An estimator’s salary is one part of the hiring budget. Compare employment costs, recruitment, equipment and software on the same basis before choosing an arrangement.
A first-year cost example
This illustration uses a $120,000 annual salary. It is a budgeting example, not a current market salary quote. Replace each assumption with the cost that applies to your business.
| Cost | Example or input |
|---|---|
| Annual salary | $120,000 |
| Superannuation at 12% | $14,400, assuming the full salary is qualifying earnings |
| Salary plus superannuation | $134,400 |
| Recruitment | Add your agreed agency fee or internal hiring cost. |
| Payroll tax and workers compensation | Add the amounts applicable to your business and state. |
| Equipment and IT | Add the workstation, screens, support and security costs. |
| Software | Add the required estimating, drawing and office licences. |
The ATO’s Payday Super guidance explains the 12% rate and qualifying earnings. Check the applicable calculation with your payroll adviser.
Avoid double-counting
Paid leave is already part of an annual salary. Allow separately for any actual relief staff or overtime, rather than adding the same wages twice. Separate one-off recruitment and equipment costs from recurring costs when comparing the first and later years.
Compare the offshore quote on the same basis
Lynk’s monthly managed staffing fee includes salary, Philippine employment costs, the Manila office, equipment and local support. Your business supplies specialist software. Include the setup fee and account for the refundable deposit separately from operating costs.
Compare the confirmed candidate fee against the same scope, experience, working hours and review responsibilities. Use the pricing calculator for an indicative budget.
When a local hire may suit the role
Keep location-dependent duties in the brief: site visits, face-to-face client work, senior commercial decisions and supervision may require local capacity. A dedicated offshore estimator can support document-based estimating under your team’s direction and review.