How Much to Pay a Maid in Singapore (2026)
There is no fixed rate. Helper salaries in Singapore depend on nationality, experience, and role. This guide explains the typical ranges and what drives them.
Typical salary ranges in 2026
The figures below reflect what AJS Global sees across current placements. They are not MOM-mandated rates. Actual salaries are agreed between employer and helper at the point of offer.
| Nationality | Fresh / first contract | 2+ years experience | Specialist role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indonesian | $550 - $620 | $620 - $750 | $700 - $850 |
| Filipino | $600 - $680 | $680 - $800 | $750 - $900 |
| Myanmar | $520 - $600 | $580 - $700 | $650 - $800 |
Specialist roles include newborn and infant care, eldercare, and live-in support for persons with disabilities. Ranges reflect market conditions as of mid-2026. Always verify current rates with your consultant.
What determines the salary
Experience level
A helper on her first contract overseas will typically earn less than someone with 4 to 6 years of proven Singapore experience. Specialist skills like infant care or dementia support command a further premium.
Nationality
Filipino helpers generally command higher salaries due to stronger English proficiency. Indonesian and Myanmar helpers are typically in the lower to mid range, though experienced candidates close the gap significantly.
Role specialisation
Helpers engaged primarily for newborn care, eldercare, or live-in care for a person with a disability typically earn $50 to $150 more per month than those in general housekeeping roles.
Transfer versus fresh
Transfer helpers already in Singapore with a strong recent reference often negotiate salary at or above the experienced range. They can start faster but come with prior employment history to assess.
Market conditions
Helper salaries in Singapore have risen steadily since 2021. Demand for experienced candidates outpaces supply, so expecting to pay at the lower bound of the range for a well-reviewed helper is unrealistic.
What MOM requires
MOM does not set a minimum salary for foreign domestic workers, but it does regulate how salary must be paid and recorded.
There is no MOM-mandated minimum salary for foreign domestic workers in Singapore. The salary is agreed between employer and helper and stated in the Employment Contract.
The agreed monthly salary must be paid in full, in cash or by bank transfer, within 7 days of the end of each salary period.
Salary cannot be deducted to recover the agency fee paid by the employer.
Any salary deductions (for example, for loans or advances) must be agreed in writing and cannot exceed 25% of the monthly salary.
Employers must keep records of salary payments and make them available to MOM on request.
Always refer to mom.gov.sg for the authoritative and current rules on salary payment.
Not sure what salary to offer?
Norma can advise on the right salary range for your specific requirements, including how to position an offer competitively without overpaying for a role that doesn't demand specialist rates.
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