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.
The Australian mortgage industry is heavily regulated. Oversight comes from:
Compliance has intensified under the Best Interests Duty introduced after the Royal Commission.
Brokers now spend more time on:
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.
Before calculating cost, define scope.
A mortgage assistant typically handles:
In larger firms, they may also:
Their role protects broker time.
Broker time equals revenue.
Let’s look at real numbers.
According to industry salary benchmarks and recruitment data, a full-time mortgage assistant in Australia earns:
But base salary is not the full picture.
Under Australian employment law, employers must also pay:
Under the Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992, employers must contribute mandatory super to eligible employees.
| Component | Example (AUD 70,000 Salary) |
|---|---|
| Base Salary | 70,000 |
| Super (11.5%) | 8,050 |
| Payroll Tax (avg 4.85%) | 3,395 |
| Insurance & Admin | 2,000 |
| Recruitment Fee (amortised) | 3,000 |
| Estimated Total Cost | 86,445 |
The real annual cost often reaches AUD 85,000–95,000.
And this excludes desk space, software licenses, and hardware.
When calculating the cost of hiring a mortgage assistant, foreign investors often underestimate:
If a file is lodged incorrectly, the risk sits with the broker.
The cost of one compliance breach can exceed annual salary savings.
Many foreign companies explore offshore support models.
Popular locations include:
Offshore assistants perform similar administrative tasks under broker supervision.
This depends on:
Here is a simplified comparison:
| Factor | Onshore Australia | Offshore Model |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Cost | 85k – 95k AUD | 20k – 35k AUD |
| Time Zone Alignment | Full | Partial |
| Regulatory Risk | Lower | Requires structure |
| Training Required | Moderate | Higher initially |
| Scalability | Slower | Faster |
The cost difference can exceed AUD 50,000 per year per assistant.
For scaling brokerages, that gap compounds quickly.
Foreign investors entering Australia must understand:
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.
Let’s model a scenario.
If a broker writes:
That equals AUD 10,000 monthly revenue.
If administrative support allows the broker to write:
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.
If you want to optimise cost, focus on structure.
Do not overhire.
Separate:
Role clarity reduces inefficiency.
Many firms use:
This blends compliance safety with cost efficiency.
Document processes.
Automate where possible.
Use CRM templates and workflow tools.
Avoid freelance risk.
Use providers familiar with:
| Role | Annual Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Senior Onshore Assistant | 90,000 AUD | Compliance oversight |
| Offshore Processing Staff | 28,000 AUD | Admin & file prep |
| Total | 118,000 AUD | Equivalent of 2+ staff |
Two fully onshore staff could cost 170,000+ AUD.
Savings: 50,000+ annually.
When entering Australia, we see repeated errors:
Cost savings must not compromise compliance.
Brokerages are valued on:
Lower cost structures increase EBITDA.
Higher EBITDA increases valuation multiples.
Smart staffing decisions directly affect exit value.
Yes, administrative processing can be outsourced.
However:
Always document roles clearly.
The total employer cost ranges between AUD 85,000 and 95,000 annually. This includes superannuation, payroll tax, insurance, and recruitment costs.
Yes. Offshore mortgage assistants typically cost AUD 20,000 to 35,000 per year, depending on experience and structure.
No. Credit advice must be provided by licensed brokers under ASIC regulations.
Training, supervision time, compliance risk, and turnover are often underestimated.
Yes. Most brokers increase loan volume by 30–50% when supported by structured admin assistance.
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.