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Maid Salary Singapore 2026: Complete Guide

Everything you need to know about maid salaries in Singapore. Salary ranges by nationality, rest day pay, deductions, and employer obligations explained.

2025 Salary Overview

Maid salaries in Singapore typically range from S$550 to S$850 per month depending on nationality, experience, and skills. There is no government mandated minimum wage, but market rates have increased 10-15% since 2020.

Maid Salary by Nationality

NationalityFresh HelperExperienced
๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉIndonesian
S$550 - S$600S$600 - S$700
๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ญFilipino
S$570 - S$620S$650 - S$750
๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฒMyanmar
S$550 - S$600S$600 - S$680
๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณIndian
S$600 - S$650S$700 - S$850

* Salary ranges are based on 2025 market rates. Actual salaries may vary based on specific skills, Singapore experience, and market conditions.

Total Monthly Cost to Employ a Maid

S$550 - S$800
Monthly Salary
Depends on nationality and experience
S$300 / S$60
FDW Levy
Standard / Concessionary rate
S$200 - S$300
Food Allowance
If not providing meals directly
S$30 - S$50
Toiletries & Necessities
Basic personal items

Estimated Total Monthly Cost

S$1,080 - S$1,600per month

Total cost includes salary, levy, food, and basic necessities. Does not include one-time hiring costs or annual insurance renewal.

Rest Day and Overtime Compensation

Rest Day Requirements

  • Minimum 1 rest day per month (MOM requirement)
  • Recommended: 4 rest days per month (weekly)
  • Rest day should be a full 24-hour period

Rest Day Compensation

If helper works on rest day, compensate with:

  • Option 1:Replacement rest day within the same month
  • Option 2:Extra pay = Monthly salary รท 26 days
Example: S$600 salary รท 26 = S$23.08 per rest day worked

Allowable Salary Deductions

Important

Only certain deductions are allowed from a helper's salary. Unlawful deductions can lead to penalties and affect your ability to hire foreign workers.

Allowed Deductions

  • Loan repayment - Maximum 50% of monthly salary during repayment period (5-7 months for fresh helpers)
  • Advance salary - Documented advances given to helper upon request
  • Personal purchases - Items bought at helper's request with written agreement

NOT Allowed

  • FDW Levy - This is the employer's responsibility
  • Medical expenses - Employer must bear medical costs
  • Damaged items - Accidental damage should not be deducted
  • Security bond - Employer's responsibility

Salary Payment Best Practices

Bank Transfer

Pay salary via bank transfer to helper's Singapore bank account. This creates a clear record for both parties.

Keep Records

Maintain salary records for at least 2 years. Use pay slips or a salary record book signed by both parties.

Pay On Time

Salary must be paid within 7 days after the end of each salary period. Late payment can lead to MOM penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions and answers

Singapore does not have a legally mandated minimum wage for foreign domestic workers. However, the market rate for fresh helpers typically starts from S$550 for Indonesian/Myanmar maids and S$570 for Filipino maids. Experienced helpers command higher salaries ranging from S$650 to S$800 depending on skills and experience.

If your helper agrees to work on her rest day, you should compensate her with either a replacement rest day within the same month, or extra payment equivalent to one day's salary. The daily rate is calculated as monthly salary divided by 26 working days.

Employers can deduct for: (1) Loan repayment for agency fees - maximum 50% of monthly salary for first 5-7 months, (2) Items purchased at helper's request, (3) Advance salary given. You cannot deduct for damage to household items, medical costs, or work permit levy.

While not mandatory, it's common practice to give a salary increment after the first contract (2 years) or annually. Typical increments range from S$20-50 per month. This helps retain good helpers and recognizes their improved skills and experience.

Salary should be paid within 7 days after the end of each salary period, typically monthly. It's strongly recommended to pay via bank transfer to the helper's Singapore bank account for transparency. Keep records of all salary payments for at least 2 years.

Besides salary, employers must provide: adequate food (or food allowance of S$200-250/month), acceptable accommodation, medical care, rest days (at least 1 per month, recommended weekly), and personal accident insurance coverage.

Yes, the monthly salary already includes compensation for rest days. The agreed monthly salary covers the full month including rest days. You only pay extra if the helper works on her designated rest day.

No, you should not deduct salary for accidental damage to household items. This is considered part of the employment risk. However, if there's evidence of deliberate damage or gross negligence, you may discuss compensation, but forced deduction is not recommended.

Still have questions?

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Related Resources

FDW Levy Guide

Monthly levy rates, concessionary eligibility, and payment methods.

Maid Insurance

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Rest Day Rules

Weekly rest day entitlements and compensation guidelines.

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First-Time Employer FAQ

50-question primer for first-time Singapore employers on eligibility, paperwork, salary, and what to expect.

Transfer Maid SOP 2026

Complete 7 to 21 day transfer flow including Singpass steps, levy timing, bond handling, and 2026 fee benchmarks.

2026 Singapore Helper Salary Index

Filipino, Indonesian and Myanmar salary ranges with the 24-month true-cost-of-employment breakdown.

FDW Levy Waiver: Get Money Back

S$10/day refund from MOM when your helper is hospitalised or overseas. 10-min Singpass application, 1-month deadline.

Temporary Maid Singapore (From S$280)

Short-term helper for 2 weeks to 3 months. Pre-screened transfer pool, profiles in 24 hours.

Need Help Hiring a Maid?

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