How to Compare a Mortician Salary Offer Using Take-Home Pay

Comparing a Mortician Salary Offer

When you receive a job offer as a mortician in Australia, the headline figure is only part of the story. What matters is the amount that lands in your bank account each fortnight after tax and the Medicare levy. This guide walks you through the award rates, how to estimate your take-home pay, and how to compare offers fairly.

The Funeral Industry Award

Morticians and other funeral industry workers are covered by the Funeral Industry Award 2020 (MA000105). Fair Work sets minimum pay rates for six grades. Your grade depends on your duties and experience. For example:

• Grade 1 – entry-level duties: $25.74 per hour, $978.10 per week
• Grade 3 – experienced funeral assistant: $27.08 per hour, $1,029.10 per week
• Grade 6 – senior embalmer or manager: $30.38 per hour, $1,154.30 per week

These rates apply from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026. The award also includes penalty rates for Saturday, Sunday, public holidays, and removals. Check the Benchmarks page for the national minimum wage ($26.44 per hour) as a reference point.

From Gross to Take-Home

Your gross weekly pay is your hourly rate multiplied by 38 hours (full-time). For a Grade 3 mortician:

• Weekly gross: $27.08 × 38 = $1,029.10
• Annual gross: $1,029.10 × 52 = $53,513.20

Now apply the 2026–27 tax rates. For a resident earning $53,513:

• Tax-free threshold: $0–$18,200 → $0 tax
• Next bracket: $18,201–$45,000 → 15c per dollar over $18,200 = ($45,000 – $18,200) × 0.15 = $4,020
• Remaining: $53,513 – $45,000 = $8,513 × 0.30 = $2,553.90
• Total tax before offsets: $4,020 + $2,553.90 = $6,573.90
• Low Income Tax Offset (LITO): At $53,513, LITO is $325 – 1.5c per dollar over $45,000 = $325 – ($8,513 × 0.015) = $325 – $127.70 = $197.30
• Tax after LITO: $6,573.90 – $197.30 = $6,376.60
• Medicare levy: 2% of $53,513 = $1,070.26 (full rate applies because you earn above $35,013)
• Total deductions: $6,376.60 + $1,070.26 = $7,446.86
• Annual take-home: $53,513.20 – $7,446.86 = $46,066.34
• Fortnightly take-home: $46,066.34 ÷ 26 = $1,771.78

This estimate excludes HELP/HECS, salary sacrifice, or the Medicare levy surcharge. Use the Take-home pay calculator for your personal situation.

Superannuation Is Extra

Employers must pay superannuation at 12% of your ordinary time earnings (from 1 July 2026). This is on top of your salary, not deducted from it. When comparing offers, check whether the advertised figure is “plus super” or “including super”. The award requires super to be paid to a fund of your choice (or a stapled fund).

How to Compare Offers

1. Identify your grade – Ask the employer which classification applies. The award has six grades with clear duty descriptions.
2. Calculate base pay – Use the hourly rate for your grade and multiply by 38 hours.
3. Add penalties – If you work weekends, public holidays, or removals, factor in the penalty rates from the award (e.g., 150% for first 3 hours of removals on Saturday).
4. Estimate take-home – Use the Tax and Medicare guide to subtract tax and Medicare. Remember the Medicare levy is 2% for full-time workers.
5. Check allowances – The award provides allowances for exhumation ($119.74 per body), leading hands, tools, and vehicle use. These are paid on top of your base rate.

What the Award Covers

The Funeral Industry Award applies to employers and employees in funeral services, coffin manufacturing, removal of deceased human remains, and associated services. Examples include funeral homes, embalmers, coffin makers, and funeral director assistants. Labour hire employees placed in the funeral industry are also covered.

Final Thoughts

A mortician salary offer should be evaluated on the net amount you take home, not the gross figure. The award provides a clear minimum, but your actual pay may be higher depending on experience and penalties. Always ask for a written breakdown of your classification, hours, and any allowances. For more resources, visit the Guides section.