Stay-Out and Stay-In Kasambahay Salary in the Philippines
In the Philippines, the role of a kasambahay—or domestic helper—is an integral part of many households. These workers are responsible for a wide range of tasks, such as cleaning, cooking, childcare, and other domestic chores. Whether they live in the employer’s home (stay-in) or commute from their own residence (stay-out), their salaries can differ based on a variety of factors. Understanding how much kasambahay earn, especially between stay-out and stay-in arrangements, is crucial for both employers and workers to ensure fair compensation.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the differences between kasambahay stay-out and stay-in salary rates in the Philippines, the factors that affect pay, and the legal considerations that govern domestic workers' rights.
What is a Kasambahay?
A kasambahay is a household worker hired to perform various domestic tasks. These workers may take care of children, the elderly, perform household chores such as cleaning, cooking, and laundry, or even act as caretakers for pets and gardens.
There are two types of kasambahay in the Philippines:
Stay-In Kasambahay: These workers live in the household where they work. They typically do not have to commute to work and are provided with lodging, food, and other essentials by their employers.
Stay-Out Kasambahay: These workers live in their own homes and commute to their employers' households each day. They work similar hours as stay-in helpers but return to their residences at the end of the workday.
In both cases, the terms of employment—including salaries, benefits, and working hours—are typically regulated by the Batas Kasambahay (Republic Act No. 10361), which provides protection and rights to domestic workers in the Philippines.
Key Differences Between Stay-In and Stay-Out Kasambahay
1. Living Arrangements
Stay-In: A stay-in kasambahay resides with the employer, usually in a separate room within the house. Employers typically provide meals, accommodation, and sometimes toiletries. This arrangement can be more convenient for workers, as it eliminates the need for commuting. However, it also means they have to remain in the employer's house at all times, except during their designated rest days or when on leave.
Stay-Out: A stay-out kasambahay lives in their own residence and commutes daily to their employer’s house. They work similar hours to stay-in workers, but they are not provided with accommodation or meals. They return home after work, which may make it easier to balance personal and work life compared to stay-in helpers. However, they are responsible for their own transportation and living expenses.
2. Salaries and Wages
Salaries for both stay-in and stay-out kasambahay are influenced by various factors, such as region, scope of work, and level of experience. However, stay-out workers typically earn higher wages than stay-in helpers, mainly because they are responsible for their own accommodation and food. Let’s dive deeper into these salary differences.
Kasambahay Salary Rates in the Philippines
1. Legal Salary Standards for Kasambahay
Under the Batas Kasambahay (Republic Act No. 10361), all domestic workers are entitled to a minimum wage, with rates varying depending on the region in which they work. The National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) has set the minimum wages for kasambahay based on the classification of the area.
Metro Manila and Highly Urbanized Cities: The minimum salary for kasambahay working in Metro Manila and highly urbanized areas is usually ₱6,000 - ₱8,000 per month.
Other Cities and Municipalities: In less urbanized areas or rural provinces, the salary typically ranges from ₱3,000 to ₱5,000 per month.
For stay-out kasambahay, these minimum salaries are generally higher because they need to cover their own living expenses, including housing and meals.
2. Salary for Stay-In Kasambahay
Stay-in kasambahay typically receive a lower salary compared to stay-out workers. The reasoning is that stay-in workers have their accommodation, food, and other living expenses provided by the employer, which reduces their need to spend on basic necessities.
Metro Manila and Urban Areas: The salary for stay-in kasambahay in urban regions may range from ₱5,000 to ₱8,000 per month.
Other Provinces: In rural areas, the monthly salary for stay-in workers is usually around ₱3,000 to ₱5,000.
3. Salary for Stay-Out Kasambahay
Since stay-out kasambahay must pay for their own housing and food, their salary is typically higher than that of stay-in workers. The salary range for stay-out workers reflects the additional costs of commuting and living independently.
Metro Manila and Urban Areas: The salary for stay-out kasambahay can range from ₱6,000 to ₱12,000 per month, depending on the scope of work, the number of hours worked, and the level of experience.
Other Provinces: In non-urban areas, stay-out kasambahay may earn ₱5,000 to ₱7,000 per month.
4. Other Salary Considerations
In addition to the base salary, both stay-in and stay-out kasambahay may receive various benefits, such as:
Transportation Allowance: Stay-out kasambahay are often given a transportation allowance to cover commuting costs, especially in urban areas where public transportation is widely used.
Food Allowance: While stay-in kasambahay are usually provided with meals by their employers, stay-out kasambahay may negotiate a food allowance as part of their salary package.
Overtime Pay: If a kasambahay is required to work beyond the standard hours or on rest days, they are entitled to overtime pay. This is usually calculated at a higher rate for work on holidays or rest days.
13th Month Pay: As with all employees in the Philippines, kasambahay are entitled to 13th-month pay, which is an additional one-twelfth of their annual salary, given at the end of the year.
Social Security Benefits: Employers are required to contribute to the kasambahay’s SSS (Social Security System), PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG. These contributions provide health, social security, and housing benefits for the workers.
Factors Influencing Kasambahay Salaries
Several factors determine how much a kasambahay will earn, including:
1. Region or Location
As previously mentioned, the minimum wage for kasambahay varies across regions, with those in Metro Manila and highly urbanized cities typically earning more than those in rural areas. The cost of living in a particular area also influences the salary, with urban areas generally having higher living costs and, therefore, higher wages.
2. Scope of Duties
The scope of duties assigned to a kasambahay can significantly affect their salary. For example, a kasambahay responsible for basic cleaning and cooking may earn less than one tasked with specialized care for children, elderly family members, or other complex duties. The more responsibilities the worker has, the higher the salary is likely to be.
3. Experience and Skill Set
Experience plays a crucial role in determining a kasambahay’s salary. Workers with years of experience, specialized skills (such as caregiving or cooking), or those who come highly recommended may command higher wages. For instance, a kasambahay with experience in elderly care or childcare may earn more than a general helper.
4. Work Hours
Although both stay-in and stay-out kasambahay typically work full-time, overtime pay can significantly boost a worker’s monthly income. If a kasambahay is required to stay longer than the standard hours (usually 8 hours per day), they are entitled to overtime compensation, which adds to their overall earnings.
5. Employer’s Financial Capability
Some employers may offer a higher salary than the minimum wage to attract and retain a reliable and skilled kasambahay. For example, families with multiple children or a large household may provide a higher salary and additional benefits in exchange for greater responsibility from the worker.
Rights and Protection for Kasambahay
In addition to fair pay, the Batas Kasambahay ensures that domestic workers in the Philippines have access to basic labor protections. These include:
Weekly Rest Day: Kasambahay are entitled to one day off per week, during which they can rest and tend to personal matters.
Sick and Vacation Leave: Kasambahay are entitled to paid sick leave and vacation leave after one year of continuous service.
Overtime Pay: Kasambahay are entitled to overtime pay if they work beyond the agreed hours, as well as higher compensation for working on holidays and rest days.
Social Security: Employers must remit contributions to the SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG to provide the kasambahay with health, insurance, and housing benefits.
Final Thoughts
The salaries for kasambahay stay-out and stay-in workers in the Philippines are influenced by various factors, including the region, scope of duties, and the worker’s experience. Stay-out kasambahay typically earn higher wages to account for the costs of commuting and living independently, while stay-in kasambahay may receive lower salaries but are provided with accommodation and meals by their