If you’re hiring a maid, you need to budget the monthly cost of a maid. What most people don’t realize is that the total cost of a maid goes beyond the maid’s monthly salary.
You’ll need to factor in other expenses such as levy, food and utilities, medical expenses, and phone bill, among others.
Here’s how to calculate the total monthly cost of a maid in Singapore.
7 How to Calculate the Total Monthly Cost of a Maid in Singapore
1. Monthly Salary
Firstly, you need to know the maid’s monthly salary. Maid salaries vary a lot, depending on the maid’s nationality, experience, and skillset. First-time maids typically earn between $500 and $600.
Burmese maids usually have the lowest starting salaries, mostly because of a higher supply. The salary of Burmese maids ranges from $500 to $800. Indonesian maids tend to have a higher rate than Burmese maids due to language proficiency and training requirements. Their salary range from $550 to $800.
Filipino maids have the highest salary range at $570 – $850. They tend to have stronger English skills. There are also maids from India or Sri Lanka. Indian or Sri Lankan maids often have moderate English proficiency. Their salary range from $500 to $$800.
2. Levy
Knowing how to calculate the total monthly cost of a maid in Singapore involves knowing the maid levy rate. A maid levy is the amount of money you need to pay for employing a maid. The monthly fee for your first maid is $300. The levy increases to $450 for the subsequent maid you hire.
Keep in mind that paying the levy is mandatory. If you miss a payment, you could get penalties of 2% per month. In more serious cases, your maid’s Work Permit may be revoked, and you might not be allowed to hire a maid in the future.
There are maid levy concessions that can help reduce the total monthly cost. If you have
- A child under 16,
- An elderly family member aged 67 or above, or
- A person with disabilities
in your household, you may qualify for a concessionary levy of $60 per month.
3. Food and Utilities
As an employer, you must provide daily meals or a food allowance. You can reduce the cost if your maid shares your family meals. However, if she has different dietary needs, your grocery bill can go up.
You need to calculate water and electricity bills as well. For food and utilities, you can expect to spend around $150 per month.
4. Transport
How to calculate the total monthly cost of a maid in Singapore? You may need to calculate transport expenses. This will depend on how much your maid travels. Expect to spend $50 to $100 for transport.
5. Medical Expenses
You’re responsible for your maid’s medical care. Prepare around $30 – $50 to cover minor GP visits or dental care for your maid.
6. Phone Bill
You should provide a basic mobile plan so your maid can stay in touch with her family. Expect to spend $20 per month for the phone bill.
7. Total Monthly Cost
$500 + $300 + $150 + $50 + $30 + $20 = $1,050. Note that this calculates only the lower end of each expense without a concessionary levy. The real monthly cost will be different.
FAQs How to Calculate the Total Monthly Cost of a Maid in Singapore
What are the main monthly costs of hiring a maid in Singapore?
The total monthly cost includes more than just her salary. You must also budget for the government levy, food and utilities, transportation, minor medical expenses, and her phone bill.
How much is a typical maid’s monthly salary?
Salaries generally range from $500 to $850, depending on the maid’s nationality, experience, and skills. First-time maids are usually at the lower end of this range.
What is the estimated total monthly cost I should expect?
When you add all the expenses together (salary, levy, food, etc.), you should expect the total monthly cost to be over $1,000, even for an entry-level maid on a standard levy rate.
Conclusion
In short, the total cost can exceed $1,000 per month. Knowing how to calculate the total monthly cost of a maid in Singapore can help you plan your budget. Make sure you keep all of this in mind. When it is done right, hiring a maid can bring support and peace of mind to your family.
Hiring a maid can be a difficult process, but we’re here to help. At Jayamaids, a recommended maid agency in Singapore, we offer a wide range of services related to maid hiring.
From direct hiring to paperwork, our maid agency handles things to make the process easier for you.
We understand how important it is to find a good maid for your family. For more information, contact Jayamaids, the best maid agency in Hougang.
