Question 1

How much does it cost to hire a labour hire worker?

Accepted Answer

The cost of hiring a labour hire worker in Australia depends on the trade, location, and shift type. Typical charge rates range from $50 to $95 per hour, which includes the worker's pay rate plus oncosts such as superannuation (11.5%), workers compensation insurance (3-8%), payroll tax (4-7%), leave loading, and administrative margins. Harrison Barratt Group provides transparent rate breakdowns so you know exactly what you're paying for.

Question 2

What are the hidden costs of hiring?

Accepted Answer

Hidden hiring costs include recruitment advertising ($2,000-$10,000 per role), interview time, onboarding and training (typically 3-6 months to full productivity), workers compensation insurance, superannuation, payroll tax, leave entitlements, HR administration, and the cost of a bad hire — estimated at 2-3x the annual salary. Using a labour hire agency like Harrison Barratt Group eliminates most of these hidden costs by bundling them into a single transparent charge rate.

Question 3

How is the charge rate calculated?

Accepted Answer

A labour hire charge rate is calculated by starting with the base pay rate (determined by the relevant Modern Award or Enterprise Agreement), then adding mandatory oncosts: superannuation (currently 11.5%), workers compensation insurance (varies by trade, typically 3-8%), payroll tax (varies by state, 4-7%), leave loading (typically 4%), and an administrative margin. The total oncost loading is usually 25-35% on top of the base pay rate.

Question 4

What oncosts are included in labour hire?

Accepted Answer

Labour hire oncosts typically include: superannuation (11.5% of ordinary time earnings), workers compensation insurance (3-8% depending on trade and risk classification), payroll tax (4.85-6.85% depending on state), annual leave loading (typically 4%), sick/personal leave accrual, public holiday entitlements, payroll processing and administration, and professional indemnity and public liability insurance. These oncosts are bundled into the charge rate so the client pays a single all-inclusive hourly rate.

The True Cost of a Bad Hire

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The True Cost of a Bad Hire

Select a Role

vs. Using Harrison Barratt Group

Let Us Find the Right Person — First Time