The Cost of Hiring a Maid in Singapore in 2025 – Your Complete Guide

Most people don’t realise it at first, but the cost of employing a maid in Singapore includes more than just their monthly salary.

If you’re thinking purely in terms of salary range, it can vary quite a bit.

For example, first-time maids — those who are completely new to Singapore — typically earn between SGD $500 and $600. Salaries can be higher depending on the maid's nationality, skillset, and past experience.

While these are starting rates, they should not be used as a baseline to underpay. Under MOM guidelines, employers are expected to offer fair salaries based on job scope and working hours.

Just like everything else globally, maid salary ranges in Singapore have increased over time due to market demand and inflation.

Minimum Monthly Salary by Nationality (2025)

(As set by the helper’s home country; actual market rates in Singapore may be higher)

What Affects Maid Salaries in Singapore

Minimum salaries are often set by the helper’s home country. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Burmese helpers usually have the lowest starting salaries, largely due to a higher supply of workers coming to Singapore. That said, the current political instability and civil conflict in Myanmar has made it harder to hire new maids from the country.

• Indonesian domestic helpers tend to be slightly costlier to hire than Burmese helpers. This is due to training requirements and language ability.

• Filipina helpers command higher pay, as they tend to have stronger English skills. Also, the Philippines government enforces a higher minimum salary for overseas workers.

• Helpers from India or Sri Lanka fall in the mid-range bracket. They often have moderate English proficiency, and the supply is smaller compared to other nationalities.

Paying Fairly Matters

Under MOM regulations, you’re expected to pay fairly based on the maid’s actual responsibilities and working conditions.

Think about the helper’s:

• Past work experience in Singapore or other countries

• Languages spoken

• Specialised skills (e.g. eldercare, infant care, cooking)

Some experienced helpers earn SGD $800 or more , especially if they bring in-demand skills or are fluent in multiple languages.

As an employer, it’s important to offer a salary that reflects your helper’s ability.

After all — would you accept a job offer that undervalues your own skills and experience? Probably not, right?

Helpers are well-informed. With access to Facebook, TikTok, and online forums, many are familiar with current market rates.

If your offer is too low, there’s a good chance no one will take up the job.

You also need to meet minimum salary rules set by the helper’s home country — for instance, Filipina helpers must be paid at least SGD $570/month . And of course, wages must be paid on time.

It’s illegal to do otherwise.

Bonuses, Raises, and Goodwill

You do have the flexibility to reward your helper beyond the basic salary.

• Some employers provide a small annual bonus as a sign of appreciation.

• Others offer annual raises of SGD $20 to $50 per year as a goodwill gesture.

Note: Don’t confuse this with long service payments in places like Hong Kong. There’s no legal requirement for long service pay in Singapore — but giving a bonus is a kind and meaningful way to recognise hard work and loyalty.

Don’t Forget the Hidden Costs

Salaries aside, there are additional expenses you’ll need to budget for:

• Daily meals and groceries

• Accommodation (e.g. a private room, bedding)

• Utilities (e.g. water, electricity, aircon usage)

• Public transport costs (if she runs errands or accompanies your family)

• Essentials like sanitary pads, toiletries, and other personal items

• Medical treatment if your helper gets sick or injured at home

Some of these are small, but they add up over time . A fair employer provides not just pay, but also a healthy and comfortable environment.

Also, if you like your FDW but feel she isn’t getting up to speed as quickly as you’d like, you might need to fork out for her training. And there are some pretty expensive schools out there.

For us, we don't have a school per se — but we do offer a special, MOM-compliant maid training program in Singapore, where our trainer comes directly to your household to train the helper in the environment where she works (Burmese FDWs only), if that’s something that interests you.

It may cost a bit in the short term, but it could save you loads in the long run.

Pro Tip

When negotiating your helper’s salary, set expectations clearly from the start.

Outline her daily duties, working hours, and any additional responsibilities you expect.

Being upfront not only helps you attract the right helper. It also builds a foundation of trust, clarity, and respect.

Experienced employers will be familiar with this, but first-time employers might not.

When you hire a foreign domestic worker (FDW), you’ll need to pay the maid levy.

What is it?

Think of it as a kind of tax for employing a domestic helper.

The maid levy in Singapore is a fixed monthly fee of SGD $300 for your first helper. This increases to SGD $450 if you hire a second helper.

All payments are made to MOM via GIRO (we’ve got a guide on how to pay the maid levy if you're new to all this).

There are concessionary levy rates — but they only apply in certain cases.

For example, you may qualify for the concessionary maid levy if:

• You have a Singaporean child under 16 living at home

• You live with a Singaporean aged 67 or above

• You’re caring for a person with a disability who requires help with daily living

There’s one caveat: the concession is capped at two helpers per household.

Don’t forget:

Paying the levy is mandatory. If you don’t, you could face penalties of 2% per month , and in more serious cases, your helper’s Work Permit may be revoked. You could also be barred from hiring an FDW in the future.

To avoid this, it’s best to set it up on auto-deduction via GIRO — that way, you’ll have peace of mind and never have to worry about missing a payment.

If you don’t qualify for the concession, make sure to factor in the full SGD $300 per month as part of the total cost of hiring a domestic helper in Singapore.

Yes, you can hire a maid without an agency — but most first-time employers still go through one. And for good reason.

Agencies make the process far easier. They help source candidates, arrange interviews, and manage all the paperwork, including the FDW Work Permit application.

In other words, you don’t have to lift a finger.

Of course, this convenience comes at a cost. Maid agency fees in Singapore typically range from SGD $1,000 to $3,000 , depending on the helper’s nationality and the services included. These usually cover:

• Recruitment and matching – sourcing a suitable helper (overseas or local transfer)

• Work Permit paperwork – including medical checks and card issuance

• Settling-In Programme (SIP) – mandatory for first-time helpers

• Medical check-ups and orientation – to help ease the transition

• Flights and local transport – especially important for overseas hires

Typical Maid Agency Fee Ranges (2025)

What about the Placement Fee (or Maid Loan)

This fee is separate from the agency fee. It covers recruitment costs from the helper’s home country — and is usually paid upfront by the employer, then gradually deducted from the maid’s salary over a few months.

MOM guidelines are clear on this: the placement fee must not exceed one month’s salary for each year of the contract, capped at two months’ total. So if your helper earns SGD $600/month, she shouldn’t be repaying more than $1,200 in total.

So if your helper earns SGD $600/month, she shouldn’t be repaying more than SGD $1,200 in total.

Still, some agencies split fees with overseas partners, which can leave the helper with more debt than she should have. It’s worth checking what’s being passed on to her.

Why does this matter? Because a smaller loan means less stress for your helper, and that often translates to a more motivated and reliable presence at home.

Some employers are now choosing agencies that offer zero placement fee options — where you pay a bit more upfront, and the helper starts her job debt-free. If your budget allows, it’s a more ethical way forward.

At the end of the day, a happier helper makes for a much smoother household.

Other One-Time Costs (2025)

What If You Hire Directly?

You can skip the agency and hire a maid directly — for example, if you already know someone (like a friend’s helper or a transfer maid).

But be warned: you’ll have to handle everything yourself, from Work Permit application and insurance to SIP bookings and travel arrangements.

For a transfer maid already in Singapore, it’s relatively straightforward — just get the current employer’s consent and transfer the permit via MOM’s website.

Still, unless you’re prepared to deal with the admin yourself, working with a trusted maid agency can save you a lot of stress.

Singaporeans are practical folks — so it’s no surprise that hiring a transfer maid is a popular option.

But what exactly is a transfer maid?

It simply refers to someone who is already working in Singapore and looking to switch employers.

That means a quicker placement process — and often, lower upfront costs.

Still, there are a few things to consider.

Why Do Employers Choose Transfer Maids?

• More savings: You can save on airfare, Settling-In Programme (SIP) fees (if she’s not a first-timer), and overseas recruitment charges. What’s not to love?

• Faster hiring: Transfers can be completed within 1–2 weeks — much quicker than waiting 4–8 weeks for a new maid from overseas.

• In-person interviews: Since the helper is already in Singapore, you can meet her face-to-face or even arrange a trial session. This helps ensure she’s the right fit for your household.
  
  

Transfer Maid Agency Fees

• Higher salary expectations: Transfer maids are typically more experienced. They’re familiar with Singaporean households and local routines — and that experience comes at a price. Expect salary requests in the range of $800–$1,000/month , especially for those with strong references or long work histories.

• Minimal or no placement loan: Most transfer helpers have already paid off their previous placement fees. If you're asked to deduct part of her salary, always check carefully. There should be clear transparency on where the fee is going. (When you hire with us, for instance, we’re fully upfront about costs.)

• Agency fees may still apply: If you're engaging an agency, you may still be charged a service fee, even for a local transfer. Some agencies charge the same as for a new hire, while others offer “transfer packages” that are slightly lower in cost.
  
  

Other Considerations

• Reason for transfer : Try to understand why the helper is leaving her current employer. Think of it like interviewing for a new job — if she’s moving on due to valid reasons (such as relocation or family circumstances), great. But if it’s performance-related, it’s worth doing a bit more due diligence.
  
  

Ultimately, transfer maids are often able to “hit the ground running” with less training needed.

You’re likely to save time and money on upfront costs, but you’ll also need to offer a more competitive salary in return for their experience.

Please note: Transfer maids in Singapore are limited, and due to the ongoing situation in Myanmar, new Burmese FDW placements may take longer than usual. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work through these challenges.

When you hire a maid, you’ll be paying more than just salary and levy.

A live-in maid in Singapore comes with regular monthly living expenses.

And it’s important to know what to budget for and what’s expected of you.

Food & Utilities

This is a big one. You must provide daily meals or a food allowance. If she shares your family meals, the increase in your grocery bill may be minimal. But if she has different dietary needs, the cost can go up.

It’s important to keep your FDW well-fed with a balanced diet. It’s basic courtesy — one human being to another.

Like food, your water and electricity bills will also rise slightly depending on her usage (e.g. showers, fan, air-con).

Estimated: ~$150/month (includes utilities like water and electricity).

Accommodation

She’ll need a proper space with privacy. This doesn’t always mean extra spending — unless you choose to renovate or buy new furniture specifically for her.

Keep in mind that providing a fan or air-conditioning may increase your utility bill.

Transport

You’re expected to cover work-related transport — for errands, school runs, or accompanying family members to appointments.

If she needs to take the bus, train, or even a taxi, those costs are yours to cover.

Estimated: $50–$100/month , depending on usage.

Phone Bill

Most employers provide a basic SIM card or mobile plan so the helper can stay in touch with her family.

And let’s face it — being connected is a modern necessity. You wouldn’t want to go too long without internet access, would you?

Estimated: ~$20/month.

Medical Expenses

You’re responsible for her medical care. While insurance is mandatory and covers major health needs, minor GP visits (around $30–$50) or dental care may not be fully reimbursed.

Encouraging good rest and healthy eating can go a long way in preventing illness.

Rest Day Compensation

By law, one rest day a month is mandatory. If your helper works on any other rest day, it must be by mutual agreement. And she should be fairly compensated.

Estimated: ~$30–$50 per day, depending on your arrangement.

Average Monthly Add-Ons (Excluding Salary & Levy)

Without a levy concession, your total monthly cost — including salary, levy, and living expenses — can exceed $1,000 . With concession, it may be closer to $700+.

If you’re trying to figure out the total cost of hiring a maid in Singapore , it’s important to keep all of this in mind

So perhaps you live an independent lifestyle and you might not need a live-in helper.

There’s no shame in wondering. Not every household needs a full-time FDW. Not every household wants one. For some, a part-time cleaner may be more than enough.

But what are the costs involved? We dig deeper.

Full-Time Maid (Live-In FDW)

Okay, so we don’t have to analyse what a full-time maid is, every Singaporean is familiar with what they do. But let’s just state the biggest benefit explicitly: she's there daily, and even outside working hours, provides added flexibility and support. That’s not to be underestimated, especially if you have kids.

Estimated monthly cost:

• With no levy concession: $1,000–$1,200/month

• With concession: $750–$900/month
  

Upfront fees : Several thousand dollars (agency, placement, insurance, etc.)

Ideal for families with:

• Young children or elderly parents needing daily care

• Busy households needing consistent, flexible help

Part-Time Cleaner

Part-time help is not exactly a new concept. But in the digital age, there have been licensed companies like Luce with cleaners armed with valuable household experience in their line-up. These cleaners will come by weekly or biweekly to clean your house but of course, they don’t stay or assist with caregiving.

Hourly rate: $18–$30/hour

• Typical: $20–$25/hour
  

Estimated monthly cost:

• Weekly 4-hour cleaning: ~$350 to $400/month
• Bi-weekly 4-hour cleaning: ~$180/month

No extra costs — no levy, insurance, food, or accommodation. Plus, no long-term commitment.

Perfect for:

• Smaller households needing only cleaning support
• Families valuing privacy and preferring not to have live-in help
  
  

Pros & Cons at a Glance

Final Thoughts

If you need 30+ hours/week of support, then it makes sense to hire a full-time maid cost-effective overall and the price you’re forking out is justified.

But if you only need cleaning a few hours a week, a part-time helper will save you hundreds.

Just remember: Always use legal part-time services . It’s illegal (and risky) to pay someone else’s maid for freelance work.

From monthly salaries to levy payments, agency fees, and living expenses, the total cost of hiring a maid in Singapore can add up quickly. But when done right, it’s also a decision that can bring much-needed balance, support, and peace of mind to your household.

Whether you choose a full-time live-in helper, a transfer maid, or even consider a part-time arrangement, the key is to budget wisely, understand your responsibilities as an employer, and treat your helper with respect and fairness.

At the end of the day, the cost of hiring a maid in Singapore goes beyond dollars and cents — it’s about finding the right fit for your home and creating a working relationship that benefits both sides.