RTO training-delivery pricing
Work out what a course must charge per learner to cover delivery and return the margin you intend.
For RTO managers, training managers, independent trainers
How to use this calculator
Start with the worked example below. Replace the figures in Your numbers with your own inputs, then select Recalculate. Read the assumptions and limitations before using the estimate in your planning. Save report downloads the last calculated results and inputs.
Price per learner
$1,007.81
Cost per learner divided by (1 − target margin), so the margin is a share of the price you charge.
- Cost per learner
- $806.25
- Total cohort cost spread across the learners enrolled.
- Total cohort cost
- $9,675.00
- Direct costs plus your overhead loading.
- Total cohort revenue
- $12,093.75
- Price per learner across the whole cohort.
- Surplus
- $2,418.75
- What is left after every modelled cost.
This is an estimate to support your professional judgement, not a determination. Our tools draft. You validate.
Saves the last calculated inputs, results and assumptions to your device. Recalculate after changing inputs.
Your numbers
How many people will be enrolled and paying.
Facilitated hours actually delivered, excluding your preparation.
What the trainer costs you per delivered hour, including on-costs such as super and leave loading.
Non-contact hours: preparing, marking, moderating, giving feedback.
Printing, licences, kits, consumables for one learner.
Room hire, platform fees, equipment: costs that do not change with learner numbers.
Administration, compliance and management, as a percentage added to direct costs.
The percentage of the price you intend to keep as surplus.Above 90% is not achievable. Price is cost divided by (1 − margin).
How this is worked out
Direct cost = (delivery hours + preparation hours) × trainer rate + fixed costs + (materials × learners). Total cost = direct cost × (1 + overhead%). Price per learner = total cost ÷ learners ÷ (1 − target margin%).
What it assumes
- Every enrolled learner pays the same fee.
- The trainer rate already includes on-costs such as superannuation and leave loading.
- The cohort runs once; the fixed costs are not shared with another cohort.
What it does NOT account for
- Does not account for GST. Decide separately whether your fee is GST-inclusive.
- Does not model government funding, subsidies or fee-for-service blends.
- Does not account for learner withdrawal or non-payment.
- Does not price RPL, which has a different cost shape.
What to do next
- Compare the result with what comparable providers charge in your state.
- Test the price at a smaller cohort size: fixed costs per learner rise quickly.
- Confirm whether your fee must be advertised GST-inclusive.
- Check the fee against any funding contract's maximum chargeable amount.
Sources
- Cost model structure: Standard direct/overhead/margin costing (reviewed 2026-08-26)
- On-cost guidance: Superannuation Guarantee and award leave loading, verify current rates (reviewed 2026-08-26)