Cost of Hiring a Mortgage Assistant in Australia Explained

If you are analysing the cost of hiring a mortgage assistant, you are likely facing growth pressure. More leads. More compliance. More admin.

For foreign companies entering the Australian mortgage market, staffing is often the biggest cost driver after licensing. But the true cost goes beyond salary. It includes superannuation, payroll tax, training, compliance risk, and operational overhead.

This guide breaks down the real numbers. It compares onshore versus offshore hiring. It explains hidden expenses. And it shows how to structure support safely.

Why Mortgage Brokers Need Assistants More Than Ever

The Australian mortgage industry is heavily regulated. Oversight comes from:

• Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC)
• Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA)
• Australian Taxation Office (ATO)

Compliance has intensified under the Best Interests Duty introduced after the Royal Commission.

Brokers now spend more time on:

• Loan packaging
• Credit analysis
• Document verification
• CRM updates
• Lender follow-ups
• Compliance file checks

Admin work has grown. Revenue per broker has not increased at the same rate.

This is why hiring a mortgage assistant is no longer optional. It is structural.

What Does a Mortgage Assistant Actually Do?

Before calculating cost, define scope.

Core Responsibilities

A mortgage assistant typically handles:

• Fact finds and data entry
• Serviceability calculations
• Document collection
• CRM management
• Lender lodgements
• Post-settlement follow-ups

In larger firms, they may also:

• Conduct preliminary credit assessments
• Prepare compliance checklists
• Liaise with conveyancers
• Manage pipeline reporting

Their role protects broker time.

Broker time equals revenue.

Cost of Hiring a Mortgage Assistant (Onshore Australia)

Let’s look at real numbers.

According to industry salary benchmarks and recruitment data, a full-time mortgage assistant in Australia earns:

Base Salary Range (2026)

• Junior: AUD 55,000 – 65,000
• Mid-level: AUD 65,000 – 80,000
• Senior: AUD 80,000 – 95,000

But base salary is not the full picture.

Additional Employer Costs

Under Australian employment law, employers must also pay:

1. Superannuation – 11.5% (increasing to 12% under legislation)
2. Payroll tax (varies by state)
3. Workers compensation insurance
4. Leave loading
5. Recruitment fees
6. Training and onboarding

Under the Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992, employers must contribute mandatory super to eligible employees.

Real Employer Cost Calculation

The real annual cost often reaches AUD 85,000–95,000.

And this excludes desk space, software licenses, and hardware.

Hidden Costs Most Brokers Miss

When calculating the cost of hiring a mortgage assistant, foreign investors often underestimate:

• Training time
• Manager supervision time
• Sick leave coverage
• Staff turnover
• Compliance risk exposure

If a file is lodged incorrectly, the risk sits with the broker.

The cost of one compliance breach can exceed annual salary savings.

Cost of Hiring a Mortgage Assistant Offshore

Many foreign companies explore offshore support models.

Popular locations include:

• Philippines
• India
• Nepal

Offshore assistants perform similar administrative tasks under broker supervision.

Typical Offshore Cost Range

• AUD 18,000 – 35,000 annually
• Or AUD 1,500 – 2,800 per month

This depends on:

• Skill level
• English proficiency
• Australian mortgage experience
• Dedicated vs shared model

Onshore vs Offshore: Cost Comparison

Here is a simplified comparison:

The cost difference can exceed AUD 50,000 per year per assistant.

For scaling brokerages, that gap compounds quickly.

Compliance Considerations for Foreign Companies

Foreign investors entering Australia must understand:

• Assistants cannot provide credit advice unless properly authorised.
• Licensing sits under ASIC’s credit regime.
• Responsible Lending obligations still apply.

Under the National Consumer Credit Protection Act, brokers remain accountable.

This means offshore teams must operate within clearly defined non-advisory roles.

Structure matters more than geography.

When Does Hiring Make Financial Sense?

Let’s model a scenario.

If a broker writes:

• 4 loans per month
• Average commission: AUD 2,500 per loan

That equals AUD 10,000 monthly revenue.

If administrative support allows the broker to write:

• 6 loans per month

Revenue increases to AUD 15,000.

That additional 2 loans per month generates AUD 60,000 annually.

Even at onshore cost levels, the assistant can be revenue-positive.

At offshore cost levels, ROI multiplies significantly.

How to Reduce the Cost of Hiring a Mortgage Assistant

If you want to optimise cost, focus on structure.

1. Define a Clear Role Scope

Do not overhire.

Separate:

• Credit assessment
• Compliance
• Admin processing

Role clarity reduces inefficiency.

2. Use a Hybrid Model

Many firms use:

• 1 senior onshore assistant
• 1–2 offshore processing staff

This blends compliance safety with cost efficiency.

3. Standardise SOPs

Document processes.

Automate where possible.

Use CRM templates and workflow tools.

4. Partner with a Specialist Outsourcing Firm

Avoid freelance risk.

Use providers familiar with:

• Australian lending workflows
• Aggregator requirements
• Compliance documentation

Example Cost Breakdown: Hybrid Model

Two fully onshore staff could cost 170,000+ AUD.

Savings: 50,000+ annually.

Common Mistakes Foreign Companies Make

When entering Australia, we see repeated errors:

• Hiring too senior too early
• Ignoring compliance delegation rules
• Underestimating supervision needs
• Choosing cheapest offshore provider without mortgage expertise
• Failing to align with Australian time zones

Cost savings must not compromise compliance.

Long-Term Cost Impact on Valuation

Brokerages are valued on:

• Trail book size
• Recurring revenue
• Operational efficiency

Lower cost structures increase EBITDA.

Higher EBITDA increases valuation multiples.

Smart staffing decisions directly affect exit value.

Is Offshore Legal for Mortgage Processing?

Yes, administrative processing can be outsourced.

However:

• Advice must remain with licensed brokers.
• Data protection standards must be upheld.
• Privacy Act compliance must be maintained.

Always document roles clearly.

FAQ: Cost of Hiring a Mortgage Assistant

1. What is the average cost of hiring a mortgage assistant in Australia?

The total employer cost ranges between AUD 85,000 and 95,000 annually. This includes superannuation, payroll tax, insurance, and recruitment costs.

2. Is it cheaper to hire offshore?

Yes. Offshore mortgage assistants typically cost AUD 20,000 to 35,000 per year, depending on experience and structure.

3. Can offshore assistants provide credit advice?

No. Credit advice must be provided by licensed brokers under ASIC regulations.

4. What hidden costs should I consider?

Training, supervision time, compliance risk, and turnover are often underestimated.

5. Does hiring an assistant increase broker revenue?

Yes. Most brokers increase loan volume by 30–50% when supported by structured admin assistance.

Final Thoughts: Cost of Hiring a Mortgage Assistant

The cost of hiring a mortgage assistant is not just salary. It is a strategic investment.

For foreign companies entering Australia, cost structure determines scalability. Onshore models offer compliance comfort. Offshore models offer margin leverage.

The right answer is rarely one or the other. It is structured design.

If you are evaluating how to build a cost-efficient Australian mortgage support team, the smartest move is to assess structure before hiring.