Hiring a yaya is never a small decision.
It’s not just about money. It’s about trust. It’s about who will take care of your child when you can’t.
But of course… we also have to talk about the practical side.
👉 Magkano na ba ang yaya ngayon?
👉 Magkano ang fair salary in 2026?
👉 Mas mahal ba ang stay-out kaysa stay-in?
Let’s break it down clearly — so you can plan without guessing.
Average Yaya Salary in the Philippines (2026)
In 2026, salary depends on:
- Stay-in or stay-out
- Location
- Experience
- Number of children
- Additional duties (housework, cooking)
Here’s a realistic range.
👶 Stay-In Yaya Salary (2026)
Metro Manila:
₱6,000 – ₱10,000 per month
Nearby Provinces:
₱5,000 – ₱8,000 per month
Stay-in usually includes:
✔ Free lodging
✔ Free meals
✔ Utilities covered
For experienced yaya with newborn care skills:
₱9,000 – ₱12,000 is becoming common in urban areas.
👩👧 Stay-Out Yaya Salary (2026)
Metro Manila:
₱10,000 – ₱18,000 per month
Provinces:
₱8,000 – ₱14,000 per month
Why higher?
Because:
- They pay their own transportation
- They handle their own meals
- They don’t live with the employer
Stay-out helpers often work 8–10 hours daily.
Regional Salary Differences (2026 Snapshot)
Metro Manila
Highest rates due to cost of living.
Cavite / Laguna / Rizal / Bulacan
Slightly lower than Manila but rising.
Pampanga / Batangas
Mid-range, depends on city.
Visayas / Mindanao
Can be lower, ₱4,500–₱7,000 for stay-in, depending on area.
Cost of living always influences salary.
Legal Minimum Wage for Domestic Workers (Kasambahay Law)
Under the Kasambahay Law: Minimum wage varies by region.
In NCR:
Minimum wage for domestic workers is higher than in provinces.
Aside from salary, employers are required to provide:
✔ SSS
✔ PhilHealth
✔ Pag-IBIG
✔ 13th month pay
✔ Rest days
Many families forget to factor these in.
Real Monthly Cost of Hiring a Yaya (Beyond Salary)
Let’s compute a realistic Metro Manila example.
Stay-in yaya salary:
₱8,000
SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG share:
₱500–₱1,000
Additional food & utilities:
₱2,000–₱3,000
Total real monthly cost:
₱10,500 – ₱12,000
Stay-out yaya example:
Salary:
₱14,000
Employer contributions:
₱700
Total:
₱14,700+
This is why some families get surprised — salary isn’t the only cost.
When Salary Goes Higher
Rates increase if:
- Infant or newborn care required
- Multiple children
- Special needs child
- With tutoring duties
- With heavy housework included
Some families also give:
- Performance bonus
- Christmas bonus
- Birthday bonus
Not required — but common.
Is It Cheaper to Hire a Yaya or Enroll in Daycare?
Quick comparison (Metro Manila average):
Private daycare:
₱4,000 – ₱8,000 per month
Yaya:
₱8,000 – ₱15,000+ per month
But daycare:
✔ No lodging cost
✔ Structured learning
Yaya:
✔ Flexible hours
✔ Home-based care
✔ Can help with house tasks
It depends on your family’s needs and work schedule.
How Much Income Should You Have Before Hiring a Yaya?
A good rule: Childcare cost should not exceed 15–20% of household income.
If hiring a stay-in yaya costs ₱12,000 monthly:
Ideal household income:
₱60,000 – ₱80,000+
Otherwise, it may strain finances.
Mommy-to-Mom Reality Check
Hiring a yaya is not “luho.” For many families, it’s survival.
Especially if:
- Both parents work
- No nearby relatives
- Work-from-home is demanding
- You have multiple kids
But it should be financially sustainable. Stress over salary defeats the purpose of having help.
Practical Tips Before Hiring
✔ Set clear job description
✔ Agree on schedule
✔ Clarify day-off rules
✔ Discuss phone usage expectations
✔ Have written agreement
Clear communication prevents conflict later.
This isn’t just about salary. It’s about finding someone who becomes part of your child’s everyday life.
Yes, budget matters. But respect matters too.
Fair pay + clear boundaries + kindness = healthier working relationship.
And if you’re computing right now, wondering if kaya ba…
Take your time. Run the numbers. Choose what gives your family stability — not guilt.
