How to Properly and Fairly Compensate Your Maid Pro (Kasambahay)
A Practical Guide for Filipino Households
Determining fair compensation for a Maid Pro is one of the most important responsibilities of any household. A good compensation package respects the law, acknowledges skill, and builds a stable working relationship grounded in dignity and trust.
This guide breaks down what every employer should consider — based on the Kasambahay Law, current wage practices, and modern household standards.
Please note: These wage figures represent minimum legal benchmarks. Actual salary offers may be higher depending on experience, location, market conditions, and the level of responsibility expected.
Step 1: Set Clear Expectations Before Hiring
Fair pay begins with clarity.
Before interviewing a Maid Pro, define the role clearly.
Identify Responsibilities
Will the role include:
general household upkeep?
cooking or meal preparation?
childcare?
elderly care?
errands or pet care?
More specialized or sensitive roles justify higher compensation.
Assess Qualifications
A Maid Pro with proven experience, certifications, or specialized skills (e.g., Cook Pro, Yaya Pro, Caregiver Pro, Driver Pro) typically requires a higher rate.
Decide on Stay-In vs Stay-Out
Stay-in: Employer provides free meals and humane lodging.
Stay-out: Higher take-home pay is common to cover transport and meals.
Plan Your Budget
Include:
base salary
13th month pay
government contributions
benefits
potential bonuses or perks
Clear expectations prevent conflict and build stability.
Step 2: Build a Complete Compensation Package
A modern package includes Work, Compensation, Legal Benefits, and Perks.
1) Work — Clear Scope of Duties
Create a written job description.
During interviews, confirm:
tasks she is confident in
tasks she needs training for
any limits or concerns
Clear scope = better performance and longer retention.
2) Compensation — Salary
Approximate minimum monthly wages based on recent wage orders:
NCR: around ₱7,000
Region III: around ₱6,500
Region IV-A: around ₱6,750
Other regions: generally ₱5,000–₱7,000, depending on wage boards
Please note again: These are minimums. Actual rates are often higher based on experience, role complexity, and local demand.
13th Month Pay
All Maid Pros must receive 13th month pay, equivalent to one-twelfth of yearly basic salary, paid by December 24.
Avoid: “Magkano gusto mo?”
Always offer a clear, lawful, competitive rate.
Probation Period
A 3-month probation is standard.
Assess performance → adjust salary fairly.
3) Legal Benefits — Required by Kasambahay Law
Service Incentive Leave
5 days paid leave after one year of service.
Board & Lodging (Stay-In)
Stay-in Maid Pros must receive:
3 adequate meals daily
humane sleeping arrangements
Mandatory Government Contributions (2025)
Simplified:
Below ₱5,000 salary: Employer pays 100% of SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG.
₱5,000 or above: Contributions are shared, employer covers the larger portion.
Breakdown:
SSS: Based on Monthly Salary Credit; employer shoulders most.
PhilHealth: 5% of monthly salary, shared when above ₱5,000.
Pag-IBIG: Fixed percentage contributions with caps.
These protect the helper’s health, retirement, and financial security — and protect the employer from liability.
4) Perks — The Human Side of Fair Employment
Perks encourage long-term loyalty.
Examples:
toiletries
simple medicines or first-aid items
access to Wi-Fi
inclusion in family outings
training/support for skill development
performance bonuses (Christmas, birthday, milestones)
Small gestures build stronger, more respectful relationships.
Summary
A fair compensation package for a Maid Pro includes:
salary at or above regional minimums
complete mandatory benefits
clear job expectations
humane, stable working conditions
transparent communication
consideration for skills, experience, and performance
When employers treat Maid Pros with fairness and professionalism, it builds trust, stability, and long-term harmony inside the home.