According to new estimates from the International Labor Organization (ILO), 66.5 million domestic workers worldwide, or 83% of the total, are in informal employment, leaving them largely without effective labor law and social security protection. This lack of protection exposes them to wage inequalities and long working hours. The ILO reports that the domestic sector now employs nearly 80 million people aged 15 and above, up from 75.6 million in 2019.
Despite progress in several countries, the number of workers in informal situations has increased by 5.1 million since 2019. Between 2019 and 2025, the proportion of domestic workers in informal employment decreased or remained stable in 91 of 140 countries with comparable data, representing around 70% of domestic workers globally. However, informality has increased in 49 countries, accounting for about 30% of the workforce.
Patrick Belser, head of the ILO's Informal Economy Department, stated that while progress in many countries shows that change is possible, much work remains to be done. He noted that domestic workers' wages are falling further behind those of other employees. The domestic sector represents 2.2% of total employment and 4.4% of salaried employment worldwide.
The Asia-Pacific region has the largest share of domestic workers, with 40.2 million, or about half of the global total. Africa recorded the strongest growth in employment between 2019 and 2025, with 4.2 million additional domestic workers. However, the situation remains concerning, with 93.3% of these workers in informal employment.
In the Arab States, informal employment is almost universal, while Europe and Central Asia have the lowest rate of informality, although more than one in three domestic workers in these regions remains affected. In the Americas, women make up the largest share of the sector's workforce. Domestic workers provide essential services to households and society, including childcare, elderly care, and household chores.
Despite their essential contributions, domestic workers are undervalued, earning an average salary equivalent to 53% of the monthly salary of other employees. For those in informal employment, this proportion drops to 48%. The wage gap has widened since 2019, when domestic workers earned an average of 56% of the monthly salary of other employees.
The ILO is calling for accelerated formalization of domestic employment, guaranteeing decent wages, extending social security coverage, and strengthening effective enforcement of labor rights. The organization emphasizes the need to improve employment conditions in a context marked by demographic changes, migration, technological developments, and increasing care needs.
Key points
- 66.5 million domestic workers globally in informal employment
- Informal employment increased by 5.1 million since 2019
- Domestic workers earn an average salary equivalent to 53% of the monthly salary of other employees
