Radiologist salary Australia: award rates and what they mean for your pay
Understand radiologist salary Australia under the Medical Practitioners Award. Compare minimum rates to the national minimum wage and salary index.
A radiologist classified as a Specialist under the Medical Practitioners Award earns a minimum annual salary of about $133,688, giving a salary index of 123 – well above the national line of 100.
Radiologist salary Australia: award rates and the national minimum wage
When you search for radiologist salary Australia, the first thing to understand is that most radiologists are covered by the Medical Practitioners Award 2020 (MA000031). This award sets minimum pay rates for doctors, including diagnostic and interventional radiologists. Unlike some occupations where the award rate is close to the national minimum wage, radiologist award rates sit well above the average Australian full-time earnings.
How the award classifies radiologists
Radiologists fall under the specialist classifications in the award. The main levels are:
- Specialist – the base level for a qualified specialist.
- Senior Specialist – pay points 1 to 5, reflecting experience and responsibility.
- Principal Specialist and Senior Principal Specialist – the highest classifications.
From 1 July 2026, the minimum weekly rate for a Specialist is $2,570.93. That works out to $133,688 per year (based on 52 weeks). Compare that to the national line of $108,352 (salary index 100). A Specialist radiologist on the award minimum has a salary index of 123 – 23% above the national average full-time ordinary-time earnings.
Senior Specialist pay point 1 is $2,749.01 per week ($142,948 annually, index 132). At the top of the Senior Specialist scale (pay point 5), the weekly rate is $3,193.92 ($166,084 annually, index 153). Principal Specialist ($3,259.00 per week, index 156) and Senior Principal Specialist ($3,374.36 per week, index 162) go even higher.
Awards versus the national minimum wage
The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, $1,004.90 per week, annualised to $52,255 (salary index 48.2). Even the lowest radiologist award rate – the Specialist minimum – is more than 2.5 times that. The award rates also include penalty rates and loadings for overtime, recall to duty, and weekend work, which can push actual earnings higher.
To put it in perspective: a Specialist radiologist on the award minimum earns about $2,570 per week, while a worker on the national minimum wage earns $1,005 per week. The difference is stark, and it reflects the years of training and responsibility required in medical practice.
What the salary index tells you
The Salary Index compares any gross annual salary to the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $108,352. An index of 100 means you earn exactly the national average. An index of 123 means you earn 23% more. For radiologists, even the award floor is above 100, and senior specialists can reach 150 or higher.
Beyond the award: actual radiologist pay
It’s important to note that the award sets minimums, not typical pay. Many radiologists work in private practice or under enterprise agreements that pay significantly more. The Jobs and Skills Australia profile for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiologists does not publish median weekly earnings – a sign that the data is too varied or confidential. In practice, a radiologist with several years of experience can earn well above the Senior Specialist award rates, especially in metropolitan areas or specialised fields.
Tax and superannuation considerations
Radiologist salaries are gross figures. From 1 July 2026, the superannuation guarantee is 12% on earnings up to $270,830 per year. For a Specialist on $133,688, that means an extra $16,042 in super contributions. Income tax for 2026–27 (excluding Medicare) is progressive: nil up to $18,200, 15% to $45,000, 30% to $135,000, 37% to $190,000, and 45% above. The Medicare levy adds 2%. So take-home pay is lower than the gross index suggests, but the index is a useful benchmark for comparing roles.
Where radiologists work
Most radiologists work in the Health Care and Social Assistance industry. The industry average salary index is 97.8, but radiologists are among the higher-paid roles within it. State-based indices also vary: for example, the ACT has an index of 109.9, while Tasmania is 88.6. A radiologist’s location can affect both award classification and market rates.
Summary
The radiologist salary Australia story is one of strong award protections and high minimums. Even the base Specialist rate under the Medical Practitioners Award is well above the national average. For those in senior roles, the index climbs further. If you’re comparing pay, always check the pay guides for the latest award rates and remember that actual earnings can be higher. The salary index helps you see where a radiologist’s pay sits against the national line – and it’s almost always above it.
Questions people ask
What is the minimum salary for a radiologist under the Medical Practitioners Award?
Under the Medical Practitioners Award 2020, a radiologist classified as a Specialist earns a minimum weekly rate of $2,570.93 as of 1 July 2026, which annualises to about $133,688. Senior Specialist pay points start at $2,749.01 per week ($142,948 annually) and go up to $3,193.92 per week ($166,084 annually) for pay point 5. Principal Specialist and Senior Principal Specialist rates are higher still. These are minimums; actual pay often exceeds award rates.
How does a radiologist's salary compare to the national average?
The national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings (the salary index line of 100) is $108,352 per year. A Specialist radiologist on the award minimum earns $133,688, giving a salary index of 123 – meaning they earn 23% above the national average. Senior specialists can have an index over 150. By contrast, the national minimum wage (index 48.2) is $52,255 per year, so even the lowest radiologist award rate is more than double that.
Do radiologists earn above the award minimum?
Yes, many radiologists earn above the award minimum, especially those in private practice, with significant experience, or in senior roles. The award sets a floor, not a ceiling. Public hospital radiologists may be paid according to award classifications, but private sector salaries can be substantially higher. The Jobs and Skills Australia profile notes that median earnings data is not available, indicating variability. Always check your specific employment contract and classification.