Mortician salary in Australia
What is a mortician?
In Australia, the role commonly known as a mortician is usually called a funeral director, embalmer, or funeral attendant. These occupations are covered by the Funeral Industry Award 2020, which sets minimum wages for classifications from Grade 1 (entry level) to Grade 6 (advanced). The award applies nationally and is enforced by the Fair Work Ombudsman.
National context for pay
The national full-time adult average ordinary time earnings is $2,083.70 per week, or about $108,352 per year (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). This is the benchmark used on this site. The full-time median is about $90,532 per year, and the all-employees median is about $74,100 per year (ABS Employee Earnings, August 2025). The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, $1,004.90 per week, or about $52,255 per year on a 38-hour week.
Award rates for morticians
Under the Funeral Industry Award, the minimum weekly rates for full-time employees (38 hours per week) are:
| Classification | Weekly rate | Hourly rate | Annual equivalent (×52) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 1 | $978.10 | $25.74 | $50,861 |
| Grade 2 | $1,004.90 | $26.44 | $52,255 |
| Grade 3 | $1,029.10 | $27.08 | $53,513 |
| Grade 4 | $1,062.90 | $27.97 | $55,271 |
| Grade 5 | $1,119.10 | $29.45 | $58,193 |
| Grade 6 | $1,154.30 | $30.38 | $60,024 |
These are minimums. Many employers pay above the award, especially for experienced funeral directors or those in supervisory roles. Overtime, penalty rates for weekends and public holidays, and allowances (e.g., for removals) can also increase total earnings.
How mortician pay compares to the national average
Even the highest award classification (Grade 6) yields about $60,024 per year, which is well below the national full-time average of $108,352. However, the award is a floor, not a ceiling. Funeral directors with several years of experience or those working in larger metropolitan firms may earn salaries closer to or above the national average. The all-employees median of $74,100 gives another benchmark: a mortician earning above that is doing better than half of all Australian workers.
State and territory differences
State full-time averages vary significantly, which can affect what a mortician might earn in different locations. Using the ABS state averages from May 2026:
- Australian Capital Territory: $119,090
- Western Australia: $115,825
- New South Wales: $109,658
- Victoria: $106,137
- Queensland: $106,064
- Northern Territory: $103,173
- South Australia: $102,450
- Tasmania: $96,008
A mortician in the ACT or WA may have higher earning potential due to the overall higher wage environment, while one in Tasmania may earn less. However, award rates are national, so the minimums are the same everywhere; differences come from above-award payments and local labour market conditions.
Tax on a mortician's salary
For the 2026–27 income year, the resident tax rates are:
- Nil on income up to $18,200
- 15% on income from $18,201 to $45,000
- 30% on income from $45,001 to $135,000
- 37% on income from $135,001 to $190,000
- 45% on income above $190,000
Plus the Medicare levy of 2% (with possible reductions for low-income earners). A mortician earning the Grade 1 minimum of $50,861 would pay about $5,092 in tax plus $1,017 Medicare levy, leaving about $44,752 after tax. A mortician earning $80,000 (above award) would pay about $16,467 tax plus $1,600 Medicare, leaving $61,933.
Where to place a mortician's salary on the line
If you know your actual salary, you can place a salary on the line to see how it compares to the national full-time average. You can also explore states and territories to see how your location affects the benchmark.
Summary
Mortician salaries in Australia start at award minimums that are significantly below the national full-time average. However, with experience and in higher-paying states, earnings can rise. The national average of $108,352 provides a useful reference point, but most morticians will earn less unless they reach senior roles or work in high-cost regions.
For more detail on how the figures are calculated, see how the figures are set.