Average Salary in Singapore

Are you curious about the average salary in Singapore? If so, you’re not alone. As one of the most prosperous and developed countries in the world, Singapore is a destination for many job seekers from all over the globe. In this article, we’ll explore the topic of average salaries in Singapore in detail.

According to the Ministry of Manpower’s latest report, the median monthly salary in Singapore is SGD 4,563 (USD 3,335) as of June 2021. This means that half of the working population earns less than this amount while the other half earns more.

It’s important to note that the median salary differs from the average salary, as it is the middle point of all salaries. In contrast, the average is the sum of all salaries divided by the number of workers.

Average Salaries In Singapore

• Overall average monthly salary: S$4,600 or around US$3,300. This is for all occupations.

• For fresh graduates, the average starting salary is around S$3,300 to S$3,500 per month.

• For mid-level professionals, average salary is around S$6,000 to S$8,000 per month.

• For senior professionals and managers, the average salary is around S$10,000 to S$15,000 monthly or higher.

• For executives and directors, average monthly salaries range from S$20,000 to S$50,000 or more.

Salaries in Singapore tend to be higher than in some other countries due to their high cost of living. However, salaries vary widely depending on the industry, occupation, and individual’s skills and experience.

Highest Paying Jobs In Singapore

• Finance and Banking – Banking and Finance professionals generally earn among the highest salaries in Singapore. Starting salaries of fresh graduates can be around S$4,000 to S$5,000 per month, which goes up to S$20,000 to S$30,000 per month for senior positions.

• Technology – Software engineers and IT professionals also command high salaries. Entry-level salaries can start from S$4,000 to S$5,000 and reach up to S$20,000 monthly for experienced professionals.

• Healthcare – Doctors, specialists, and surgeons get paid very well in Singapore. Their monthly salary can range from S$10,000 to above S$40,000, depending on seniority and specialization.

What is the top 1% salary in Singapore?

The top 1% salary in Singapore would refer to the wages of the highest earners in Singapore, specifically those within the top 1% by income. However, there is no definitive figure for what constitutes Singapore’s top 1% salary. The following are some estimates and considerations:

• Reports have estimated that those in the top 1% of incomes in Singapore typically earn around S$500,000 or more per year. This would imply a monthly payment of around S$40,000 and above.

• However, the exact cutoff for the top 1% varies by report and methodology. Some studies have put the threshold as high as S$700,000 to S$800,000 in annual income within the top 1%.

• The top 1% typically includes high-income professionals such as senior executives, bankers, lawyers, and business people.

• Income inequality in Singapore is among the highest in the world, and the top earners continue to see their incomes rise faster than the rest of the population.

• Salaries of S$500,000 to S$1 million per year would not be uncommon for the top managers and executives of large multinational companies in Singapore.

• Overall, Singapore’s top 1% salary is likely to be well over S$10,000 per month to be within that highest income bracket. However, the precise figure depends on the methodology and data used.

While there are estimates that Singapore’s top 1% income threshold is around S$500,000 per year, the exact figure to constitute the “top 1% salary” varies and is not strictly defined.

Factors affecting salary in Singapore

Several factors can affect the salary of a worker in Singapore. These include:

Education level: Generally speaking, the higher the education level, the higher the salary. Workers with degrees or professional qualifications tend to earn more than those without.
Years of experience: As workers gain more experience in their field, their salary tends to increase accordingly.
Job sector: Different job sectors have different pay scales. Some sectors, such as finance and technology, tend to pay higher salaries than others.
Company size: Larger companies tend to offer higher salaries than smaller ones.
Job title: Different job titles within the same company can have different salaries.

Job sectors with the highest salaries in Singapore

As mentioned earlier, some job sectors in Singapore tend to pay higher wages than others. Here are some of the top-paying sectors in Singapore:

Finance: Jobs in banking, finance, and investment tend to offer high salaries, especially for those with relevant qualifications and experience.
Technology: The tech industry is booming in Singapore, and jobs in this sector tend to offer high salaries, especially for those with in-demand skills such as software development and data analytics.
Lawyers and legal professionals in Singapore tend to earn high salaries, especially those with many years of experience or who work for large law firms.

Job sectors with the lowest salaries in Singapore

On the other hand, some job sectors tend to offer lower salaries than others. Here are some examples:

Retail: Retail sales and customer service jobs tend to offer lower salaries, especially for those with little experience or education.
Hospitality: Jobs in the hospitality industry, such as hotel and restaurant staff, also tend to offer lower salaries.
Education: While teaching jobs in Singapore can be rewarding, they offer lower salaries than other sectors.

Cost of living in Singapore

While the average salary in Singapore may seem high, it’s essential to consider the country’s cost of living. Singapore is known for being one of the most expensive cities in the world, with high prices for housing, food, and transportation.

Therefore, it’s essential to consider the cost of living when evaluating the value of a particular salary. In addition, it’s worth noting that the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted Singapore’s job market and wages, and it may take some time for the job market to recover fully.

FAQs

What is the minimum wage in Singapore?

There is no official minimum wage in Singapore. Market forces and negotiations between employers and employees determine wages.

How often do salaries increase in Singapore?

Salaries in Singapore typically increase annually based on performance and market trends.

Is it easy to find a job in Singapore?

While Singapore has a robust job market, competition for specific roles can be fierce. Having relevant skills and qualifications, a strong network, and an exemplary job search strategy is essential.

Do I need to pay income tax in Singapore?

Yes, all Singapore residents must pay income tax on their earnings. The tax rate varies depending on the amount of income earned.

Can foreigners work in Singapore?

Yes, foreigners can work in Singapore, but they must have the appropriate work permit and meet specific eligibility criteria.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the average salary in Singapore is SGD 4,563 per month. However, this number can vary depending on education level, job sector, and years of experience. While some industries, such as finance and technology, tend to offer high salaries, it’s essential to consider Singapore’s cost of living when evaluating a particular’s value wage.

Tags: Average Salary in Singapore