$400-$2,000: Singapore Helper Bonus & Salary Guide 2026

So you're thinking about your helper's bonus. Maybe it's December and you're wondering, "Eh, how much should I give ah?" Or maybe your helper just completed her second year and you're debating whether to give her a salary bump.

You're not alone. This is one of the most common questions we hear from employers at iHome — and honestly, there's no single right answer. But there ARE clear guidelines, market rates, and smart strategies that'll help you do right by your helper without overspending.

Let's break it all down.

At a Glance

When to Give a Bonus: The Singapore Calendar

• Chinese New Year (CNY): $200-$600, given in Jan/Feb

• Year-End / Christmas: $200-$600, given in December

• Contract Renewal Bonus: $100-$400, at contract anniversary

• Performance / Special Recognition: $100-$500, anytime

• Hari Raya Puasa: $100-$300, for Muslim helpers

• Birthday: $50-$100, optional but a nice touch

Most employers give TWO main bonuses a year — CNY and year-end. If you give both, you're already above average. If you add a contract renewal bonus, your helper will feel truly valued, sia.

A Real Singapore Scenario

Mei Ling has been with her Indonesian helper, Siti, for three years. Every year, she gives $300 for CNY and $300 for year-end. When Siti's contract came up for renewal, Mei Ling added a $200 renewal bonus plus a $100/month salary increment. Result? Siti turned down a transfer offer from another family. That $200 bonus saved Mei Ling thousands in agency fees.

How Much Bonus by Helper Tenure

• Year 1 (New): CNY $200-$300, Year-End $200-$300, Total $400-$600

• Year 2 (Settled): CNY $300-$500, Year-End $300-$500, Total $600-$1,000

• Year 3+ (Experienced): CNY $400-$700, Year-End $400-$700, Total $800-$1,400

• Year 5+ (Part of Family): CNY $500-$1,000, Year-End $500-$1,000, Total $1,000-$2,000

A helper who's been with you for 3+ years knows your routines, your children's preferences, your elderly parent's medication schedule. Replacing that knowledge costs at minimum $2,000-$3,000 in agency fees alone — plus the 1-3 month adjustment period.

Salary Increments: When and How Much

• Filipino: Starting $600-$700/mo → After 3+ Years $750-$850

• Indonesian: Starting $450-$550/mo → After 3+ Years $600-$700

• Myanmar: Starting $500-$600/mo → After 3+ Years $650-$750

• Indian: Starting $550-$650/mo → After 3+ Years $700-$800

Typical increment: $50-$150/month after each year. Don't wait for your helper to ask — bring it up proactively during contract renewal. Our guide on transfer maid vs new maid explains why keeping a good helper is almost always cheaper than starting over.

What Makes a 'Good' Bonus?

• Given with a smile, not reluctantly

• Given on time — don't delay a CNY bonus until March

• Accompanied by specific praise, not just a generic 'good job'

• In cash or bank transfer — most helpers prefer immediate cash

• Within your means — a $300 bonus with genuine appreciation beats a resentful $500

Read more about building a positive relationship in our post on how to show appreciation to your helper.

How to Talk About Salary Without It Getting Awkward

The Do's

• Set expectations early — discuss bonus policies during the first month

• Use data, not feelings — "The market rate for a 3-year Filipino helper is $750-$800"

• Be transparent — "I can offer a $50 increment this year"

• Put it in writing — update the contract or add a side letter

The Don'ts

• Don't compare with other families — conversation killer

• Don't use the bonus as leverage — destroys trust

• Don't promise what you can't deliver

• Don't make it feel like a demand — listen first if your helper asks

Need help communicating with your helper? Our guide on how to communicate with your helper like a pro has practical tips that work.

When NOT to Give a Bonus

• Helper frequently absent without reason — address attendance first

• Helper consistently underperforms — set improvement goals first

• Helper is on notice to leave — honour contractual obligations only

• Financial hardship — even $50-$100 with a heartfelt note helps

• Helper is new (<3 months) — not expected, but a small CNY ang pow is nice

Even when you don't give a bonus, maintain respect and kindness. A helper who feels appreciated in other ways is more resilient than one who only feels valued through money.

The Bottom Line

• Budget for bonuses from day one — set aside $50-$100/month

• Give based on tenure and performance — Year 1: $200-$300, Year 3+: $400-$700

• Review salary at every contract renewal — even $50/month matters

• Communicate proactively — don't wait for your helper to ask

• A happy, well-compensated helper saves you money long-term

At the end of the day, your helper is part of your family. Treat her fairly, and she'll treat your family like her own.

Contact iHome Agency:

📲 WhatsApp: 8042 6581

📜 EA License: 26C3446

📍 Punggol & Northshore Specialist

Let us guide you home.