What is the hourly rate for a caregiver in Singapore?

Oct 20, 2025 4 min read •

senior care Healthy Aging Caregiving Costs

In Singapore, over 20% of the resident population is projected to be aged 65 and above by 2030, increasing the demand for senior care. Understanding what is the hourly rate for a caregiver in Singapore? is crucial for families planning for their loved ones' long-term care needs. This guide delves into the various factors that influence caregiving costs and explains how subsidies can help manage expenses.

Quick Summary

The hourly rate for a caregiver in Singapore typically ranges from S$20 to S$30 per hour, though this varies based on the agency, service frequency, and type of care required. Government subsidies can significantly reduce this cost for eligible citizens and permanent residents, with some subsidised rates starting as low as S$7.40 per hour. Costs are affected by factors such as the caregiver's qualifications and the complexity of the care needed.

Key Points

Hourly Rate Range: Unsubsidised caregiver rates typically fall between S$20 and S$30 per hour, varying by provider and service level.
Subsidies Significantly Reduce Cost: Eligible Singapore Citizens can access heavily subsidised rates, with some home personal care services costing as low as S$7.40 per hour.
Key Cost Factors: The final price depends on the caregiver's qualifications, the timing and duration of care, and the nature of the services provided (e.g., basic vs. medical care).
Government Grants Available: Schemes like the Home Caregiving Grant (HCG) and Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW) Levy Concession provide monthly cash payouts or reduced levies to offset costs for eligible families.
Seek Financial Assistance: Families should consult the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) to understand their eligibility for financial assistance and maximise savings on caregiving expenses.
Cost Comparison: Different services, from personal care to skilled nursing, have different rate structures. Basic assistance is less expensive than complex medical care.

Understanding the Hourly Rate for a Caregiver in Singapore

The cost of hiring a caregiver in Singapore is a significant consideration for many families. While the average hourly rate provides a useful benchmark, the actual expense can be influenced by several key factors. Home care services offer a flexible alternative to institutional care, allowing seniors to age comfortably in their own homes. This section provides a detailed breakdown of the costs involved, helping families make an informed financial decision.

Breakdown of Typical Hourly Rates

Across various reputable home care providers, the hourly rate for a caregiver in Singapore for basic personal care services generally falls within a specific range:

Private Rates (Unsubsidised): For non-subsidised services, the hourly rate is typically around S$20 to S$30. This applies to families who do not meet the criteria for government subsidies or choose a private provider. Rates can fluctuate based on the specific provider and the hours of care required.
Subsidised Rates: For eligible Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents, subsidies provided through the Ministry of Health (MOH) can dramatically lower costs. Some subsidised hourly rates for home personal care services can be as low as S$7.40, depending on the household's income level.

Factors Influencing Caregiver Hourly Rates

The final price a family pays for caregiving services is not a single, fixed number. Several variables come into play, shaping the overall cost:

Frequency and Duration of Care: Many agencies offer tiered pricing based on the length and regularity of the booking. For instance, booking a recurring, long-duration session might come with a lower hourly rate than an ad-hoc, shorter session.
Caregiver Qualifications: The level of expertise affects the cost. While a basic personal care aide assists with daily living activities, hiring a licensed nurse for home nursing procedures (e.g., wound dressing, injections) commands a higher hourly rate, potentially ranging from S$26.50 and upwards.
Timing of Service: Care provided during peak hours, weekends, or public holidays often incurs higher charges compared to standard weekday rates.
Agency vs. Private Hire: Hiring through a professional agency often includes a vetting process, training, and a support system, which is reflected in the hourly rate. Hiring privately might seem cheaper initially, but it lacks the assurance of quality control, liability coverage, and backup support that a reputable agency provides.

Comparing Different Caregiving Services in Singapore

To illustrate how costs vary, here is a comparison of different hourly home care services. All figures represent unsubsidised, private rates based on market data, and actual costs can be lower with subsidies.


Service Type	Typical Hourly Rate (Unsubsidised)	Service Description
Home Personal Care (Basic)	S$20–S$30	Assistance with daily living activities like bathing, dressing, and feeding.
Home Nursing Care (Advanced)	S$26.50+	Skilled nursing procedures, such as wound care, injections, and medication management.
Respite Care	From S$23	Short-term care to provide temporary relief for primary family caregivers.
Medical Escort	From S$20	Accompanying seniors to medical appointments or outings.

Navigating Government Subsidies and Grants

Understanding government support is key to making home care affordable in Singapore. Several schemes are available to help manage costs for eligible citizens and permanent residents. The Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) is a central resource for these subsidies.

Home Caregiving Grant (HCG): This grant provides a monthly cash payout to help with caregiving expenses for seniors with moderate to severe disabilities. Payouts are means-tested and the amount received depends on household income. From April 2026, enhanced payouts will be implemented, offering up to S$600 a month for those with the highest needs.
Enhanced Subsidies for Long-Term Care: MOH provides means-tested subsidies for various long-term care services, including home and day care. Subsidy levels can reach up to 95% for non-residential services for lower-income households.
Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW) Levy Concession: For families hiring a live-in FDW to care for a family member with disabilities or who is aged 67 and above, a concessionary levy rate of S$60 a month is available. This offers a cost-effective alternative for families requiring round-the-clock care.
Seniors' Mobility and Enabling Fund (SMF): The SMF provides subsidies for seniors to purchase assistive devices and home healthcare items such as adult diapers and milk supplements, which are often used in home care settings.

How to Plan for Caregiving Costs

To effectively budget for caregiver expenses, families should follow a few steps:

Assess Needs: Determine the level of care required—is it basic companionship, assistance with daily activities, or skilled nursing? This helps estimate the necessary hours and type of caregiver.
Explore Options: Research various agencies and service models. Compare hourly rates, package deals, and service inclusions. Also, consider the option of a live-in caregiver versus part-time hourly care, as the cost structure is very different.
Check Eligibility for Subsidies: Use the Agency for Integrated Care's (AIC) resources to determine eligibility for government grants and subsidies. This is the most crucial step for managing long-term costs.
Factor in Hidden Costs: Remember to account for other potential expenses, such as agency service charges, transport fees, and consumables not covered by subsidies.
Utilise Available Resources: Families should explore all available government schemes and financial aid. For more detailed information on government support, visit the official AIC website at https://www.aic.sg.

Conclusion

While what is the hourly rate for a caregiver in Singapore? is a question with a variable answer, ranging from approximately S$20 to S$30 for unsubsidised services, the availability of government subsidies makes home care more accessible for many families. By understanding the factors that influence costs and actively pursuing financial assistance, families can create a sustainable care plan that allows their loved ones to receive high-quality care at home.

Frequently Asked Questions

The average unsubsidised hourly rate for a caregiver offering basic personal care in Singapore is typically between S$20 and S$30. This rate can be higher for more complex services or specialist care.

For eligible Singapore Citizens, government subsidies can drastically reduce the cost. For example, some heavily subsidised rates for home personal care services can start from S$7.40 per hour, depending on the household's financial situation.

To qualify for subsidies, the care recipient must be a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident and undergo a means-testing assessment. The monthly per capita household income and other criteria determine the level of financial assistance received. You can apply via the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC).

The hourly rate is influenced by several factors, including the type of care needed (basic vs. medical), the caregiver's qualifications, the duration and frequency of the sessions, and whether the service is on a weekday, weekend, or public holiday.

For round-the-clock care, hiring a live-in Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW) can be significantly more cost-effective. With government concessions for eldercare, the monthly cost for a live-in FDW (salary + levy) is often much lower than paying for continuous hourly care from an agency.

Caregivers can be hired through professional home care agencies like Homage and Helpling, or via the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC), which can connect you with subsidised service providers.

Yes, the HCG provides a monthly cash payout that can be used to help defray caregiving expenses, including the cost of hiring an hourly caregiver. The amount of the payout is means-tested.

References

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding personal health decisions.