Sonographer salary Perth: what you take home after tax and Medicare
Sonographer salaries in Perth vary by experience and employer, with public sector roles typically paying $127,000–$135,000 and private sector averages around $132,700 per year.
Sonographer salary Perth: understanding your take-home pay
If you are a sonographer working in Perth or considering a move there, knowing what actually reaches your bank account after tax and the Medicare levy is essential. This guide uses the latest publicly available data to help you estimate your net pay for the 2026–27 tax year.
What the latest data shows
According to Jobs and Skills Australia, sonographers are classified under Medical Imaging Professionals (ANZSCO 251214). The occupation is 77% female, with a median age of 39. While the national median weekly earnings for this specific six‑digit code are not published due to sample size, other sources give a clear picture of Perth salaries.
A current job advertisement from the South Metropolitan Health Service in Perth offers a Level P2 sonographer role at $127,194 to $135,150 per annum pro rata. Indeed’s aggregated salary data for Western Australia shows an average base salary of $132,708 per year, based on 18 reports. These figures align closely, so you can expect a typical sonographer salary Perth range of roughly $127,000 to $135,000 for a full‑time position.
How tax and Medicare affect your net pay
Australia uses a progressive tax system. For 2026–27, the resident tax rates are:
- $0 – $18,200: Nil
- $18,201 – $45,000: 15c per $1 over $18,200
- $45,001 – $135,000: $4,020 plus 30c per $1 over $45,000
- $135,001 – $190,000: $31,020 plus 37c per $1 over $135,000
- Over $190,000: $51,370 plus 45c per $1 over $190,000
You may also be eligible for the Low Income Tax Offset (LITO), but at sonographer salary levels it phases out completely above $66,667.
The Medicare levy is an additional 2% of your taxable income. The latest published single‑person thresholds are $28,011 and $35,013. If you earn between those amounts, you pay a reduced rate of 10c per dollar over $28,011. Above $35,013, the full 2% applies. Since a sonographer salary Perth is well above that, you will pay the full 2%.
Estimating your fortnightly take-home
Let’s use a base salary of $132,000 (excluding super). Your taxable income is $132,000. Tax on that is:
- $4,020 on the first $45,000
- Plus 30c on the next $87,000 ($26,100)
- Total tax = $30,120
Medicare levy = 2% of $132,000 = $2,640
Total deductions = $30,120 + $2,640 = $32,760
Annual take-home = $132,000 – $32,760 = $99,240
Fortnightly take-home = $99,240 ÷ 26 = $3,816.92
This is a simplified estimate. It does not include HELP/HECS repayments, the Medicare levy surcharge (if you do not have appropriate private hospital cover), or salary packaging. For a more personalised calculation, use the Take-home pay tool on this site.
Remember that superannuation is paid on top of your salary. The 12% super guarantee (from 1 July 2026) means your employer contributes an additional $15,840 on a $132,000 salary. That money goes into your super fund, not your bank account. When comparing job offers, check whether the advertised figure is base salary or total package (including super).
Questions
How is the Medicare levy calculated on a sonographer salary in Perth?
For the 2026–27 tax year, the Medicare levy is 2% of your taxable income. If you are single and earn between $28,011 and $35,013, you pay a reduced rate of 10 cents per dollar over the lower threshold. Above $35,013, the full 2% applies. Most full-time sonographer salaries exceed $35,013, so you will pay the full 2%.
Does the sonographer salary Perth figure include superannuation?
Job advertisements often quote a salary plus super. The 12% super guarantee (from 1 July 2026) is paid on top of your base salary and is not deducted from your take-home pay. When estimating your after-tax income, use the base salary excluding super.
What is the typical fortnightly take-home pay for a sonographer in Perth?
For a base salary of $132,000, after deducting income tax ($31,020 plus 30c per dollar over $45,000) and the 2% Medicare levy, your annual net pay is approximately $95,000. Divided by 26 fortnights, that gives about $3,654 per fortnight. This is an estimate and does not include HELP/HECS or salary sacrifice.