Every conversation about offshore staffing comes back to the same question: what does it actually cost compared with hiring locally? Below is a role-by-role comparison for Australian businesses, using typical Sydney and Melbourne salaries against the all-in cost of a dedicated offshore team member through Intogreat.
What “all-in” means on each side
A local hire costs far more than the salary. Add superannuation at 12%, payroll tax where it applies, workers compensation, leave loading, recruitment fees, a desk, equipment, software seats and the management time that goes with a new employee. A realistic all-in figure is salary plus 25 to 35%.
An offshore hire through Intogreat is a single fixed monthly fee per role. It covers the staff member’s salary and statutory benefits in the Philippines, their desk in our Manila office, IT and infrastructure, HR administration, recruitment and replacement, and a team leader who provides day-to-day oversight. There are no per-task charges and no separate recruitment fee.
Role-by-role comparison, 2026
| Role | Sydney or Melbourne base salary | All-in local cost (salary + 30%) | Indicative offshore all-in cost | Typical saving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Insurance broker support officer | $70,000 to $85,000 | $91,000 to $110,000 | $30,000 to $40,000 | 60 to 70% |
| Claims assistant | $65,000 to $80,000 | $85,000 to $104,000 | $28,000 to $38,000 | 60 to 70% |
| Loan processor (mortgage) | $70,000 to $85,000 | $91,000 to $110,000 | $30,000 to $40,000 | 60 to 70% |
| Bookkeeper | $65,000 to $80,000 | $85,000 to $104,000 | $26,000 to $36,000 | 65 to 70% |
| Intermediate accountant (CPA) | $85,000 to $105,000 | $110,000 to $137,000 | $36,000 to $48,000 | 65 to 70% |
| Paraplanner | $80,000 to $100,000 | $104,000 to $130,000 | $36,000 to $48,000 | 60 to 70% |
| Virtual assistant / administrator | $60,000 to $75,000 | $78,000 to $98,000 | $24,000 to $32,000 | 65 to 70% |
| Customer service representative | $60,000 to $72,000 | $78,000 to $94,000 | $24,000 to $32,000 | 65 to 70% |
Local salary ranges are indicative for Sydney and Melbourne in 2026 and will be lower in other capitals and regional centres. Offshore figures are indicative annual equivalents of Intogreat’s fixed monthly fee for an experienced hire; the exact rate depends on the role, seniority and any specialist system experience. We quote a fixed rate per role before you commit.
What the saving looks like for a typical first hire
A Melbourne brokerage replacing one broker support role at $80,000 base is spending around $104,000 a year all-in. The same role offshore sits at roughly $35,000 all-in, a saving of around $69,000 a year. Most firms reinvest part of that into a second role within the first twelve months, which is why a one-person trial usually becomes a two or three-person team.
Where the cost argument is weakest
Offshore staffing does not suit every role. Anything that needs a licensed or registered person, face-to-face client work, or decisions that carry regulatory liability stays onshore. The saving is also smaller for very junior or part-time roles, where a local casual may be cheaper than a full-time offshore employee. The model works best for full-time, process-driven roles where the work is clearly defined and the volume justifies a dedicated person.
Costs people forget to count
- Local recruitment fees, typically 15 to 20% of first-year salary, are included in Intogreat’s fee.
- Replacement cost when a local hire leaves within the year; our replacement guarantee covers that offshore.
- Office space and equipment for the local hire; the offshore team member sits in our office.
- Management time: an Intogreat team leader handles daily supervision, attendance and coaching, so your manager reviews output rather than running the day.
How to get an exact figure for your role
Send us the job description, or describe the tasks you want to move, and we will come back with a fixed monthly rate and a shortlist of candidates. You can also read the cost and pricing FAQs, see the sector pages for insurance broking, accounting practices and mortgage brokers, or look at candidates available to interview now.
Frequently asked questions
Is the offshore cost really all-inclusive?
Yes. The fixed monthly fee covers salary, statutory benefits, office, IT, HR, recruitment, replacement and team-leader oversight. The only things outside it are agreed overtime and any software licences your business provides to its own staff.
Why are offshore salaries so much lower?
The cost of living in Metro Manila is a fraction of Sydney or Melbourne, so a salary that is competitive locally, and above market for the Philippines, is still well under half the Australian equivalent. Intogreat pays above local market rates, which is why retention is high.
Are there set-up or exit fees?
There is no set-up fee and no recruitment fee. Agreements run month to month after an initial term, with a notice period rather than an exit fee.
Does the price change if I add more staff?
Each role is priced individually, and the per-role rate is typically lower once a team reaches three or more people because the team leader and infrastructure are shared.
