Indian House Maid Salary Guide

When working with Indian house maid salary, the pay that domestic helpers earn across India, especially in cities like Mumbai. Also known as maid wages India, it directly shapes domestic help cost, the total expense of hiring household staff and influences how families plan their monthly budget.

Salary ranges break down into three clear buckets. Part‑time helpers who work up to 4‑5 hours a day typically earn between ₹12,000 and ₹18,000 per month. A full‑time maid, handling 8‑10 hours daily, commands roughly ₹25,000 to ₹35,000 monthly. For those who need round‑the‑clock coverage, a 24‑hour maid live‑in staff who stay overnight can expect ₹45,000 to ₹60,000 or more, depending on experience and duties. These figures reflect the 2025 market in Mumbai but are similar in other metros.

Legal minimum wages set the floor for every salary. Maharashtra’s Domestic Workers (Minimum Wages) Act mandates at least ₹9,000 per month for live‑out helpers and ₹10,500 for live‑in staff. Employers must also pay statutory benefits like Provident Fund, overtime premiums and sick leave. Ignoring these rules can lead to penalties, so most families treat the legal baseline as the starting point and then add a premium for skill or reliability.

Several factors shift the numbers up or down. Experience matters: a helper with 5‑7 years of service usually asks for 20‑30 % more than a newcomer. The scope of duties is another driver – cleaning only vs. cooking, childcare, or elder care. Location plays a role too; neighborhoods with higher cost of living push wages higher. Finally, live‑in arrangements often carry extra allowances for food and accommodation, which can be rolled into the monthly figure or paid separately.

How you hire impacts the pay structure. Agencies charge a placement fee (often 10‑15 % of the first month’s salary) and may set a fixed rate for their workers. Direct hiring cuts out the middleman, letting you negotiate a lower base but requiring you to handle contracts, background checks and tax filings yourself. Many families start with an agency to vet candidates, then move to a direct arrangement once trust is built.

Budget‑friendly tips are simple. First, decide whether you need a full‑time or part‑time helper. If chores are concentrated on certain days, a part‑time schedule saves money. Second, compare multiple quotes – salaries can vary 15‑20 % across agencies. Third, factor in hidden costs: transportation for a live‑out maid, occasional sick leave pay, and the occasional bonus for festivals. A small buffer of ₹2,000‑₹3,000 each month prevents surprises.

Understanding the difference between part‑time, full‑time and 24‑hour arrangements helps you match pay to need. Part‑time staff usually live out, so you aren’t responsible for meals or bedding. Full‑time helpers may stay out but work longer hours, often receiving a food allowance. A 24‑hour maid lives in, handles night‑time emergencies, and expects a higher salary plus accommodation. Choosing the right model can cut costs dramatically while keeping the household running smoothly.

Contracts should spell out salary, work hours, duties, overtime pay and benefits. A written agreement protects both parties and makes it easier to resolve disputes. Include clauses for notice periods, holiday pay and any performance bonuses you plan to offer. When both sides know the rules, the relationship stays professional and stress‑free.

Common pitfalls to avoid include paying below the legal minimum, skipping background checks, and ignoring tax obligations. Some families forget to register the helper under the Employees’ State Insurance scheme, which can lead to coverage gaps. Regularly reviewing salary against market trends ensures you stay competitive and retain good help.

What You’ll Find Below

Our collection of articles dives deeper into each of these points. You’ll see exact salary tables for Mumbai, step‑by‑step guides on hiring a maid directly, budgeting worksheets, legal checklists and real‑world stories from families who have navigated the process. Whether you’re looking for a part‑time cleaner or a 24‑hour live‑in assistant, the posts below give you the numbers, the rules and the practical tips you need to make an informed decision.