Maid Salary Singapore: A Comprehensive Guide for Employers
Navigating the costs of hiring domestic help in Singapore involves more than just salary. This Maid Salary Singapore guide explains typical pay, rest-day compensation and other key costs employers should plan for.
Minimum Maid Salary in Singapore by Nationality
While Singapore does not have a national minimum wage for domestic helpers, respective home country governments set minimum salary levels for their citizens working abroad. As of 2024, the general benchmarks are:
- Philippines: S$650
- Indonesia: S$550
- Myanmar: S$500
- India & Sri Lanka: S$450 - S$550
Market Salary Expectations
Experienced helpers or those with specialized skills (infant care, elderly care, or culinary expertise) often command higher salaries ranging from S$700 to S$1,000+. Factors such as years of experience in Singapore and successful completion of previous contracts significantly impact these rates.
The Indirect Costs: Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW) Levy
Employers must pay a monthly levy to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). The standard rate is S$300 for the first helper. However, families with qualifying members (young children, elderly, or persons with disabilities) may be eligible for a concessionary rate of S$60 per month.
Rest Day Compensation and Benefits
Helpers are entitled to one rest day per week. If an employer and helper mutually agree for the helper to work on their rest day, the employer must provide a replacement rest day or monetary compensation (typically one day's worth of salary).