Thinking of hiring a domestic helper in Singapore? Before you dive in, there’s a lot more to it than just the monthly salary.
I’ve personally helped countless others break down the real costs, so I know how confusing it can be – between agency fees, levy concessions, and choosing between a Filipino or Indonesian helper… it’s easy to underestimate how much you’ll actually spend.
Here’s the thing: the real cost of hiring a domestic helper in Singapore can range from $1,100 to over $1,600 per month – and that’s not including thousands in one-time fees upfront.
In this post, you’ll learn:
- The monthly and one-time costs of hiring a helper
- How salaries differ by nationality and experience
- What affects a helper’s pay (and how to budget wisely)
- What grants and concessions can reduce your cost
If you want clarity before making a commitment, keep reading.
Domestic helper statistics in Singapore (Editor’s picks)
- $665 is the overall median monthly salary for domestic helpers across all nationalities in Singapore
- Filipino helpers command the highest median salary at $710/month, due to strong English proficiency and vocational training
- Indonesian helpers earn a median of $675, benefiting from cultural and religious alignment with Malay households
- Myanmar helpers have the lowest median salary at $625/month, with fast hiring processes but lower English proficiency
- Sri Lankan helpers earn a median of $648.50, positioned between Myanmar and Indonesia in terms of wage expectations
- Monthly salary for new helpers ranges from $625 to $710 (median), while transfer maids earn around $800–$850/month
- Total monthly cost of hiring a helper ranges from $1,125 to $1,600, including salary, levy, food, and other living expenses
- One-time costs of hiring a helper range from $2,624 to $6,636
Domestic helper salaries by nationality and experience
This table represents a breakdown of the salary range and median salaries for domestic helpers in Singapore, grouped by nationality: Myanmar, Philippines, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka.
The salary range for domestic helpers in Singapore varies by nationality and experience, with those having 0-2 years earning at the lower end and those with more than 2 years at the higher end of the specified ranges for helpers from Myanmar, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka.
| Nationality | Salary Range | Median | |
| Myanmar | $450 – $800 | $625 | |
| Philippines | $570 – $850 | $710 | |
| Indonesia | $550 – $800 | $675 | |
| Sri Lanka | $497 – $800 | $648.50 | |
| Overall Total Average Salary | $665 | ||
Filipino helpers have the highest average salary
Filipino domestic helpers in Singapore stand out with the highest median salary, exceeding $710 per month. The reason for higher salaries are probably due to:
- Strong English proficiency,
- Professional training provided, and
- Dietary considerations.
Strong English proficiency
Filipinos are one of the largest English-speaking groups in Asia.
Based on the 2023 poll survey conducted by Social Weather Stations (SWS):
- 80% understand spoken English.
- 80% can read English.
- 69% can write English.
- 55% can speak English.
This means they have strong communication skills, which help them follow household instructions and assist with children effectively.
Professional training
Many Filipino domestic helpers hold degrees or vocational certificates, especially in healthcare, nursing, and caregiving.
Before they start working, Filipino domestic helpers receive government-mandated training to ensure they have the necessary skills for effective performance.
- Pre-Employment Training (TESDA Certification)
-
-
- The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) requires all domestic helpers to complete the Domestic Work NC II course.
- This training course covers skills such as:
- Household chores
- Childcare and elderly care
- Cooking and meal preparation
- Basic first aid
- Effective communication and work ethics
- This training course covers skills such as:
- The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) requires all domestic helpers to complete the Domestic Work NC II course.
-
- Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC)
-
- Issued by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) (now integrated into the Department of Migrant Workers – DMW).
- Ensures that domestic helpers have completed the necessary training and legal requirements before deployment.
-
- Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS)
- PDOS is a mandatory seminar to educate workers about their rights, responsibilities, and cultural expectations in the host country.
This education equips them well for a variety of household responsibilities and specialised caregiving duties while ensuring that domestic helpers are well-prepared and meet the legal requirements before their deployment.
Dietary considerations
In Singapore, where the religion is predominantly Buddhism and Taoism, the presence of Filipino domestic helpers often aligns well with most households due to dietary practices.
This compatibility can sometimes make Filipino helpers a more sought-after choice compared to Indonesian helpers, who are predominantly Muslim and may have different dietary restrictions.
Indonesian helpers earn slightly less than Filipinos
Indonesian helpers typically earn a salary slightly lower than their Filipino counterparts, with a median salary of around $675.
Probable reasons could be due to:
- Language proficiency
- Cultural and religious similarity with the local Malay/Muslim population
Language proficiency
Indonesians have low English proficiency, with an EF EPI score of 468 (EF English Proficiency Index).
However, many Indonesian domestic helpers speak Bahasa Indonesia, which shares 80% to 90% lexical similarity with Malay, according to linguistic studies and comparative Austronesian linguistics. These studies estimate the degree of mutual intelligibility and shared vocabulary between the two closely related languages, with Malay being one of Singapore’s official languages (Asia Society).
Because of this similarity in words and vocabulary, they are able to communicate effectively with Malay-speaking households.
Since the Malay population of Singapore constitutes about 13.5% of the total population (SingStat, 2020), there is likely lesser demand from households that do not speak the language.
Cultural and religious similarities with the local Malay/Muslim population
Similarly, Indonesian domestic helpers share many cultural and religious similarities with the local Malay/Muslim population – likely to significantly influence the employment dynamics of Indonesian domestic helpers in Singapore.
These commonalities extend beyond mere demographics; they encompass shared traditions, festivals, and daily practices, which are rooted deeply in Islamic teachings (Indonesian Directorate General of Culture).
This religious and cultural alignment facilitates a smoother integration of Indonesian helpers into Malay/Muslim households in Singapore. The shared understanding of Islamic customs and dietary laws, such as halal food preparation, is particularly valued. These aspects not only ease the daily responsibilities of domestic helpers but also enhance the personal comfort and trust between employers and their helpers, fostering a harmonious living and working environment.
Furthermore, events and celebrations like Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Hari Raya Haji, which are observed with great significance in both Singapore’s Malay and Indonesia’s Muslim communities, see Indonesian helpers participating more naturally and effectively due to their inherent familiarity with the customs and significance of these occasions.
Vocational training
Indonesian domestic helpers undergo mandatory training before being deployed overseas. The Indonesian government has strict regulations to ensure that migrant domestic workers are properly trained and qualified before working abroad.
- Government-Licensed Training Centers (BLK – Balai Latihan Kerja)
-
- These are vocational training centers that provide specialised courses for domestic helpers.
- Located across major cities and provinces in Indonesia.
- Offer training in housekeeping, cooking, childcare, elderly care, and safety procedures.
- Workers are required to complete 600 hours of instruction and hands-on training at facilities operated by authorised agencies, according to Helper Choice.
They are also trained to speak the local language and to understand their rights and duties as helpers.
Myanmar helpers have the lowest salaries
Myanmar domestic helpers in Singapore are recognised for their lower salary expectations, with a median of $625.
This community of migrant domestic workers (MDWs) from Myanmar has been growing rapidly, increasing by over 50% in recent years, as reported by the Libra Employment Agency. The Irrawaddy notes that Singapore hosts a significant Myanmar migrant worker population, with numbers exceeding 200,000 (The Irrawaddy, 2025).
Language barriers
Myanmar has a relatively low English proficiency index score of 449, indicating limited English skills, which can complicate communication (EF English Proficiency Index, 2025).
This contrasts with Filipino maids, who generally speak fluent English, and Indonesian maids, who often communicate effectively in Malay, a language similar to their native Bahasa Indonesia.
Fast hiring process
The hiring process for Myanmar maids can be notably quicker than other nationalities. Jory Employment Pte Ltd points out that Myanmar maids typically do not require an embassy contract before arriving in Singapore, which streamlines the employment process.
Religious and cultural compatibility
A significant portion of Myanmar’s population, approximately 87.9%, identifies as Buddhist (Cultural Atlas). This aligns well with Singapore’s Buddhist community, which makes up about 31.1% of the population according to the 2020 census data (Statista, 2020). This shared religious background can help Myanmar helpers integrate more seamlessly into the Singaporean cultural landscape, finding common ground in religious and cultural practices.
This highlights the complexities and considerations that influence the employment and compensation of Myanmar domestic helpers in Singapore, balancing challenges with cultural compatibilities.
Sri Lankan domestic helpers earn higher than their Myanmese counterparts
Sri Lankan domestic helpers in Singapore earn a median salary of around $648.50.
Their wages are shaped by several factors, including skills, experience, language abilities, and cultural fit with local households.
Skills and experience
Most Sri Lankan domestic helpers receive basic training before working abroad. The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) oversees this preparation, which is mandatory for helpers without prior local or overseas experience (Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment).
Training typically covers:
- General housekeeping
- Cooking and meal preparation
- Workplace communication
- Health and safety practices
While this provides a foundation, it may not be as comprehensive as the training available to Filipino and Indonesian helpers, who often receive more specialised instruction in childcare, elderly care, and advanced cooking.
Language proficiency
Sri Lanka’s overall English proficiency is modest, with an EF EPI score of 486 (EF English Proficiency Index, 2025). This can pose communication challenges, especially when compared to Filipino helpers, who usually speak fluent English, or Indonesian helpers, who can often communicate in Malay – a language very similar to Bahasa Indonesia.
Additionally, Sinhala, the main language spoken in Sri Lanka, shares little linguistic similarity with Tamil (Mallikadevi and Saranya, 2023), even though Tamil is widely spoken among Singapore’s Indian population. As a result, Sri Lankan helpers might find fewer language-based advantages when working with local families.
Cultural and religious compatibility
Buddhism is the dominant religion in Sri Lanka, followed by 70.2% of the population according to their 2012 census (Cultural Atlas). In Singapore, Buddhism also represents the largest religious group, accounting for 31.1% of residents (Statista, 2020). This shared religious background can foster a sense of trust and cultural familiarity, especially among Buddhist households in Singapore.
Sri Lankan culture also overlaps with aspects of Singapore’s Indian community, particularly in terms of food and family values. Many Sri Lankan dishes share spices and cooking styles common in Indian cuisine (Journal of Ethnic Foods, 2020), which can make meal preparation easier and more appealing for employers who appreciate familiar tastes.
These cultural similarities likely contribute to Sri Lankan helpers earning more than their Myanmese counterparts, even if they generally command lower wages than Indonesians and Filipinos.
One-time upfront fees for hiring a domestic helper in Singapore
When hiring a domestic helper (migrant domestic worker or maid) in Singapore, employers must pay several one-time fees in addition to ongoing monthly costs. These are upfront expenses that are required before or during the hiring process.
| Expense Type | Estimated Cost $ (SGD) | Description |
| Agency Fees | $1,000 – $3,000 | Covers recruitment, paperwork, training, and placement |
| Work Permit Application Fee | $35 | Non-refundable MOM processing fee |
| Work Permit Issuance Fee | $35 | One-time fee upon approval |
| Security Bond | $5,000 | Required $5,000 bond if you or your helper breaks work permit conditions. Coverage can be obtained at a lower price with domestic helper insurance. |
| Maid Insurance | $479 – $741 | Employers are required by the MOM to purchase the insurance for personal accident insurance that provides a minimum coverage of S$60,000 and medical insurance with a minimum coverage of S$15,000 per year. |
| Settling-In Programme (SIP) (For first-time helpers) | $75 | Mandatory training program for first-time FDWs |
| Placement Fee | $1,000 – $2,750 | This fee covers the costs of recruitment, training, documentation, and travel expenses for the helper before she arrives in Singapore.
Note, this is a loan to the domestic helper, not counted as an expense, as it will be recovered through the helper’s salary deductions in the first few months. |
| Total Estimated One-Time Cost | $2,624 – $6,636 | Varies based on hiring method and agency fees. Includes loan for placement fee.
Excludes security bond as the cost is included in insurance. |
Transfer maid cost in Singapore
When hiring a transfer maid (a domestic helper already in Singapore and switching employers), here are the various one-time costs involved:
| Expense | Cost (SGD) | Notes |
| Agency Transfer Fees | $800 – $3,000 | Fees for processing paperwork and matching a maid.
Whether the new employer of a transfer maid in Singapore has to pay transfer fees or an agency fee depends on several factors (MOM). |
| Work Permit Application | $35 | Payable to MOM when applying for a new work permit. |
| Work Permit Issuance | $35 | Payable upon approval of the work permit. |
| Security Bond | $5,000 | Required $5,000 bond if you or your helper breaks work permit conditions. Coverage can be obtained at a lower price with domestic helper insurance. |
| Maid Insurance | $479 – $741 | Employers are required by the MOM to purchase the insurance for personal accident insurance that provides a minimum coverage of S$60,000 and medical insurance with a minimum coverage of S$15,000 per year. |
| Medical Examination | $60 – $400 | Mandatory medical check-up before work permit issuance. |
| Total Upfront Costs ($) | $1,409 – $4,211 | This is an estimated upfront cost for a transfer helper.
Excludes security bond as cost is included in insurance. |
Monthly costs of hiring a domestic helper in Singapore
| Cost Type | Monthly cost | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Salary (New helper) | $625 – $710 | Estimated monthly salary range for a new domestic helper, based on median incomes across nationalities. |
| Monthly Salary (Transfer Maid) | $800 – $850 | |
| Levy First Helper | $65 – $300 | Monthly levy for the first domestic helper. |
| Food and Living Expenses | $200 – $450 | Varies depending on food, groceries, utilities, and types of transportation taken. |
| Total Cost ($) | $890 – $1,460 | This is an estimated cost in a year because it depends on transfer fees and other charges. |
Estimated annual hiring costs of employing more than one domestic helper in Singapore
Employing one or more domestic helpers significantly increases these costs, almost the amount multiplied by the number of helpers you hire.
However, one key difference is the levy. For the second helper onwards, the monthly levy is $450 as compared to $300. Otherwise, most expenses incurred would be the same.
Grants / Concessions for hiring a domestic helper
| Grant Name | Amount | Remarks |
| Migrant Domestic Worker (MDW) Levy Concession | Levy reduced to $60/month | This applies to households that hire foreign domestic helpers to care for:
|
| Home Caregiving Grant | $250 – $400/month | The grant offers financial assistance to households caring for individuals with moderate to severe disabilities and is allocated to the family or individual employing the domestic helper. |
Wrapping up
Hiring a domestic helper in Singapore is a significant financial commitment, with costs extending beyond just the monthly salary.
From levies and insurance to food and living expenses, it’s important to budget wisely to avoid unexpected financial strain.
By understanding the full cost breakdown and exploring available grants or levy concessions, you can better manage expenses.
Planning ahead ensures that hiring a helper remains a practical and sustainable decision for your household.
