How to Calculate a Maid’s Daily Salary in Singapore

When Singapore employers ask how much to pay a maid per day, they usually mean compensation for working on a weekly rest day. MOM provides a specific formula for that purpose: divide the helper's monthly salary by 26. Do not divide by 30 or 31, and do not confuse salary paid to the helper with the separate daily levy paid to MOM.

Domestic helper daily salary formula

Rest-day daily salary = agreed monthly salary ÷ 26. Rest-day compensation = daily salary × number of eligible rest days worked. Total pay for the month = monthly salary + rest-day compensation + any other agreed payment.

Agree in writing how cents will be handled and keep the calculation consistent. The minimum is one day's salary for each eligible rest day worked; an employer and helper may agree to a higher payment.

Example: S$650 salary and two rest days worked

• Monthly salary: S$650.
• One day's salary: S$650 ÷ 26 = S$25.
• Two mutually agreed rest days worked: S$25 × 2 = S$50.
• Total salary and rest-day compensation for the month: S$650 + S$50 = S$700.

This follows MOM's pay-in-lieu of a weekly rest day calculation. The page states that the divisor is 26 regardless of the number of days in that month.

At least one monthly rest day must be taken

A helper is entitled to one rest day per week. If she agrees to work on a rest day, the employer must add at least one day's salary. However, at least one rest day each month cannot be paid away. MOM also allows rest days to be taken as a full day or two half days, and permits limited deferral by mutual arrangement. Check the current MOM rest-day guidance before agreeing the schedule.

Daily salary is not the same as daily levy

The daily levy applies only when the helper does not complete a full calendar month under the levy rules. It is an employer payment to MOM, not wages. Current daily levy rates are S$9.87 for the first helper at the normal rate, S$14.80 for subsequent helpers, and S$1.98 at the concessionary rate.

Do not use the formula for every salary adjustment

The monthly-salary-divided-by-26 rule is MOM's method for pay in lieu of a weekly rest day. It should not automatically be used to invent deductions, calculate a partial first or final month, or price an informal day of work. Migrant domestic workers are not covered by the Employment Act, so discuss other salary situations in the written employment contract and obtain MOM or qualified advice if there is a dispute.

Pay monthly and keep a clear record

MOM says employers must pay the helper every month, no later than seven days after the end of the salary period, and the amount must not be lower than what was declared to MOM. Direct bank transfer is encouraged and must be used if the helper requests it. If paying cash, both parties must sign each payment record. Read the current MOM salary guidelines.

• Write the monthly salary and rest-day arrangement in the employment contract.
• Record each rest day taken, deferred, or worked by mutual agreement.
• Show rest-day compensation separately from base salary.
• Pay through a traceable bank transfer where possible.
• Never keep the helper's salary, bank card, bank book, or other money.

For the full employer budget—including salary, levy, insurance, fees, and living costs—use the 2026 maid cost guide. For scheduling and compensation rules, see the domestic helper rest-day guide.