Singapore Salary Benchmarks by Industry, Role, and Experience (2026)

Singapore's median gross monthly income from employment reached S$5,197 in 2024 according to MOM's Labour Force Survey. The technology sector commands the highest salaries with software engineers earning S$5,500-$12,000/month. Financial services follows with analysts earning S$4,500-$8,000/month. Salary data helps employers set competitive compensation for local and hiring foreigners through EOR in Singapores.

What Is the Average Salary in Singapore by Industry?

Technology and financial services offer 20-40% salary premiums over the median. MOM's Employment Pass minimum of S$5,600 aligns with mid-level professional salaries. Companies hiring foreign professionals must offer at least the EP minimum, which effectively sets a salary floor for international hiring.

What Are Common Role-Based Salaries in Singapore?

EP eligibility requires a minimum salary of S$5,600/month (S$10,700 for financial services). Roles labeled 'borderline' may not meet EP requirements at the lower end. Companies should benchmark salaries against the COMPASS salary criteria: the 90th percentile of local PMETs by sector: for maximum EP approval probability. Aniday's executive search in Singapore (Aniday Executive Search Singapore) helps identify candidates at appropriate salary ranges.

How Do Singapore Salaries Compare Across Southeast Asia?

Singapore salaries are 2-4x higher than other Southeast Asian countries for equivalent roles. Employer statutory costs as a percentage are lower in Singapore (17.25%) than Vietnam (23.5%). The total cost gap narrows when comparing Singapore citizens (CPF applicable) vs. EP holders (near-zero statutory cost). Companies hiring through Aniday's EOR can compare costs across all 5 countries.EOR services in Vietnam provide compliant employment without company registration in Vietnam.

What Factors Influence Salary Levels in Singapore?

Five factors determine salary levels. Industry sector: financial services and technology pay 15-30% above median. Company size: MNCs pay 10-20% above SMEs. Nationality: EP salary minimums create a floor for foreign professionals. Specialization: niche skills (AI, cybersecurity, ESG) command 20-40% premiums. Location: CBD-based roles pay 5-10% above suburban offices.

Market tightness affects specific roles. Singapore's unemployment rate of 2.0% (Q3 2025) creates competition for talent. Roles in cybersecurity, data engineering, and regulatory compliance face acute shortages. The MOM Shortage Occupation List provides COMPASS bonus points for qualifying roles, incentivizing employers to fill these positions with foreign talent.

What is the median salary in Singapore?

The median gross monthly income from employment was S$5,197 in 2024 (MOM Labour Force Survey). Including employer CPF, the median total compensation is approximately S$6,081/month. The 25th percentile earns S$3,500/month. The 75th percentile earns S$8,300/month. These figures cover full-time employed residents.

How much do fresh graduates earn in Singapore?

NUS/NTU/SMU fresh graduate median starting salary: S$4,200-$4,800/month (2024 Graduate Employment Survey). Computing graduates: S$5,500. Business graduates: S$4,200. Engineering graduates: S$4,500. Arts/Social Sciences graduates: S$3,800. Medicine graduates: S$5,700. Law graduates: S$5,500. These are starting salaries before experience increments.

Are Singapore salaries negotiable?

Yes. Standard practice includes negotiation on base salary, bonus structure, and benefits. Typical negotiation range is 5-15% above the initial offer. Candidates with competing offers or specialized skills negotiate higher. Foreign candidates must meet EP minimum salary requirements regardless of negotiation: the floor is S$5,600/month.

Do Singapore employers pay annual bonuses?

Most Singapore employers pay an Annual Wage Supplement (AWS) or 13th-month bonus. Approximately 60-70% of companies provide AWS. Performance bonuses range from 1-6 months for high performers in financial services and technology. Variable bonuses are common in sales roles (commission-based). AWS is contractual if stated in the employment contract.

How often are salaries reviewed in Singapore?

Annual salary reviews are standard practice, typically in Q1 or aligned with the company's fiscal year. Average salary increments: 3-5% for standard performers, 5-10% for high performers, 15-30% for promotions. Technology and financial services sectors offer higher increments due to market competition. Companies not reviewing annually risk losing talent to competitors.

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