How Much Did Ancient Palace Maids Earn Per Month? Besides Salary, They Had 'Special Income' and Some Could Save Money After Leaving

While historical dramas depict palace maids as servants who face punishment for minor mistakes, historical records show that they were not unpaid. Qing Dynasty records indicate that palace maids received monthly wages and had their clothing and food provided by the palace. They could also earn extra money during festivals and from gifts from their masters. Some maids increased their income through embroidery, and upon leaving the palace, they could receive bonuses based on their rank and years of service. Some maids were able to save money by the time they left the palace. However, the palace maid system varied across different dynasties, and it's not accurate to apply the same standards to the Han, Tang, Ming, and Qing dynasties. This analysis focuses on the Qing Dynasty, for which more complete records exist, based on research from the Palace Museum, 'Records of Palace Maids,' 'Qing Miscellaneous Notes,' and 'Continuation of the Imperial Palace History.'

The monthly wages of Qing Dynasty palace maids were not standardized and varied depending on the time period, rank, and duties. For example, records show that He Rong'er received 2 taels of silver per month during the late Qing Dynasty. Palace maids' clothing and some living supplies were provided by the palace, and their clothing was changed seasonally. Since palace maids lived within the palace and had restricted movement, they were able to save money. However, palace life was strict, with long hours of service and restrictions on behavior. Records show that palace maids' living conditions were not necessarily comfortable.

In addition to their monthly wages, palace maids could receive bonuses during festivals and on their masters' birthdays. Those who were trusted by their masters had more opportunities to receive bonuses. He Rong'er's records mention receiving 2 taels of silver as a gift from a 'dry father' (a term for a trusted older male figure) during the New Year.

Some palace maids earned extra income through embroidery. They would create embroidered items and sell them through eunuchs, but the eunuchs would often mark up the cost of materials and undercut the selling price, keeping the profit for themselves.

During the Qing Dynasty, palace maids were required to leave the palace at the age of 25. Upon leaving, they could receive a retirement bonus based on their years of service. Those who served for 15 years or more received 30 taels, those who served for 10-15 years received 20 taels, and those who served for less than 10 years received 10 taels. He Rong'er's records show that some palace maids were able to save money by the time they left the palace.

However, not all palace maids were able to save money upon leaving. Some had to support their families or had personal expenses, and the amount of bonuses they received varied. Therefore, while palace maids were not highly paid, they did have multiple sources of income. If they served for many years, had low living expenses, and had no major family responsibilities, they could accumulate savings by the time they left the palace. However, this came at the cost of a highly restricted life within the palace.