Many expats moving to Indonesia find it challenging to decide how much to pay a housekeeper. Rates differ by city, experience, and workload. Understanding the local range helps you pay fairly and maintain a positive working relationship.
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How Much to Pay a Housekeeper in Indonesia?
Housekeeper pay in Indonesia depends on whether you hire someone full-time or part-time. On average, live-in helpers earn between Rp2.500.000 and Rp5.000.000 per month, while part-time workers are paid hourly from Rp40.000 to Rp80.000.
The amount can increase if meals, accommodation, or bonuses are included. For this reason, many expats also compare these rates with hiring through a modern maid service in Indonesia that offers flexible pricing and verified cleaners.
Jakarta: The Highest Rates for Domestic Help
Jakarta offers the highest pay for housekeepers, driven by higher living costs and strong demand from expat households. Here’s what you can typically expect to pay:
- Live-in housekeepers earn around Rp3.500.000–Rp5.000.000 per month.
- Meals, lodging, and utilities are often included.
- Part-time helpers charge Rp60.000–Rp80.000 per hour, depending on experience and English skills.
Many expats in apartments prefer flexible daily or weekly cleaning visits.
Bali: Competitive Wages with Tourism Influence
In Bali, wages are slightly lower than in Jakarta but remain competitive because of the steady demand from villas and tourist households. Typical rates include:
- Live-in helpers earn around Rp2.500.000–Rp4.000.000 monthly.
- English-speaking or hospitality-trained helpers can charge more.
- Part-time rates average Rp50.000–Rp70.000 per hour.
- Wages can rise during peak tourist seasons when demand increases.
Surabaya: Stable Pay and Lower Living Costs
Surabaya offers more affordable yet stable rates for domestic help compared to larger cities. Here’s a general overview:
- Live-in housekeepers earn Rp2.000.000–Rp3.500.000 per month.
- Part-time helpers are paid around Rp40.000–Rp50.000 per hour.
- Most helpers are long-term and may handle multiple households within a neighborhood.
Other Major Cities
In smaller cities like Bandung and Yogyakarta, wages are lower due to more modest living costs. Common pay ranges include:
- Live-in helpers earn Rp2.000.000–Rp3.000.000 monthly.
- Part-time rates start from Rp35.000 per hour.
- Helpers may have limited English but are generally loyal when treated respectfully and paid on time.
For short-term or occasional cleaning, many expats in these cities now prefer booking through house cleaning services that offer hourly or daily options.
What Are the Common Types of Housekeeper Arrangements?
Housekeeping in Indonesia usually falls into two main setups: live-in and part-time. Each offers different levels of convenience and cost.
- Live-In Housekeeper
A live-in helper stays at your home, managing daily cleaning, laundry, ironing, and sometimes childcare or cooking. Most work six days a week and receive food, accommodation, and an annual THR bonus (holiday allowance) equal to one month’s pay. Before you decide to hire a live-in maid in Indonesia, make sure you understand the total cost, expected duties, and cultural norms around working hours and accommodation. - Part-Time or Daily Housekeeper
Part-time helpers come for a few hours daily or weekly. They’re paid per visit or by the hour, making this setup ideal for apartments or smaller households. The advantage is flexibility without responsibilities like meals or lodging. Hiring a part-time maid for expat families can be the most practical choice for those who want consistent help without the commitment of full-time employment.
What Factors Affect a Housekeeper’s Salary?
Several factors influence a housekeeper’s wage, and understanding them ensures fair pay.
- City and Cost of Living: Rates are higher in Jakarta and Bali due to rent, transport, and expat demand. Smaller cities pay less because of lower living costs.
- Experience and Skills: Helpers with previous experience working for foreign employers, childcare training, or English ability can charge higher rates.
- Job Scope and Workload: Wages rise when duties expand beyond cleaning to include cooking, babysitting, or running errands. It’s best to define these clearly before hiring.
Are There Extra Costs to Consider When Hiring a Housekeeper?
Beyond salary, you’ll need to consider meals, transport money, health checks, uniforms, and annual THR bonuses. If using an agency, additional placement fees may apply. Even though these costs may seem minor individually, they can gradually add up, so they should definitely be included as part of your overall budgeting.
How to Build a Good Relationship with Your Housekeeper?
A fair and respectful working relationship benefits both employer and employee. You can create a positive environment by doing the following:
- Pay consistently on time and communicate expectations clearly.
- Respect rest days and cultural holidays, especially during Ramadan or Idul Fitri.
- Provide proper cleaning supplies and a comfortable workspace to support efficiency.
- Show appreciation through small gestures or occasional bonuses.
- Treat them with dignity and kindness so they feel valued and motivated to stay long-term.
Common Mistakes Expats Make When Paying a Housekeeper
Avoid these common issues to keep your working relationship smooth and fair:
- Underpaying because of unfamiliarity with local wage standards.
- Not setting clear terms for hours, duties, and days off.
- Using verbal agreements instead of written ones.
- Skipping bonuses or cultural allowances like THR.
- Paying late or inconsistently, which erodes trust.
To avoid problems, always agree on working hours, pay dates, days off, and included benefits in writing. Paying fairly and consistently helps maintain trust and loyalty.
bTaskee: A Flexible and Transparent Cleaning Option for Expats
For expats who want professional cleaning without managing full-time staff, bTaskee Home Cleaning offers a simple alternative. You can book through the app at any time, from one-off sessions to recurring weekly cleanings.
Taskers are trained and background-checked, bring their own tools, and work with no hidden fees. All services come with a 7-day warranty to ensure satisfaction. bTaskee provides the convenience and reliability of a professional cleaner without the responsibility of full-time employment. It is a practical choice for expats who value flexibility, transparency, and quality.
bTaskee is here to make your home service and lifestyle needs easier, from home cleaning and office cleaning to deep cleaning, AC servicing, and even massage services. With fast, easy, and reliable service, bTaskee helps you live a more efficient and comfortable life.
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