Welcoming a new helper into your family is an emotional decision rooted in a simple desire: peace of mind. You might be looking for that extra set of hands to ensure your children are safe or that your elderly parents receive the attentive care they deserve while you are at work.
Hiring a helper is not just about domestic chores; it is about buying back your quality time and emotional energy so you can be fully present with your loved ones. However, navigating the financial details can often feel like a maze of regulations.
Getting a clear knowledge of the current maid salary in Singapore is the first step toward building a harmonious household where everyone feels valued and respected.
How Much Is the Maid Salary Now in Singapore?
While the Ministry of Manpower does not impose a statutory universal minimum wage, some source countries set a minimum basic salary for their citizens to work in Singapore as domestic workers. For Filipino helpers, the minimum is mandated at USD 500, which is approximately S$650 as of 2026. While for Indonesian helpers, the minimum basic salary is SGD550.
For Myanmar domestic workers, while there is no official minimum basic salary requirement, current market rate for the basic salary is SGD500 for someone with no/ limited work experience as domestic workers.
Starting at these rates allows you to find a reliable individual who can manage daily chores and integrate smoothly into your family dynamic.
(note: basic salary = monthly salary excluding off day compensation)
How Much Is the Average Singapore Helper Salary for a First Timer?
The typical helper basic salary in Singapore for a first-timer generally ranges from $500 to $650. This variation often depends on the helper’s nationality and their specific training in areas such as infant or elder care.
- Philippines: The minimum is generally $650 to meet national and global benchmarks.
- Indonesia: Typically starts at $550-$600.
- Myanmar: Generally ranges from $500 to $580.
The basic salary increases commensurating their experience, skill level and language ability.
As an employer, remember that the basic salary is just one component of your monthly investment; you are also responsible for the MOM levy, medical insurance, and providing a safe lodging environment with adequate food.
What Are the Total Monthly Costs Beyond the Basic Salary?
To plan your budget effectively, you must account for recurring costs that ensure your helper’s well-being and legal compliance.
| Cost Component | Estimated Monthly Amount |
| MOM Levy | $300 (Standard) or $60 (Concessionary for eligible households) |
| Security Bond | Mandatory $5,000 bond (typically via insurer guarantee) |
| Medical Expenses | Mandatory six-monthly medical examinations (6ME), outpatient medical expenses, medical expenses not covered by insurance |
| Living Expenses | Provision of three daily meals and basic toiletries |
Rest Day Compensation and Working Hours
Building a sustainable partnership requires a clear understanding of rest requirements and fair compensation for work beyond agreed terms.
- Weekly Rest Day: Every helper is entitled to one rest day per week. While the day is mutually agreed upon, MOM mandates that at least one rest day per month cannot be compensated away to prevent burnout.
- Compensation for Working on Rest Days: If your helper agrees to work on her remaining rest days, you must pay her at least one day’s salary for each day worked. This is an additional payment and cannot be counted toward her basic monthly salary.
- Calculating Compensation: To find the daily rate for rest day pay, divide the monthly basic salary by 26 working days. For example, a helper with a $650 salary earns $25 per rest day worked ($650 ÷ 26 = $25).
- If 5 Sundays in a Month: Helper is entitled to either additional off day, or to be compensated for the extra Sunday worked.
- Flexibility and Wellbeing: Rest days can be taken as one full day or split into two half-days if both parties agree. If a rest day cannot be taken in a specific month, it must be deferred and used by the end of the following month.
Additional Factors Influencing Domestic Helpers’ Salaries
While many employers focus on the helper’s country of origin, the specific needs of your household often play a more significant role in determining a fair wage.
- Specialised Caregiving Skills: Helpers with certified training in nursing, dementia care, or newborn expertise command higher rates due to the technical nature of their duties.
- Size of Household and Residence: Managing a large multi-story landed property with a big family involves a significantly higher workload than a small apartment for a couple, often warranting additional compensation.
- Language and Communication Proficiency: Helpers who are multilingual, particularly those fluent in English, Mandarin, or local dialects like Hokkien or Cantonese, are often paid a premium for their ability to communicate effectively with elderly family members.
- Proven Culinary Expertise: Strong culinary skills, such as an ability to cook specific cuisines (Chinese, Indian, or Western baking), add tangible value to a household and influence salary expectations.
- Track Record with Pets: If your household requires a helper to manage pets, such as walking large dogs or maintaining hygiene for multiple cats, this added responsibility is typically factored into the basic salary.
- Rest Day Arrangements: While MOM requires at least one rest day per month that cannot be compensated away, a helper who agrees to work on her other three rest days will have a higher monthly take-home pay due to mandatory compensation.
Conclusion About A Maid’s Salary In Singapore
Although Singapore does not have a statutory universal minimum wage, most new domestic helpers currently earn a baseline of S$500-650 per month to meet the standards set by their home countries or market rate.
Factors such as local experience, specialised skills in eldercare or infant care, and proficiency in English or Mandarin often influence higher negotiated rates. Beyond basic pay, employers must budget for additional costs, including a monthly levy, insurance, mandatory medical checkups and out of pocket medical expenses.
For expert guidance and employer-maid matching tailored to your specific household needs, consult with Inter Great Employment Pte Ltd (MOM EA Licence No: 14C6931), your trusted partner for domestic helpers and caregivers in Singapore.
(Disclaimer by Inter Great: all above information and/ or monetary figures are meant for reference only, please refer to MOM’s official website for updated and accurate information, or approach consult our recruitment consultant if you need professional advice and consultation.)
Frequently Asked Questions About A Maid’s Salary In Singapore
What Is the Minimum Maid Salary Now in Singapore?
While MOM does not set a legal minimum wage, $500/ $550/ $650 is the current market rate for minimum basic salary of Myanmar/ Indonesian/ Filipino domestic helpers respectively.
How Does an Ex-Singapore Maid’s Salary Compare to a First Timer in Singapore?
Ex-Singapore helpers are in high demand especially if their employment record is good. That’s because they are familiar with the household standards in Singapore and require less time & effort to train. Hence their salary is usually higher than a first timer from the same country by at least $50-300. If you are willing to train someone, it’s not a bad idea to hire a first timer, for the lower salary and the general perception that a first timer is more ‘teachable’ and less choosy on job.
How Much Does a Maid in Myanmar Make in Singapore?
A new helper from Myanmar typically earns between $500 and $580 per month. Those with local experience can earn between $600 and $750 or more, depending on their specialised skills.
Can I Negotiate the Maid’s Salary in Singapore?
Yes, the salary is to be agreed between you and the helper. While you must respect the minimums set by the helper’s home country, amounts above that are negotiable based on the complexity of the chores or caregiving required. An experienced recruitment agent will be able to balance expectations from both sides, to reach an agreeable amount.