Domestic Helper Salary Guide Singapore 2026: What to Pay by Nationality

7 days ago

3 min read

So you have decided to hire a domestic helper in Singapore. You have browsed profiles and watched video interviews. But then the big question hits: how much should you actually pay? Helper salaries vary wildly depending on nationality, experience, and skills. And on top of salary, you need to factor in the monthly levy, insurance, and hidden costs that catch first-time employers off guard.

Infographic on hiring a domestic helper in Singapore, showing monthly salaries, hidden fees, and total all-in costs by nationality.

Our bonus and salary guide covers year-end and festival payments — but this post focuses on the base monthly salary and the true all-in cost in 2026.

At a Glance

Filipino helpers earn $600-$800/month, Indonesian helpers $500-$650/month, and Myanmar helpers $450-$600/month in 2026. Add $300-$470 monthly levy and $100-$200 insurance, and your true all-in cost is $1,000-$1,550 per month.

Why Getting the Salary Right Matters

Paying too little means your helper leaves within months — replacement costs $3,000-$5,000. Paying too much means overpaying for skills you might not need. MOM does not set a minimum salary, but market rates are well established. Read our guide on the Work Permit application process to understand the full hiring costs.

Salary by Nationality: 2026 Market Rates

Filipino: $600-$850/month — Strong English, degree holders common. Fresh: $600-$650, 3+ years: $720-$800, specialist: $750-$850
Indonesian: $500-$700/month — Largest talent pool. Fresh: $500-$550, 3+ years: $600-$650, specialist: $620-$700
Myanmar: $450-$600/month — Growing market, strong work ethic. Fresh: $450-$500, 3+ years: $550-$600
Indian/Sri Lankan: $500-$650/month — Niche market, specific cultural fit needed

Beyond Salary: The True Monthly Cost

Monthly levy: $300 (standard) or $450 (concessionary for families with young children, elderly, or disabled)
Insurance: $100-$200/month (personal accident + medical, mandatory)
Food: Budget $150-$200/month if not providing meals
Rest day overtime: One day's salary if helper works her rest day
Miscellaneous: Phone bill, personal items, festival gifts

How Experience and Skills Affect Salary

Cooking: +$50-$100 (HDB-regular meals like chicken rice, laksa)
Infant care certification: +$75-$150
Eldercare experience: +$50-$120 (dementia care, mobility assistance)
Driving license: +$100-$200 (rare and valuable)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Paying below market rate — leads to high turnover; replacement costs $3,000-$5,000
Not discussing salary before hiring — confirm during interviews, not after arrival
Ignoring levy and insurance — these add $400-$650/month on top of salary
Forgetting annual increments — $20-$50/year helps retain experienced helpers

What If It Still Does Not Work?

Even with the right salary, sometimes the match does not work out. If your helper consistently underperforms despite fair pay, read our guide on whether to renew or replace your helper. Do not blame yourself — a mismatch is part of the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a minimum salary for domestic helpers?

No. MOM does not mandate a minimum salary. However, market rates are well established and paying significantly below the going rate makes it hard to recruit and retain a good helper.

Should I pay more for public holiday work?

Helpers are not automatically entitled to public holidays. If you ask your helper to work on one, offer a replacement rest day or a day's salary as compensation. This is fair practice even if not legally required.

Can I deduct from my helper's salary?

MOM has strict rules. You can only deduct for loan repayments agreed in writing, or for damage caused by negligence, with a monthly cap. Read our full salary deduction guide for details.

What is the total annual cost?

Budget $15,000-$22,000 in year one: $6,000-$9,600 salary + $3,600-$5,640 levy + $1,200-$2,400 insurance + agency fee ($2,000-$4,000). Ongoing years: $10,800-$17,640.

The Bottom Line

Fair pay is the foundation of a good employer-helper relationship. In 2026, expect $500-$800/month base salary plus $400-$650 in levy and insurance. Budget $1,000-$1,550/month all-in. The cheapest helper is not always the best value — a slightly higher salary for the right skills saves money long-term by reducing turnover and re-training stress.

Contact iHome Agency:

WhatsApp: 8042 6581

EA License: 26C3446

Punggol & Northshore Specialist