The real cost of a housekeeper in the UK in 2026: gross wage, employer National Insurance and pension — the true cost is more than the hourly rate.

How Much Does a Housekeeper Cost in the UK in 2026?

What a housekeeper really costs in the UK in 2026 — gross wage plus employer NI and pension.

Quick answer: in the UK, budget the gross wage (at least £12.71/h for 21+ from April 2026) plus employer National Insurance above the threshold and a workplace pension if your employee is eligible. There's no tax credit, so the total employer cost is the gross wage plus these on-costs.

Understanding the true cost means looking past the hourly rate to the on-costs you carry as an employer.

The building blocks

  • Gross wage — at least the National Minimum/Living Wage.
  • Employer NI — payable on earnings above the secondary threshold.
  • Pension — employer contribution if auto-enrolment applies.
  • Insurance — employer's liability cover (a fixed annual cost).

Estimate your cost

The calculator turns an hourly rate and weekly hours into gross pay and the total employer cost.

What moves the bill

  • The hours and how regular they are.
  • The tasks and level (ironing, cooking, childcare).
  • The location — London runs higher than the UK average.

Official sources

Conclusion

Add employer NI and pension to the gross wage for the real figure. Use the calculator with your hours for a number that fits your household.

See also

FAQ

Why is the cost more than the wage?

Because employers also pay employer National Insurance (15% above £5,000/year) and, for eligible staff, a workplace pension contribution — both on top of the gross wage.

Should I agree gross or net pay?

Always gross. A net deal shifts the risk of tax and NI changes onto you and can inflate the real cost unexpectedly.

Should I pay hourly, by the day or monthly?

By the hour for one-off tasks or a few hours a week; a monthly salary when it's full-time. Choose based on the regular workload.

How often should I have cleaning done?

Weekly is the most common; every two weeks or monthly for a smaller home, with a deep clean every few months.