How to hire a housekeeper in the Philippines
A housekeeper's role is different from a yaya's. Here's what the job actually covers, what to pay, and how to hire one safely.
Quick answer: A housekeeper focuses on running the household: cleaning, laundry, cooking, and errands, rather than childcare. It's a distinct role from a yaya or nanny, though both are covered by the same law (Batas Kasambahay, RA 10361), and many families combine the two into one hire.
What does a housekeeper actually do?
Scope should always be agreed in the written contract, but a typical Filipino housekeeper's responsibilities include:
- General cleaning: floors, bathrooms, kitchen, common areas
- Laundry and ironing
- Cooking and meal preparation
- Palengke or grocery marketing and household errands
- Basic household organisation and upkeep
A housekeeper is not automatically responsible for childcare. If you need both, say so clearly when you post the role and when you interview, since not every housekeeper is comfortable with or experienced in looking after children.
Housekeeper vs yaya vs kasambahay: where it fits
Kasambahay is the umbrella legal term under RA 10361 for any household worker. A housekeeper is one type, alongside yaya, cook, and driver roles. A housekeeper's job is centered on the home itself; a yaya's job is centered on a child. Some helpers do both, and that combined scope should be reflected in the pay you offer.
How much does a housekeeper cost in the Philippines?
Housekeeper pay tracks closely with yaya rates for the same experience and live-in status, since both fall under the same wage rules. As a general 2026 reference:
| City | Typical live-in monthly range |
|---|---|
| Metro Manila | ₱10,000 – ₱25,000 |
| Cebu City | ₱8,000 – ₱15,000 |
| Davao City | ₱7,000 – ₱13,000 |
Combined housekeeper + childcare roles typically command a premium over either role alone. See the full 2026 salary guide for a detailed breakdown, and confirm current minimum wage figures with DOLE / NWPC.
How to verify a housekeeper's identity before hiring
A housekeeper has access to your entire home, often unsupervised, so identity verification matters just as much here as for childcare roles. On Pinoyaya, helpers can complete the same two-step check before the ID-Verified badge appears:
- Government ID upload: a valid Philippine government-issued ID.
- Live selfie match: a real-time selfie matched against the ID.
Read more in what "Identity verified" actually means, and still meet or video-call a candidate and check references before handing over house keys.
Step-by-step: hiring a housekeeper through Pinoyaya
- Post what you need. Be specific about scope: cleaning only, or combined with cooking or childcare.
- Browse ID-verified profiles. Filter by city, experience, and rate.
- Message and interview directly. Ask about experience with household size and any specialised needs (dietary cooking, pets, allergies).
- Agree a written contract. Required under Batas Kasambahay. Use Pinoyaya's free contract template.
- Run a paid trial period before committing long-term. See the trial period guide for how to structure one.
Ready to find your housekeeper?
Browse ID-verified yayas, housekeepers, and nannies anywhere in the Philippines. ₱699 for 30 days of full access, no agency fees.
Get the Pinoyaya app →Frequently asked questions
What does a housekeeper do in the Philippines?+
General household cleaning, laundry, ironing, cooking, marketing (grocery shopping and errands), and general upkeep of the home. Unlike a yaya or nanny, a housekeeper's role is not centered on childcare, though many families combine both in one hire.
How much does a housekeeper cost in the Philippines?+
Rates are broadly similar to yaya rates for equivalent experience and live-in status, since both roles fall under the same Batas Kasambahay wage rules. See Pinoyaya's 2026 salary guide for detailed ranges by city.
What is the difference between a housekeeper and a kasambahay?+
Kasambahay is the broad legal term under RA 10361 covering any household worker: yaya, housekeeper, cook, or driver. A housekeeper is one specific type of kasambahay, focused on cleaning and household upkeep rather than childcare.
How do I verify a housekeeper's identity before hiring?+
On Pinoyaya, helpers can complete identity verification (a government ID matched against a live selfie); the ID-Verified badge appears on their profile once they have. Still meet or video-call a candidate and check references before hiring.
This guide is for general information only. It is not legal advice. Confirm current wage rates with DOLE and consult a Philippine labour lawyer for your specific situation.