How much do household helpers in Hanoi currently earn?

Some families in Hanoi and nearby areas report different salary levels for household helpers, depending on the specific tasks, whether the helper is live-in, and the accompanying benefits. The section below summarizes typical ranges and influencing factors based on real observations to help you decide before hiring.

Reference salary levels in Hanoi: common signals

Many reports show that common levels in Hanoi often range from a few million up to nearly ten million, with some people mentioning "around 7-8 million with meals included" as a reference. There are cases where families negotiated 6.5 million but had to add extra fees if caring for elderly people or young children. Some families note that it is currently hard to find helpers at very low rates; this reflects supply and demand rather than a fixed standard. These figures should be treated as practical references, not a comprehensive market survey.

Tasks and wage increases by specific duties

Real-world reports indicate that if the helper only does light housework or works half-day, the wage can be significantly lower; for example, someone working half-day three times a week might receive around 3 million. Conversely, if the job includes child care or eldercare, many families report having to pay more. Examples from experience: helpers who only look after children or who have child-care skills are usually cited at higher-than-average rates; cases involving care for weak or seriously ill elderly people may require even higher pay. These numbers come from actual cases and are not mandatory standards.

Impact of supply, skills, and expectations

Many hirers say that skilled helpers are scarcer than before, so "skilled helpers are choosier" and prices have risen. Some families say that when they ask around, everyone demands a higher minimum than before. This means that for the same job description, candidates with experience or special skills (for example, knowing how to cook complex dishes, experience with newborn care, or basic foreign language skills) often ask for higher wages than those without experience.

Total compensation package: base salary is only part of it

Many families mention non-wage items: meals and lodging, a private room, travel money for returning to their hometown, Tet bonuses, even a 13th-month salary or Tet gifts. Some households calculate that when converting the total package (meals, lodging, travel money, gifts), the actual cost for a helper can be higher than the base salary alone. When negotiating, families and helpers usually consider meals and lodging and monthly time off; these agreements clearly affect the final number the two sides settle on.

Live-in or part-time: when to choose which option

Reports show that hiring live-in help usually requires a higher wage and includes accommodation; but many families find it harder to hire live-in help, and there are cases where live-in helpers left when the pandemic eased. If your main need is daytime child care or cleaning at fixed hours, part-time or shift-based help may be more cost-effective. If you decide to find live-in help, you can refer to specialized service information such as "Live-in domestic help in Hanoi" to learn how to prepare accommodation, write a job description, and set negotiation terms suitable for the city's reality.