Domestic Helper Salary in Singapore (2026): Maid Pay Guide

Planning to hire a domestic helper or looking for a new household job in Singapore? Understanding maid salary in Singapore helps employers make fair offers and helps helpers evaluate opportunities. This 2026 guide explains typical pay, transfer helper salaries, minimum salary rules, rest-day compensation and the difference between salary and total hiring costs.

How much is a domestic helper's salary in Singapore in 2026?

There is no single salary that applies to every helper. Monthly pay depends on experience, the responsibilities of the role, skills such as infant or elderly care, and whether the helper is transferring within Singapore or being hired from overseas.

For a useful real-world reference, We Are Caring's published placement data reports the following basic salary averages. These figures describe its own placements, not the entire Singapore market.

Source: We Are Caring, “Domestic Helper Salaries in Singapore: Open Data from 4,681 Placements (2022 to mid-2026).” Averages reflect actual placements by one provider; individual offers may be higher or lower.

Domestic helper salary by nationality

Employers often compare Filipino, Indonesian and Myanmar helper salaries. However, nationality alone should not determine an offer: experience, communication skills, duties and applicable home-country rules matter too.

For more targeted searches, explore Filipino helpers, Indonesian helpers and Myanmar helpers.

Is there a minimum maid salary in Singapore?

MOM does not prescribe a general minimum wage for migrant domestic workers. The employer and helper agree on the monthly salary. However, sending countries may impose minimum salary or contract standards for their nationals. For example, the Philippine Migrant Workers Office states a S$650 monthly minimum for applicable Filipino domestic worker contracts from 21 October 2025.

Once a salary is agreed and declared, employers must pay the helper in full and on time. MOM says salary must be paid within seven days after the end of the salary period. Employers should not make unauthorised deductions for medical bills, damaged household items or similar expenses.

Transfer maid salary in Singapore

A transfer helper is already working in Singapore and is changing employers. Transfer helpers may seek higher pay because they have local household experience, references or specialised skills. However, not every transfer helper commands the same salary.

As a market reference, We Are Caring reported an average basic salary of S$911/month for transfer placements in the first half of 2026. Use this as context when discussing a fair offer, not as a fixed rate.

What affects a helper's monthly salary?

• Experience: Prior work in Singapore or similar households can influence expectations.
• Job responsibilities: Infant care, childcare, eldercare and other duties may require different skills.
• Language and communication: Ability to communicate clearly with the household matters.
• Workload and household needs: Discuss responsibilities and reasonable expectations before agreeing on pay.
• Transfer versus overseas hire: Availability, experience and relocation arrangements can influence offers.
• Source-country rules: Applicable contract standards must be respected.

How is rest-day compensation calculated?

MOM requires employers to provide domestic helpers with at least one rest day each month that cannot be compensated away. If a helper agrees to work on another rest day, the employer must compensate her accordingly.

Read MOM's guidance on salary and rest-day payments for the official formula and requirements.

Salary versus total cost of hiring a helper

The helper's basic salary is only one part of the employer's budget. Employers also need to account for the monthly foreign domestic worker levy, mandatory insurance, food, accommodation, medical expenses and applicable hiring or administrative fees. These are not automatically deductions from the helper's agreed salary.

For a full breakdown, read our cost of hiring a domestic helper in Singapore guide.

Tips for employers: How to offer a fair salary

1. Define the actual duties and working arrangements before interviewing.
2. Review the helper's experience, skills and salary expectations.
3. Check any applicable source-country salary requirements.
4. Agree clearly on the basic monthly salary, rest days and compensation arrangements.
5. Record the agreed terms and pay the declared salary promptly each month.

Tips for helpers: How to assess a salary offer

1. Ask about the full scope of work, household size and care responsibilities.
2. Confirm the basic monthly salary separately from any rest-day compensation.
3. Discuss rest days, living arrangements and expectations before accepting.
4. Check that the employment terms are consistent with applicable requirements.
5. Keep records of your agreed salary and payments.

Frequently asked questions about maid salary in Singapore

Sources and editorial note: MOM: minimum wage FAQ; MOM: salary and rest days; Philippine Migrant Workers Office; We Are Caring salary dataset. Information is provided for general guidance as of October 2026. Check the latest official requirements before hiring. DirectHelpers is a marketplace, not an employment agency.