How to become a Sonographer

Examines patients and operates ultrasound equipment to acquire, interpret and selectively record anatomical images, physical data and real-time physiological information.

Main tasks

• Makes adjustments to patient position, and operates and adjusts ultrasound equipment using appropriate settings to obtain optimal diagnostic images
• Analyses images and reports on findings for Medical Practitioners to interpret and provide diagnosis
• Explains procedures to patients, answers questions, and ensures safety and comfort throughout the examination
• Maintains and calibrates ultrasound equipment to ensure accuracy and quality of images
• Adheres to safety protocols and infection control measures during ultrasound procedures

Ways in

• University: Allied Health degrees, Offered by 38 universities in Australia
• Licence or registration: Registration or licensing may be required.

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $122,720 a year
• About 22,900 people work in this job group now, and about 30,500 are projected by 2035. (+33.1%)
• AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Sonographer?

Ways in include: Allied Health degrees.

How much does a Sonographer earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $122,720 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Sonographer a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 33% by 2035, from about 22,900 to about 30,500 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Sonographer?

Usually. 89% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Will AI change the work of a Sonographer?

AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04