How Much Domestic Helper Salary In Singapore?

Understanding Domestic Helper Salaries in Singapore: What Employers Should Know (2025 Guide)

This question has been asked often by many employers. It's a valid concern—especially for first-time employers—because hiring a helper is both a financial commitment and a personal one. Many are unsure what a fair salary is, what other costs to expect, or how to balance budget with the responsibilities of being a good employer.

Hiring a domestic helper is a common practice in Singapore, particularly for households that require assistance with childcare, elderly care, or general household maintenance. However, many employers—especially first-time ones—are often unsure about how much they should expect to pay. This guide provides a detailed overview of domestic helper salaries in Singapore, the factors influencing wages, and additional costs that employers should consider.

Average Monthly Salary

As of 2025, the average salary for a full-time live-in domestic helper in Singapore is approximately S$600 per month. However, this figure can vary significantly based on several key factors. Most salaries fall within the range of S$400 to over S$700 per month, depending on the helper’s background, experience, and job scope.

Key Factors That Influence Salary

1. Nationality of the Helper -

   
   

   Domestic helpers in Singapore typically come from countries such as Indonesia, the Philippines, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and India. Salary expectations often differ based on the helper’s home country due to varying minimum salary requirements set by their respective governments:

   • Filipino helpers: Minimum of S$570–S$600

   • Indonesian helpers: Typically S$550–S$600

   • Helpers from other countries may have lower or negotiable rates depending on experience and local embassy regulations.

     
     

2. Work Experience -

   
   

   Helpers with several years of experience—particularly those who have worked in Singapore or similar environments—can command higher salaries. Employers may be willing to pay a premium for helpers who already understand local customs, can communicate in English or Mandarin, and require minimal training.

   
   

3. Specialized Job Requirements -

   
   

   If the helper is expected to handle specific tasks such as:

   • Infant or child care

   • Elderly care or nursing support

   • Cooking and meal planning

   • Pet care or gardening

   Their salary will likely be higher than that of a general housekeeper.

   
   

4. Agency Fees and Placement Costs -

   
   

   When hiring through a maid agency, employers must also account for agency fees, which can range from S$1,000 to over S$3,000, depending on the services offered. These fees may include training, paperwork, and insurance coverage and can affect the overall cost of hiring a helper.

   
   

5. Government Levy and Other Ongoing Costs -

   
   

   Apart from monthly salaries, employers must pay a foreign domestic worker (FDW) levy, which is a tax paid to the Singapore government. As of 2025:

   • Standard monthly levy: S$300

   • Concessionary levy (for families with children, elderly, or disabled dependents): S$60

     
     

6. Other Expenses to Factor In

   Beyond the levy and basic monthly pay, families should budget for a handful of additional outlays tied to employing a domestic helper. Key ongoing costs include:

   
   

   • Insurance premiums: Employers are required by Singapore law to provide both medical and personal accident insurance for their helpers. This helps safeguard both the helper's well-being and the employer's peace of mind.

   • Regular health screenings: Helpers must undergo periodic medical check-ups, which are another recurring cost to account for.

   • Food and accommodation: Daily living needs—such as meals and housing—are a basic responsibility for employers.

   • Long service payments: To acknowledge loyalty, some families may choose to offer a gratuity or bonus after a helper has served for an extended period (for example, ten years or more).

   Taken together, these expenses mean the overall cost of employment typically runs much higher than salary alone, so thoughtful budgeting is recommended.

Full-Time Domestic Helpers:

• Monthly salary: S$500–S$700+

• Other costs: The employer must provide accommodation, food, and medical insurance.

• Benefits: Suitable for families that need daily or round-the-clock assistance.

How Do Singapore’s Domestic Helper Salaries Compare Internationally?

It’s natural to wonder how domestic helper salaries in Singapore stack up against wages in other countries. For perspective, let’s look at a place like Dubai—a city famous for its skyscrapers and a global expatriate workforce.

While the average professional salary in Dubai can be quite high (around S$6,100 per month as of 2024 for industries like finance and engineering), domestic helpers there earn significantly less—often between AED 1,500 and AED 2,500 per month (about S$550 to S$920). This range is not too different from what is typically offered in Singapore.

Of course, differences in cost of living, working conditions, and legal protections can affect these numbers. For example:

• In Dubai, helpers may receive slightly higher pay, but employers often provide fewer days off.

• Singapore’s regulations generally ensure at least one day off per month and set mandatory rest periods.

So, while Singapore’s average domestic helper salary of around S$600 per month is competitive with what’s common in other major cities, the real value comes down to the overall employment package and the country’s legal safeguards for both employers and helpers.

Final Thoughts

Hiring a domestic helper in Singapore is not just about the monthly salary—it’s about the total cost of employment and the responsibilities that come with it. Whether you choose to hire a full-time live-in helper or opt for part-time assistance, it’s essential to understand the financial implications, legal requirements, and the importance of treating helpers with fairness and respect.

Before making a decision, consider your household’s specific needs, budget, and the helper's qualifications. Doing thorough research and consulting a reputable agency can help ensure a positive and mutually beneficial arrangement for both employer and helper.