |
| TAS | $86,000 | $127,000 | $120,000 | $138,000 |
| VIC | $90,000 | $129,000 | $123,000 | $145,000 |
| WA | $90,000 | $136,000 | $128,000 | $145,000 |
Source: Healthcare Australia 2026 Salary Guide (HCA market research and workforce surveys). Salaries shown are annual base rates, exclusive of superannuation.
Superannuation increased to 12% from 1 July 2025. Figures are a mid-financial-year benchmark; an increase of roughly 3–3.5% can reasonably be expected from July 2026. Regional variances, Enterprise Bargaining Agreements and awards may affect actual pay.
To view salary bandings in detail, please download our salary guide.
What about radiologist salaries?
Radiologists, the specialist doctors who interpret medical imaging and lead diagnostic reporting, sit outside HCA’s published salary benchmark, in the same category as other specialist doctor roles, given how significantly billing mix, private/public split and location affect actual earnings.
Industry sources covering the medical recruitment marketplace report Australian radiologist salaries in the broad range of $350,000 to $500,000+ a year, depending on experience and location, with private practice and private hospital roles frequently exceeding $600,000. As with GP and specialist pay more broadly, mixed billing models, a higher private caseload and rural or remote practice can all lift earning potential further. If you’re a radiologist or considering the specialty, HCA’s Doctors recruitment team can talk through current market rates for your specific circumstances.
Why medical imaging demand is climbing
HCA’s workforce data shows diagnostic support roles sitting at roughly two-thirds in shortage nationally (66.7% shortage versus 33.3% no shortage), reflecting sustained demand for imaging services as Australia’s population ages and diagnostic pathways become more central to routine care. Growth regions like South East Queensland, a hub for both population growth and an ageing, retiree-heavy demographic ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, are expected to see particularly strong demand for imaging services over the next five years. AI-assisted reporting tools are also starting to reshape imaging workflows, a trend HCA expects to continue through 2026.
How to increase your earnings in medical imaging
- Build experience in higher-value modalities: MRI, CT, mammography and sonography subspecialties typically command stronger pay than general 1–3 year radiography.
- Take on locum assignments in regional areas, where imaging shortages are often most acute and rates reflect that.
- Pursue senior or team-lead responsibilities as you build years of experience, given the steep pay jump HCA’s data shows at the 10+ year mark.
- Keep credentials current as AI-assisted reporting tools become part of standard scope of practice across imaging modalities.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the average radiologist salary in Australia?
Radiologist pay isn’t published in HCA’s Salary Guide, but industry sources put it in the broad range of $350,000–$500,000+ a year, with private practice roles frequently exceeding $600,000. - What do radiographers earn in Australia?
HCA’s 2026 data shows radiographers earning $83,000–$95,000 in their first 1–3 years, rising to $127,000–$140,000+ with 10+ years of experience, depending on the state. - Are sonographers paid more than radiographers?
Generally yes. HCA’s data shows sonographers earning $118,000–$135,000 in their first 1–4 years and $138,000–$150,000+ with 5–10+ years, ahead of equivalent-experience radiographers in most states.
Download our Salary Guide (Salary Guide CTA)
Talk to HCA about medical imaging and doctors’ roles
Healthcare Australia recruits across medical imaging, allied health and doctors’ roles nationally, including radiologists and other specialist doctors through its dedicated Doctors team. This article draws on data from HCA’s 2026 Salary Guide, which also covers nursing, allied health, mental health and healthcare leadership roles. Talk to us today to discover exciting career opportunities.
