Sonographers

The salary, leave and benefits of Sonographers practising in New Zealand are covered by either the APEX or PSA collective agreement.

Individual districts may have variations or additional provisions under their collective agreements. The information below outlines the general provisions that apply across most agreements.

APEX Sonographers Collective Agreement

Salary

• 11-step progression scale; Steps 1–5 increase automatically each year.
  • Salary range: NZD $121,000 – $162,000.
• Reporting Sonographers have a 10-step scale: 
  • Salary range: NZD $131,000 – $173,000.
• Overtime and penal rates apply.

Allowances

• Higher duties and night shift allowances.

Leave

• Annual leave: 4 weeks, increasing to 5 weeks after 5 years’ service.
• Shift work: Up to 5 additional days after 12 months on a shift roster.
• Sick leave: Minimum 10 days per year plus up to 10 discretionary days.
• Parental leave: 6–12 months, depending on length of service; up to 14 weeks paid.
• Public holidays: 12 paid days plus time in lieu or alternative holiday if rostered on.

Additional benefits

• Reimbursement of professional registration costs and annual practising certificates.
• Professional indemnity insurance is covered by Health NZ.
• Minimum of 5 days CPD leave per year; up to $3,000 per year towards CPD.
• If eligible, a minimum 3% employer superannuation contribution.

PSA Allied Health Health, Scientific and Technical Collective Agreement

Salary

• 11-step progression scale; Steps 1–5 increase automatically each year.
  • Salary range: NZD $102,298 – $137,710.
• Trainee Sonographers: 2-step scale
  • Salary range: NZD $75,144 – $79,330.
• Steps 6+ are merit-based; Designated positions start at step 6.
• Charge Sonographers start at step 9; progress to step 10 via merit or after 2 years of satisfactory performance.
• Overtime and penal rates apply.

Allowances

• Higher duties and night shift allowances.

Leave

• Annual leave: 4 weeks, increasing to 5 weeks after 5 years’ service.
• Shift work: Up to 5 additional days after 12 months on qualifying shifts.
• On-call leave: Up to 3 additional days per year for required on-call duties.
• Sick & domestic leave: 10 days per year plus up to 10 discretionary days; can accumulate up to 260 days.
• Parental leave: 6–12 months depending on length of service; applies to birth, adoption, and Whāngai arrangements.
• Public holidays: Paid leave or alternative holiday if rostered to work.
• Bereavement/Tangihanga leave: Paid leave for family bereavement or cultural obligations.
• Family violence leave: Support and leave are available in line with legislation.

Additional benefits

• Reimbursement of professional registration costs and annual practising certificates.
• Professional indemnity insurance is covered by Health NZ.
• Minimum of 5 days CPD leave per year; up to $3,000 per year towards CPD.
• If eligible, a minimum 3% employer superannuation contribution.

Employment agreements — Health New Zealandexternal link

Sonographers play a crucial role in diagnostic imaging and patient care within the healthcare system. We outline their primary responsibilities below.

Performing ultrasound examinations

• Conduct a variety of diagnostic ultrasound scans based on clinical referrals, for example abdominal, obstetric, vascular, musculoskeletal, or cardiac ultrasounds.
• Operate and maintain ultrasound equipment to ensure high-quality imaging and patient safety.
• Adapt scanning techniques to suit individual patient needs.

Patient care

• Clearly explain procedures and ensure patients feel comfortable.
• Obtain relevant medical history to inform examinations.
• Monitor and respond to any patient distress during procedures.

Image analysis and reporting

• Analyse ultrasound images to identify abnormalities and provide preliminary findings to referring clinicians.
• Accurately document findings and communicate with other healthcare professionals.

Safety and compliance

• Follow health and safety regulations, including infection control procedures.
• Adhere to ethical and professional standards set by the Medical Radiation Technologists Board (MRTB) and Health New Zealand.

Professional development and quality assurance

• Stay informed about advances in ultrasound technology and techniques through continuous professional development (CPD).
• Participate in quality assurance activities, such as equipment calibration and peer reviews.
• Assist in the training and mentoring of junior staff or students as required.

Collaboration and communication

• Work closely with radiologists, obstetricians, and other healthcare professionals to provide integrated patient care.
• Coordinate effectively with administrative staff to manage appointments and workflow.

Cultural and ethical competence

Provide culturally sensitive care, respecting New Zealand’s diverse population, particularly Māori and Pasifika communities, in line with the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Promote equitable access to healthcare and improve outcomes for all patients.

Qualifications

A Bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as Medical Imaging or Radiography.

• For those without a direct degree, a healthcare-related undergraduate qualification may be required before pursuing postgraduate studies.

A postgraduate qualification in medical ultrasound, for example a Postgraduate Diploma or Master’s degree in Medical Ultrasound.

• These programmes are offered by accredited institutions and focus on advanced knowledge and practical skills in sonography.

Professional registration with the MRTB

Registration with the Medical Radiation Technologists Board (MRTB) under the Sonography scope of practice.

• Registration requires proof of relevant qualifications and meeting competency standards set by the MRTB.

Annual Practising Certificate (APC)

A current Annual Practising Certificate (APC) issued by the MRTB is mandatory for practising as a Sonographer in New Zealand.

• Maintaining an APC requires ongoing professional development and compliance with MRTB regulations.

Gaining registration with the MRTB

Candidates with an international medical radiation and radiation therapy qualification can apply for registration with the Medical Radiation Technologist Board.

• Australian-qualified Sonographers and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technologists will also need to apply as overseas-trained applicants.

Your qualifications and experience will be assessed to determine if they are equivalent or satisfactory as an approved New Zealand qualification for that scope of practice. The MRTB will assess your qualifications and work experience against New Zealand standards.

• If your qualifications and experience meet the required standards, you may be approved for registration.
• If there are gaps, you may be required to complete further training or examinations, such as a clinical competence assessment.

Find out more about life in New Zealand

We have pages dedicated to providing information to candidates about our recruitment process, what you need to work in New Zealand and key details about moving here.

Our recruitment process

Visas and settling in New Zealand

Health New Zealand offers a small number of Trainee Sonographer positions across the country. These roles provide structured on-the-job training, mentoring from experienced clinicians, and exposure to a wide range of ultrasound practices.

Opportunities are limited and highly sought-after, so we encourage students to check the regularly for vacancies. These roles are a fantastic way to gain hands-on experience and take your first step toward becoming a fully qualified Sonographer.

Search current Trainee Sonographer vacanciesexternal link