Disclaimer: Unless otherwise stated, opinions expressed below belong solely to the author. Data comes from the latest annual report on Occupational Wages published by the Singapore Ministry of Manpower.
Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower has just released its annual update on median salaries, covering 570 professions across nine categories:
- Managers
- Professionals
- Associate Professionals and Technicians
- Clerical Support Workers
- Service & Sales Workers
- Agricultural & Fishery Workers
- Craftsmen & Related Trade Workers
- Plant & Machine Operators and Assemblers
- Cleaners, Labourers & Related Workers
The first three fall under the PMET group (Professionals, Managers, Executives & Technicians), while the rest are classified as non-PMET—and this is how we’re going to list them below. Please note, however, that while the publication is recent, the data is from 2024, as MOM compiles these detailed figures only for the previous year.
Nevertheless, not as much has changed since then, so let’s start by taking a look at the best-paid occupations in the country, which offer a median gross monthly wage of over S$10,000.
Best-paying jobs in Singapore
This year, 36 professions have made this list, solely from the two top categories: Managers and Professionals.
Interestingly, it’s not the managers who make the most, though, as the top two spots go to flying instructors and foreign exchange brokers. C-Suite directors come in only in sixth, and CEOs are down in twelfth, though it likely reflects the fact that there are more of them (since even smaller companies need a chief executive), which makes their pool larger and overall median lower.
This is worth bearing in mind as you look through the numbers, as different occupations may have far fewer or far more data points.
| Rank | Occupation | Gross Monthly Median Wage |
| 1 | Flying instructor (except air force) | S$20,000 |
| 2 | Foreign exchange broker | S$19,750 |
| 3 | Social service manager | S$18,455 |
| 4 | In-house legal counsel (except judiciary, ministries and statutory boards) | S$17,939 |
| 5 | Commodities trader (excluding oil and bunker) | S$16,000 |
| 6 | Chief information officer/Chief technology officer/Chief security officer | S$15,226 |
| 7 | Oil and bunker trader | S$14,896 |
| 8 | Commercial airline pilot | S$13,878 |
| 9 | Foreign exchange dealer | S$13,583 |
| 10 | Trade broker | S$13,500 |
| 11 | University lecturer | S$13,024 |
| 12 | Strategic planning manager | S$12,991 |
| 13 | Financial risk manager | S$12,924 |
| 14 | Managing director/Chief executive officer | S$12,780 |
| 15 | Chief operating officer/General Manager | S$12,750 |
| 16 | Energy engineer | S$12,425 |
| 17 | Ship charterer | S$12,399 |
| 18 | Financial product structurer | S$12,321 |
| 19 | ICT auditor | S$12,311 |
| 20 | Enterprise/Solution architect | S$12,137 |
| 21 | Fund/Portfolio manager (including asset allocator) | S$12,060 |
| 22 | Policy manager | S$12,053 |
| 23 | Commodities and freight derivatives broker | S$12,000 |
| 24 | Director (stage, film, television, game, commercial, video and radio) | S$12,000 |
| 25 | Risk management manager | S$11,941 |
| 26 | Database architect | S$11,153 |
| 27 | Company director | S$11,000 |
| 28 | Regional sales manager | S$11,000 |
| 29 | Research and development manager | S$10,901 |
| 30 | Editor (news and periodicals) | S$10,800 |
| 31 | Management consultant | S$10,797 |
| 32 | Software and applications manager | S$10,779 |
| 33 | Network, communications and infrastructure manager | S$10,750 |
| 34 | Insurance services manager | S$10,466 |
| 35 | Cyber risk specialist | S$10,120 |
| 36 | Audit manager | S$10,041 |
As you can see, it’s a really diverse mix consisting of managerial, technical, legal and even artistic positions, from top-ranking managers and financial traders, through IT personnel and university lecturers, to film directors or news editors.
There’s a five-figure monthly job for almost everyone—and there are well-paying ones in many other occupations, too. Take a look.
Singapore salary figures by job category
Here’s the list of all 570 entries across nine categories provided by MOM, so you can see how your income ranks against the median for your job. Wages listed are for full-time employed residents only.
PMET
Managers
While managers tend to make the most money, being a manager doesn’t necessarily guarantee high pay. In some cases, it’s possible to fall under the national median of S$5,500 if working in retail, food, sports or arts. A job title doesn’t necessarily come with a big salary if the company itself isn’t bringing in much money.
| Occupation | Gross Monthly Median Wage |
| Social service manager | S$18,455 |
| Chief information officer/Chief technology officer/Chief security officer | S$15,226 |
| Strategic planning manager | S$12,991 |
| Financial risk manager | S$12,924 |
| Chief operating officer/General Manager | S$12,750 |
| Managing director/Chief executive officer | S$12,780 |
| Policy manager | S$12,053 |
| Risk management manager | S$11,941 |
| Research and development manager | S$10,901 |
| Network, communications and infrastructure manager | S$10,750 |
| Software and applications manager | S$10,779 |
| Company director | S$11,000 |
| Regional sales manager | S$11,000 |
| Insurance services manager | S$10,466 |
| Audit manager | S$10,041 |
| Health services manager | S$9,839 |
| ICT service manager | S$9,503 |
| Budgeting and financial accounting manager (including financial controller) | S$9,200 |
| Industrial relations manager | S$9,152 |
| Quality control/assurance manager | S$9,100 |
| Wholesale trade manager | S$8,905 |
| Port/Shipping operations manager | S$8,695 |
| Advertising/Public relations manager | S$8,699 |
| Marketing manager | S$8,839 |
| Merchandising/Category manager | S$8,746 |
| Technical/Engineering services manager (excluding transport) | S$8,684 |
| Manufacturing manager | S$8,550 |
| Customer service manager | S$8,474 |
| Procurement/Purchasing manager | S$8,375 |
| Business development manager | S$8,650 |
| Personnel/Human resource manager | S$8,197 |
| Postal service manager | S$7,910 |
| Financial services manager | S$7,773 |
| Aged care services manager | S$7,759 |
| Travel agency manager | S$7,770 |
| Transport/Technical operations manager (except port/shipping operations) | S$7,679 |
| Online sales channel manager | S$7,614 |
| Construction manager | S$7,600 |
| Production manager in agriculture and fisheries | S$6,930 |
| School principal | S$6,967 |
| Security manager | S$6,729 |
| Supply and distribution/Logistics/Warehousing manager | S$6,625 |
| Sales manager | S$7,030 |
| Premises and facilities maintenance manager (excluding building security manager) | S$6,540 |
| Administration manager | S$6,384 |
| Attractions manager | S$6,195 |
| Community, partnership and relations manager | S$6,250 |
| Media and broadcasting manager | S$6,010 |
| Call centre manager | S$5,968 |
| Training manager | S$5,960 |
| Event manager | S$5,960 |
| Pre-school education manager | S$6,101 |
| Hotel operations/Lodging services manager | S$4,970 |
| Food and beverage operations manager | S$5,286 |
| Catering manager | S$4,697 |
| Wellness centre manager (e.g. hair/beauty/slimming/spa/manicure/massage) | S$5,635 |
| Arts and cultural centre manager (including gallery and museum manager) | S$4,550 |
| Landscape manager | S$4,300 |
| Sports centre manager | S$4,895 |
| Retail manager | S$4,500 |
| Restaurant manager | S$4,000 |
Professionals
This is the largest group by the number of different occupations that fall under it. Again, despite being in the PMET category, it doesn’t guarantee great pay. Flying instructors may be pulling in a median of S$20,000, while counsellors can’t even make it to S$3,000.
| Occupation | Gross Monthly Median Wage |
| Flying instructor (except air force) | S$20,000 |
| Foreign exchange broker | S$19,750 |
| In-house legal counsel (except judiciary, ministries and statutory boards) | S$17,939 |
| Commodities trader (excluding oil and bunker) | S$16,000 |
| Oil and bunker trader | S$14,896 |
| Commercial airline pilot | S$13,878 |
| Foreign exchange dealer | S$13,583 |
| Trade broker | S$13,500 |
| University lecturer | S$13,024 |
| Energy engineer | S$12,425 |
| Ship charterer | S$12,399 |
| Financial product structurer | S$12,321 |
| ICT auditor | S$12,311 |
| Enterprise/Solution architect | S$12,137 |
| Fund/Portfolio manager (including asset allocator) | S$12,060 |
| Commodities and freight derivatives broker | S$12,000 |
| Director (stage, film, television, game, commercial, video and radio) | S$12,000 |
| Database architect | S$11,153 |
| Editor (news and periodicals) | S$10,800 |
| Management consultant | S$10,797 |
| Cyber risk specialist | S$10,120 |
| Tax accountant | S$9,726 |
| Business valuer | S$9,708 |
| Marine superintendent | S$9,600 |
| Cloud specialist | S$9,583 |
| Sales professional (institutional sales of financial products) | S$9,517 |
| Treasury manager | S$9,405 |
| Power generation and distribution engineer | S$9,131 |
| Data scientist | S$9,049 |
| Dermatologist | S$9,035 |
| Ship broker (e.g. charter or sales & purchase) | S$9,000 |
| Clinical research professional | S$8,990 |
| Software developer | S$8,887 |
| Human resource consultant (excluding executive search consultant) | S$8,800 |
| Environmental officer (public health) | S$8,752 |
| Materials engineer | S$8,643 |
| Statistician | S$8,593 |
| Automation engineer (including robotics engineer) | S$8,588 |
| Service designer | S$8,557 |
| Securities and finance broker | S$8,508 |
| ICT business process consultant/Business analyst | S$8,500 |
| Veterinarian | S$8,500 |
| Business consultant | S$8,469 |
| ICT sales and services professional | S$8,433 |
| Statistical officer/Data analyst | S$8,365 |
| Biologist | S$8,352 |
| Chief engineer/Second engineer (ship) | S$8,339 |
| Embedded systems engineer (including port systems engineer) | S$8,085 |
| Marketing strategy/planning professional | S$8,060 |
| Financial/Investment adviser (e.g. relationship manager) | S$8,000 |
| Securities and finance dealer | S$7,896 |
| Interaction designer | S$7,883 |
| IT infrastructure specialist | S$7,881 |
| Electronics engineer | S$7,861 |
| Cybersecurity architect | S$7,826 |
| Security operations specialist | S$7,700 |
| Business and financial project management professional | S$7,693 |
| ICT quality assurance specialist | S$7,666 |
| Marine superintendent (engineer) | S$7,638 |
| Actuary | S$7,572 |
| Compliance officer/Risk analyst (financial) | S$7,506 |
| Financial analyst (e.g. equities analyst, credit analyst, investment research analyst) | S$7,500 |
| Medical and pharmaceutical products sales professional | S$7,259 |
| Environmental officer (environmental protection) | S$7,210 |
| Creative advertising professional | S$7,161 |
| Diagnostic radiologist | S$7,016 |
| Market research professional | S$7,000 |
| Web and mobile applications developer | S$7,000 |
| Insurance underwriter | S$6,991 |
| Systems designer/analyst | S$6,966 |
| Instrumentation engineer | S$6,945 |
| Editor (radio, television and video) | S$6,909 |
| Psychiatrist | S$6,868 |
| Technical sales professional | S$6,850 |
| Ophthalmologist | S$6,804 |
| Building architect | S$6,798 |
| Rolling stock engineer | S$6,795 |
| Producer (stage, film, television, game, commercial, video and radio) | S$6,736 |
| Urologist | S$6,729 |
| Database administrator | S$6,717 |
| Anaesthesiologist | S$6,712 |
| Industrial and organisational psychologist | S$6,706 |
| Pharmacologist | S$6,706 |
| Librarian | S$6,659 |
| Minister of religion | S$6,637 |
| Otorhinolaryngologist/Ear, nose, throat (ENT) specialist | S$6,624 |
| Industrial safety engineer | S$6,602 |
| Semi-conductor engineer | S$6,600 |
| Social science researcher | S$6,600 |
| Emergency physician | S$6,575 |
| Air-conditioning/Refrigeration engineer | S$6,503 |
| Applications/Systems programmer | S$6,500 |
| Civil engineer | S$6,500 |
| Procurement engineer | S$6,500 |
| Translator | S$6,456 |
| Internal medicine physician | S$6,391 |
| Revenue specialist | S$6,387 |
| Polytechnic lecturer | S$6,384 |
| Chemist | S$6,357 |
| General practitioner/physician | S$6,335 |
| Multimedia (including games) developer | S$6,331 |
| Quality control/assurance engineer | S$6,310 |
| Cardiothoracic surgeon | S$6,294 |
| Operations research analyst | S$6,292 |
| Biochemist | S$6,264 |
| Production engineer | S$6,251 |
| Mechanical engineer | S$6,205 |
| Telecommunications engineer | S$6,158 |
| Landscape architect | S$6,145 |
| Economist | S$6,080 |
| Computer engineer | S$6,061 |
| Media and broadcasting engineer | S$6,049 |
| Aeronautical engineer | S$6,046 |
| Electrical engineer | S$6,000 |
| Industrial machinery and tools engineer | S$6,000 |
| Journalist | S$6,000 |
| Medical laboratory scientist | S$5,979 |
| Obstetrician/Gynaecologist | S$5,965 |
| Technical writer | S$5,891 |
| Orthopaedic surgeon | S$5,836 |
| Medical scientist | S$5,833 |
| Process engineer | S$5,833 |
| Paediatrician | S$5,789 |
| Medical diagnostic radiographer | S$5,716 |
| Environmental engineer | S$5,710 |
| Product and industrial designer | S$5,710 |
| Executive search consultant | S$5,709 |
| Radiation therapist | S$5,629 |
| Curator | S$5,595 |
| General surgeon | S$5,580 |
| Auditor (accounting) | S$5,575 |
| Artistic director (stage, film, television, game and radio) | S$5,500 |
| Clinical psychologist | S$5,495 |
| Accountant (excluding tax accountant) | S$5,494 |
| Pharmacist (patient care) | S$5,466 |
| Hydrographic surveyor | S$5,450 |
| Urban planner | S$5,397 |
| Biomedical engineer | S$5,346 |
| Multimedia (including games) designer | S$5,319 |
| Advocate/Solicitor (practising) | S$5,300 |
| Digital marketing professional (e.g. online, social media, e-commerce marketing professional) | S$5,300 |
| Industrial relations officer | S$5,292 |
| Registered nurse and other nursing professional (e.g. clinical nurse, nurse educator, excluding enrolled nurse) | S$5,276 |
| Content writer | S$5,250 |
| Optometrist | S$5,241 |
| Research officer (non-statistical) | S$5,200 |
| Policy administration professional (e.g. policy analyst) | S$5,179 |
| General dental practitioner | S$5,163 |
| Podiatrist | S$5,054 |
| Quantity surveyor | S$5,040 |
| Land surveyor | S$5,000 |
| Multimedia artist and animator | S$5,000 |
| Occupational health and safety professional | S$5,000 |
| Occupational therapist | S$4,933 |
| Medical social worker | S$4,915 |
| Audiologist | S$4,884 |
| Data centre engineer | S$4,863 |
| Lift engineer | S$4,842 |
| Audio and video equipment engineer | S$4,837 |
| Physiotherapist | S$4,814 |
| Building construction engineer | S$4,800 |
| Speech therapist | S$4,764 |
| Network, servers and computer systems administrator | S$4,750 |
| Dietitian | S$4,708 |
| Nutritionist | S$4,684 |
| Marine engineer | S$4,603 |
| Manufacturing engineer | S$4,589 |
| Training and staff development professional | S$4,490 |
| Intellectual property agent | S$4,464 |
| Career coach (counselling) | S$4,415 |
| Social worker (general) | S$4,410 |
| Counsellor (family) | S$4,350 |
| Public relations/Corporate communications professional | S$4,305 |
| Traditional Chinese medicine practitioner | S$4,289 |
| Food and drink technologist | S$4,261 |
| Early intervention teacher for infants and children | S$4,019 |
| Author | S$4,000 |
| Personnel/Human resource officer | S$4,000 |
| Script writer and editor | S$3,945 |
| Technical/Vocational/Commercial education institute teacher and trainer | S$3,800 |
| Graphic designer | S$3,765 |
| Fashion designer | S$3,500 |
| School counsellor | S$3,497 |
| Teaching assistant/Tutor in university | S$3,400 |
| Counsellor (rehabilitation) | S$2,974 |
| Counsellor (drugs and alcohol) | S$2,658 |
Associate Professionals & Technicians
While we’re climbing down the financial ladder, lower-ranking professionals and technicians need not feel resigned to a lower salary, as some earn over S$8,000 or even S$9,000 per month. It all depends on the blend of value, skills and experience, even without the badge of a big MNC director.
| Occupation | Gross Monthly Median Wage |
| International market agent/representative (e.g. junket operator) | S$9,530 |
| Harbour pilot | S$8,833 |
| Safety and security consultant | S$8,318 |
| Environmental inspector (environmental public health) | S$7,392 |
| Maintenance planner | S$6,540 |
| Information technology trainer (extracurriculum) | S$6,119 |
| Insurance sales agent/broker (including independent financial planner) | S$5,780 |
| Chemical engineering technician (petrochemicals) | S$5,752 |
| After sales adviser/Client account service executive | S$5,620 |
| Air transport service supervisor | S$5,552 |
| Video camera operator | S$5,434 |
| Computer systems operator | S$5,425 |
| Occupational health and safety inspector | S$5,403 |
| Financial markets back office administrator | S$5,366 |
| Appraiser/Valuer (excluding intangible asset valuer) | S$5,281 |
| Sonographer | S$5,200 |
| IT support technician (including IT user helpdesk technician) | S$5,148 |
| Photographer | S$5,120 |
| Assessor | S$5,100 |
| Marine surveyor (ship and nautical) | S$5,089 |
| Audit associate professional | S$5,050 |
| Business development executive | S$5,000 |
| Chemical engineering technician | S$4,925 |
| Enrolled/Assistant nurse (excluding registered nurse) | S$4,904 |
| Sports coach | S$4,896 |
| Assistant electrical engineer | S$4,871 |
| Chemistry technician | S$4,765 |
| Visual merchandiser | S$4,736 |
| Interior designer | S$4,700 |
| Buyer | S$4,694 |
| Assistant electronics engineer | S$4,632 |
| Legal associate professional (e.g. paralegal) | S$4,557 |
| Air transport equipment project executive | S$4,555 |
| IT security technician | S$4,542 |
| Employment agent/Labour contractor | S$4,522 |
| Road transport operations officer | S$4,507 |
| Advertising salesman | S$4,500 |
| Clinical research coordinator | S$4,500 |
| Website administrator/Webmaster | S$4,500 |
| Aeronautical engineering technician | S$4,481 |
| Semi-conductor technician | S$4,462 |
| Process engineering technician | S$4,461 |
| Marine draughtsman | S$4,400 |
| Production engineering technician | S$4,380 |
| Crewing executive (ship) | S$4,377 |
| Lift technician | S$4,374 |
| Optician | S$4,357 |
| Language instructor (extracurriculum) | S$4,329 |
| Civil engineering technician | S$4,310 |
| Tax associate professional | S$4,300 |
| Quality assurance technician | S$4,292 |
| Medical and pathology laboratory technician | S$4,280 |
| Private tutor (academic) | S$4,250 |
| Purchasing agent | S$4,240 |
| Electrical engineering technician | S$4,235 |
| Load control officer (aircraft) | S$4,229 |
| Air cargo officer | S$4,201 |
| Marine engineering officer (including third, fourth and fifth engineer) | S$4,173 |
| Media and broadcasting operations technician | S$4,150 |
| Air-conditioning/Refrigeration engineering technician | S$4,141 |
| Architectural draughtsman | S$4,135 |
| Assistant civil and structural engineer | S$4,110 |
| Logistics/Production planner | S$4,104 |
| IT Infrastructure technician | S$4,100 |
| Martial arts instructor | S$4,100 |
| Electronics engineering technician | S$4,071 |
| Clearing and forwarding agent | S$4,047 |
| Shipping agent/Boarding officer | S$4,046 |
| Assistant manufacturing engineer | S$4,002 |
| Pre-primary education teacher | S$4,000 |
| Assistant mechanical engineer | S$3,983 |
| Operations officer (except transport operations) | S$3,969 |
| Safety inspector (vehicles, processes and products) | S$3,964 |
| Kitchen operations head/supervisor | S$3,949 |
| Management executive | S$3,912 |
| Assistant accountant | S$3,885 |
| Premises and facilities maintenance officer | S$3,875 |
| Audio and video equipment technician | S$3,869 |
| Chef | S$3,850 |
| Port/Shipping operations supervisor (including post-fixture and planner) | S$3,830 |
| Fire and safety inspector | S$3,810 |
| Mechanical draughtsman | S$3,800 |
| Real estate agent | S$3,800 |
| Resident technical officer | S$3,800 |
| Automotive engineering technician | S$3,778 |
| Flight operations officer | S$3,778 |
| Manufacturing engineering technician | S$3,750 |
| Mechanical engineering technician | S$3,746 |
| Exhibition/Conference/Event planner (including wedding planner/coordinator) | S$3,740 |
| Machining/Tooling technician | S$3,641 |
| Instrumentation technician | S$3,626 |
| Building technician | S$3,623 |
| Non-ordained religious associate professional | S$3,611 |
| Volunteer executive | S$3,565 |
| Medical X-ray technician | S$3,540 |
| Veterinary technician/assistant | S$3,531 |
| Electrical/Electronics draughtsman | S$3,518 |
| Marketing and sales executive (food & beverage services) | S$3,500 |
| Online sales channel executive | S$3,500 |
| Automation technician | S$3,449 |
| Telecommunications technician | S$3,421 |
| Land surveying technician | S$3,400 |
| Train operations officer | S$3,385 |
| Paramedic | S$3,375 |
| Social work associate | S$3,362 |
| Landscape operations officer | S$3,325 |
| Art and craft instructor (extracurriculum) | S$3,300 |
| Train service supervisor | S$3,272 |
| Pharmacy technician | S$3,240 |
| Merchandising/Category executive | S$3,197 |
| Community health worker | S$3,103 |
| Pastry Chef | S$3,034 |
| Dental technician | S$3,032 |
| Music instructor (extracurriculum) | S$3,000 |
| Rolling stock engineering technician | S$2,970 |
| Library officer | S$2,936 |
| Civil/Structural engineering draughtsman | S$2,819 |
| Relief teacher | S$2,765 |
| Massage therapist | S$2,690 |
| Athlete/Sportsman | S$2,658 |
| Physical fitness instructor (including yoga instructor and aerobics instructor) | S$2,550 |
| Youth work associate | S$2,500 |
Non-PMET
With a median salary of just S$3,000, those falling outside of the PMET category are paid much less than PMETs, half of whom earn S$7,300 or more. However, even if you’re one of the clerical, sales or manufacturing workers, there are jobs available that pay considerably above the average figures.
Besides the usual foremen and supervisors, who can make well over S$7,000, senior stewards or qualified equipment installers are not far behind, and if you’re good with locks, you can apparently make almost S$10,000 as a locksmith!
Clerical Support Workers
| Occupation | Gross Monthly Median Wage |
| Material planning clerk | S$6,000 |
| Securities clerk | S$5,972 |
| Pawnbroker | S$5,192 |
| Bank operations clerk | S$5,150 |
| Insurance/Underwriting clerk | S$5,045 |
| Secretary | S$5,035 |
| Proofreading clerk | S$5,000 |
| Statistical clerk | S$4,401 |
| Payroll/Wages clerk | S$4,256 |
| Legal clerk | S$4,246 |
| Bill collector | S$4,073 |
| Bank teller | S$3,965 |
| Audit clerk | S$3,875 |
| Money changer | S$3,750 |
| Office supervisor | S$3,743 |
| Travel consultant/Reservation executive | S$3,740 |
| Production planning clerk | S$3,536 |
| Data processing control clerk | S$3,480 |
| Ledger and accounts clerk | S$3,340 |
| Shipping clerk | S$3,318 |
| Bookkeeper | S$3,200 |
| Hotel executive (including hotel reservation and front desk executive) | S$3,198 |
| Customer service officer/clerk | S$3,190 |
| Air transport clerk | S$3,160 |
| Contact centre information clerk | S$3,150 |
| Billing clerk | S$3,100 |
| Personnel/Human resource clerk | S$2,950 |
| Land transport clerk | S$2,909 |
| Procurement/Purchasing clerk | S$2,850 |
| Medical/Dental receptionist | S$2,810 |
| Typist and word processing operator | S$2,803 |
| Receptionist (general) | S$2,724 |
| Postman | S$2,706 |
| Stock records clerk | S$2,706 |
| Enumerator/Market research interviewer | S$2,701 |
| Hotel receptionist (including hotel reservation and front desk clerk) | S$2,687 |
| Passenger services agent | S$2,570 |
| Telephone operator | S$2,523 |
| Storekeeper | S$2,500 |
| Library clerk | S$2,426 |
| Postal service counter clerk | S$2,392 |
| Data entry clerk | S$2,000 |
| Office clerk (including filing and copying) | S$1,823 |
Service & Sales
| Occupation | Gross Monthly Median Wage |
| Chief steward | S$6,890 |
| Insurance investigator | S$6,125 |
| House steward | S$5,287 |
| Cage/Count supervisor | S$4,484 |
| Undertaker | S$4,137 |
| Slimming consultant | S$4,081 |
| Telemarketer | S$4,072 |
| Cabin attendant/steward | S$3,821 |
| Salesperson (door-to-door) | S$3,811 |
| Hair stylist/Hairdresser | S$3,756 |
| Senior security supervisor | S$3,720 |
| Beautician | S$3,500 |
| Housekeeping matron | S$3,491 |
| Senior cook (e.g. station chef, commis cook 1, station cook) | S$3,425 |
| Auxiliary police officer | S$3,396 |
| Educarer | S$3,391 |
| Driving instructor/tester | S$3,342 |
| Security supervisor | S$3,236 |
| Housekeeper (hotels and other establishments) | S$3,233 |
| Sales supervisor | S$3,220 |
| Senior private security officer | S$3,082 |
| Nursing aide/assistant | S$3,000 |
| Bookmaker/Croupier/Casino dealer and related gaming worker | S$2,991 |
| Bartender/Mixologist | S$2,976 |
| Tour guide | S$2,881 |
| Captain waiter/Waiter supervisor | S$2,837 |
| Rail station service assistant | S$2,810 |
| Keeper/Trainer in zoological, bird and aquatic parks | S$2,803 |
| Lifeguard | S$2,790 |
| Private security officer | S$2,748 |
| Dental aide/assistant | S$2,700 |
| Child/After school care centre worker | S$2,650 |
| Sales demonstrator | S$2,550 |
| Teacher aide | S$2,501 |
| Healthcare assistant (e.g. therapy aide/assistant) | S$2,432 |
| Shop sales assistant | S$2,358 |
| Petrol station attendant | S$2,165 |
| Cashier (general) | S$2,152 |
| Manicurist | S$2,100 |
| Barista | S$2,064 |
| Cook (e.g. commis cook 2/3) | S$2,028 |
| Attractions guide | S$2,000 |
| Food service counter attendant | S$1,939 |
| Masseur (non-medical) (including foot reflexologist) | S$1,600 |
| Waiter | S$1,564 |
Agricultural & Fishery
| Occupation | Gross Monthly Median Wage |
| Aquarium fish farm worker | S$3,630 |
| Landscape and plant nursery supervisor | S$2,575 |
| Gardener and horticultural worker | S$1,800 |
Craftsmen & Related Trades
| Occupation | Gross Monthly Median Wage |
| Locksmith | S$9,443 |
| Supervisor/General foreman (metal, machinery and related trades) | S$7,712 |
| Air-conditioning/Refrigeration plant installer | S$6,497 |
| Lift supervisor | S$4,813 |
| Supervisor/General foreman (electrical and electronic trades, excluding lift) | S$4,796 |
| Supervisor/General foreman (precision, handicraft, printing and related trades) | S$4,739 |
| Watch and clock assembler/repairer | S$4,500 |
| Electrical lift, escalator and related equipment fitter | S$4,108 |
| Underwater diver | S$4,030 |
| Tool and die maker | S$4,017 |
| Industrial/Office machinery mechanic | S$4,012 |
| Supervisor/General foreman (food processing, woodworking, garment, leather and related trades). | S$3,861 |
| Medical device assembler/repairer | S$3,714 |
| Pre-press trades worker | S$3,568 |
| Supervisor/General foreman (building and related trades) | S$3,480 |
| Metal moulder and coremaker | S$3,384 |
| Air-conditioning/Refrigeration equipment mechanic | S$3,263 |
| Building maintenance worker | S$3,245 |
| Welder and flame cutter | S$3,050 |
| Electrician | S$3,000 |
| Machinery mechanic | S$2,910 |
| Carpenter | S$2,902 |
| Electrical household appliance repairer | S$2,797 |
| Automotive mechanic | S$2,776 |
| Butcher, fishmonger and related food preparer | S$2,772 |
| Pipe fitter | S$2,433 |
| Pastry and confectionery maker | S$2,413 |
| Joiner | S$2,411 |
| Plumber | S$2,400 |
| Fumigator and other pest and weed controller | S$2,300 |
| Baker | S$2,210 |
| Electrical fitter | S$2,200 |
| Tailor/Dressmaker | S$2,098 |
| Building painter | S$1,600 |
| Floor/Wall tiler | S$1,600 |
Plant & Machine Operators and Assemblers
| Occupation | Gross Monthly Median Wage |
| Supervisor/General foreman of assemblers and quality checkers | S$5,775 |
| Crane/Hoist operator (excluding port) | S$4,979 |
| Stationary plant and machine supervisor/general foreman | S$4,705 |
| Metal heat treating plant operator | S$4,652 |
| Mechanical products quality checker and tester | S$4,354 |
| Waste truck driver (including hooklift trucks with roll-on containers) | S$4,140 |
| Bus driver | S$3,782 |
| Precision grinding machine setter-operator | S$3,227 |
| Crane operator (on-site) | S$3,117 |
| Excavating/Trench digging machine operator | S$3,098 |
| Airport mobile equipment operator | S$3,081 |
| Trailer-truck driver (including prime mover driver) | S$2,860 |
| Metalworking machine setter-operator | S$2,809 |
| Train operator | S$2,774 |
| Chauffeur | S$2,743 |
| Port limit helmsman/steersman/engine driver/tugmaster | S$2,683 |
| Metal melter, caster and rolling mill operator | S$2,671 |
| Concrete mix truck driver | S$2,666 |
| Dairy and confectionery products machine operator | S$2,553 |
| Mobile machinery supervisor and general foreman | S$2,522 |
| Fork lift truck operator | S$2,500 |
| Ambulance driver | S$2,386 |
| Parking valet | S$2,372 |
| Sewing machine operator | S$2,267 |
| Printing machine operator | S$2,229 |
| Lorry driver | S$2,159 |
| Van driver | S$2,147 |
| Packing/Bottling/Labelling machine operator | S$2,101 |
| Mechanical equipment/component assembler | S$2,084 |
| Motorcycle delivery man | S$2,080 |
| Electronic equipment/component assembler | S$2,017 |
| Delivery man using motorised personal mobility aids/devices | S$1,985 |
| Deckhand (including lighterman) | S$1,740 |
| Laundry and dry cleaning worker (machine, non-household) | S$1,560 |
Cleaners, Labourers & Related
| Occupation | Gross Monthly Median Wage |
| Aircraft loader (e.g. airport baggage/cargo handler) | S$3,216 |
| Car park attendant | S$3,126 |
| Concierge (hotel) | S$3,002 |
| Sports and recreational attendant (e.g. golf marshal, golf caddie, fun fair attendant, bowling alley attendant, swimming pool attendant) | S$2,980 |
| Laboratory attendant | S$2,651 |
| Vehicle attendant | S$2,620 |
| Building caretaker/Watchman | S$2,564 |
| Lashing worker | S$2,554 |
| Doorman | S$2,534 |
| Hospital/Clinic attendant | S$2,459 |
| Warehouse worker | S$2,458 |
| Bell captain | S$2,427 |
| Office, commercial and industrial establishments multi-skilled cleaner cum machine operator | S$2,270 |
| Bellboy/Hotel porter | S$2,255 |
| Mover | S$2,223 |
| Cleaning supervisor | S$2,210 |
| Office/Library attendant | S$2,118 |
| Waste recycling sorter | S$2,110 |
| Hotel cleaner | S$2,019 |
| Housekeeping/Linen room attendant | S$1,950 |
| Office, commercial and industrial establishments outdoor cleaner | S$1,942 |
| Tree worker/technician | S$1,921 |
| Fast food preparer | S$1,854 |
| Landscape worker | S$1,800 |
| General waste collection, recycling and material recovery worker | S$1,750 |
| Residential and open areas general cleaner | S$1,750 |
| Tea server/steward (excluding bartender, barista and food/drink stall assistant) | S$1,725 |
| Porter (except hotel) | S$1,712 |
| Motor vehicle cleaner/polisher | S$1,700 |
| Dishwasher | S$1,684 |
| Table-top cleaner | S$1,670 |
| Office, commercial and industrial establishments indoor cleaner | S$1,642 |
| Food/Drink stall assistant | S$1,638 |
| Food and beverage establishments general cleaner | S$1,600 |
| Hand launderer/presser (non-household) | S$1,600 |
| Hand packer | S$1,600 |
| Kitchen assistant | S$1,600 |
| Leaflet and newspaper distributor/deliverer | S$1,600 |
| Odd job person | S$1,600 |
| Civil engineering/Building construction labourer | S$1,550 |
| Bus attendant | S$1,400 |
Skills and responsibility pay
The list largely confirms what we all well know—that your pay increases either with skill or responsibility. Usually, the latter follows the former, and as you’re getting better at the essence of your job, you’re given more responsibility, climbing up to supervisory or managerial roles.
This is true for non-PMET positions as well, where senior personnel can see earnings approach their degree-bearing peers in the white-collar corporate world.
And it might become a broader trend in the future, if AI begins to threaten the most lucrative jobs, which are more easily automated with software, as observed by this Belgian recruitment company two years ago:
It’s going to be interesting to watch and compare MOM’s future releases for signs of it happening in Singapore in the coming years.
- Read other articles we’ve written on Singapore’s current affairs here.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock
Disclaimer: Unless otherwise stated, opinions expressed below belong solely to the author. Data comes from the latest annual report on Occupational Wages published by the Singapore Ministry of Manpower.
Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower has just released its annual update on median salaries, covering 570 professions across nine categories:
Managers
Professionals
Associate Professionals and Technicians
Clerical Support Workers
Service & Sales Workers
Agricultural & Fishery Workers
Craftsmen & Related Trade Workers
Plant & Machine Operators and Assemblers
Cleaners, Labourers & Related Workers
The first three fall under the PMET group (Professionals, Managers, Executives & Technicians), while the rest are classified as non-PMET—and this is how we’re going to list them below. Please note, however, that while the publication is recent, the data is from 2024, as MOM compiles these detailed figures only for the previous year.
Nevertheless, not as much has changed since then, so let’s start by taking a look at the best-paid occupations in the country, which offer a median gross monthly wage of over S$10,000.
Best-paying jobs in Singapore
This year, 36 professions have made this list, solely from the two top categories: Managers and Professionals.
Interestingly, it’s not the managers who make the most, though, as the top two spots go to flying instructors and foreign exchange brokers. C-Suite directors come in only in sixth, and CEOs are down in twelfth, though it likely reflects the fact that there are more of them (since even smaller companies need a chief executive), which makes their pool larger and overall median lower.
This is worth bearing in mind as you look through the numbers, as different occupations may have far fewer or far more data points.
RankOccupationGross Monthly Median Wage1Flying instructor (except air force)S$20,0002Foreign exchange brokerS$19,7503Social service managerS$18,4554In-house legal counsel (except judiciary, ministries and statutory boards)S$17,9395Commodities trader (excluding oil and bunker)S$16,0006Chief information officer/Chief technology officer/Chief security officerS$15,2267Oil and bunker traderS$14,8968Commercial airline pilotS$13,8789Foreign exchange dealerS$13,58310Trade brokerS$13,50011University lecturerS$13,02412Strategic planning managerS$12,99113Financial risk managerS$12,92414Managing director/Chief executive officerS$12,78015Chief operating officer/General ManagerS$12,75016Energy engineerS$12,42517Ship chartererS$12,39918Financial product structurerS$12,32119ICT auditorS$12,31120Enterprise/Solution architectS$12,13721Fund/Portfolio manager (including asset allocator)S$12,06022Policy managerS$12,05323Commodities and freight derivatives brokerS$12,00024Director (stage, film, television, game, commercial, video and radio)S$12,00025Risk management managerS$11,94126Database architectS$11,15327Company directorS$11,00028Regional sales managerS$11,00029Research and development managerS$10,90130Editor (news and periodicals)S$10,80031Management consultantS$10,79732Software and applications managerS$10,77933Network, communications and infrastructure managerS$10,75034Insurance services managerS$10,46635Cyber risk specialistS$10,12036Audit managerS$10,041
As you can see, it’s a really diverse mix consisting of managerial, technical, legal and even artistic positions, from top-ranking managers and financial traders, through IT personnel and university lecturers, to film directors or news editors.
There’s a five-figure monthly job for almost everyone—and there are well-paying ones in many other occupations, too. Take a look.
Singapore salary figures by job category
Here’s the list of all 570 entries across nine categories provided by MOM, so you can see how your income ranks against the median for your job. Wages listed are for full-time employed residents only.
PMET
Managers
While managers tend to make the most money, being a manager doesn’t necessarily guarantee high pay. In some cases, it’s possible to fall under the national median of S$5,500 if working in retail, food, sports or arts. A job title doesn’t necessarily come with a big salary if the company itself isn’t bringing in much money.
OccupationGross Monthly Median WageSocial service managerS$18,455Chief information officer/Chief technology officer/Chief security officerS$15,226Strategic planning managerS$12,991Financial risk managerS$12,924Chief operating officer/General ManagerS$12,750Managing director/Chief executive officerS$12,780Policy managerS$12,053Risk management managerS$11,941Research and development managerS$10,901Network, communications and infrastructure managerS$10,750Software and applications managerS$10,779Company directorS$11,000Regional sales managerS$11,000Insurance services managerS$10,466Audit managerS$10,041Health services managerS$9,839ICT service managerS$9,503Budgeting and financial accounting manager (including financial controller)S$9,200Industrial relations managerS$9,152Quality control/assurance managerS$9,100Wholesale trade managerS$8,905Port/Shipping operations managerS$8,695Advertising/Public relations managerS$8,699Marketing managerS$8,839Merchandising/Category managerS$8,746Technical/Engineering services manager (excluding transport)S$8,684Manufacturing managerS$8,550Customer service managerS$8,474Procurement/Purchasing managerS$8,375Business development managerS$8,650Personnel/Human resource managerS$8,197Postal service managerS$7,910Financial services managerS$7,773Aged care services managerS$7,759Travel agency managerS$7,770Transport/Technical operations manager (except port/shipping operations)S$7,679Online sales channel managerS$7,614Construction managerS$7,600Production manager in agriculture and fisheriesS$6,930School principalS$6,967Security managerS$6,729Supply and distribution/Logistics/Warehousing managerS$6,625Sales managerS$7,030Premises and facilities maintenance manager (excluding building security manager)S$6,540Administration managerS$6,384Attractions managerS$6,195Community, partnership and relations managerS$6,250Media and broadcasting managerS$6,010Call centre managerS$5,968Training managerS$5,960Event managerS$5,960Pre-school education managerS$6,101Hotel operations/Lodging services managerS$4,970Food and beverage operations managerS$5,286Catering managerS$4,697Wellness centre manager (e.g. hair/beauty/slimming/spa/manicure/massage)S$5,635Arts and cultural centre manager (including gallery and museum manager)S$4,550Landscape managerS$4,300Sports centre managerS$4,895Retail managerS$4,500Restaurant managerS$4,000
Professionals
This is the largest group by the number of different occupations that fall under it. Again, despite being in the PMET category, it doesn’t guarantee great pay. Flying instructors may be pulling in a median of S$20,000, while counsellors can’t even make it to S$3,000.
OccupationGross Monthly Median WageFlying instructor (except air force)S$20,000Foreign exchange brokerS$19,750In-house legal counsel (except judiciary, ministries and statutory boards)S$17,939Commodities trader (excluding oil and bunker)S$16,000Oil and bunker traderS$14,896Commercial airline pilotS$13,878Foreign exchange dealerS$13,583Trade brokerS$13,500University lecturerS$13,024Energy engineerS$12,425Ship chartererS$12,399Financial product structurerS$12,321ICT auditorS$12,311Enterprise/Solution architectS$12,137Fund/Portfolio manager (including asset allocator)S$12,060Commodities and freight derivatives brokerS$12,000Director (stage, film, television, game, commercial, video and radio)S$12,000Database architectS$11,153Editor (news and periodicals)S$10,800Management consultantS$10,797Cyber risk specialistS$10,120Tax accountantS$9,726Business valuerS$9,708Marine superintendentS$9,600Cloud specialistS$9,583Sales professional (institutional sales of financial products)S$9,517Treasury managerS$9,405Power generation and distribution engineerS$9,131Data scientistS$9,049DermatologistS$9,035Ship broker (e.g. charter or sales & purchase)S$9,000Clinical research professionalS$8,990Software developerS$8,887Human resource consultant (excluding executive search consultant)S$8,800Environmental officer (public health)S$8,752Materials engineerS$8,643StatisticianS$8,593Automation engineer (including robotics engineer)S$8,588Service designerS$8,557Securities and finance brokerS$8,508ICT business process consultant/Business analystS$8,500VeterinarianS$8,500Business consultantS$8,469ICT sales and services professionalS$8,433Statistical officer/Data analystS$8,365BiologistS$8,352Chief engineer/Second engineer (ship)S$8,339Embedded systems engineer (including port systems engineer)S$8,085Marketing strategy/planning professionalS$8,060Financial/Investment adviser (e.g. relationship manager)S$8,000Securities and finance dealerS$7,896Interaction designerS$7,883IT infrastructure specialistS$7,881Electronics engineerS$7,861Cybersecurity architectS$7,826Security operations specialistS$7,700Business and financial project management professionalS$7,693ICT quality assurance specialistS$7,666Marine superintendent (engineer)S$7,638ActuaryS$7,572Compliance officer/Risk analyst (financial)S$7,506Financial analyst (e.g. equities analyst, credit analyst, investment research analyst)S$7,500Medical and pharmaceutical products sales professionalS$7,259Environmental officer (environmental protection)S$7,210Creative advertising professionalS$7,161Diagnostic radiologistS$7,016Market research professionalS$7,000Web and mobile applications developerS$7,000Insurance underwriterS$6,991Systems designer/analystS$6,966Instrumentation engineerS$6,945Editor (radio, television and video)S$6,909PsychiatristS$6,868Technical sales professionalS$6,850OphthalmologistS$6,804Building architectS$6,798Rolling stock engineerS$6,795Producer (stage, film, television, game, commercial, video and radio)S$6,736UrologistS$6,729Database administratorS$6,717AnaesthesiologistS$6,712Industrial and organisational psychologistS$6,706PharmacologistS$6,706LibrarianS$6,659Minister of religionS$6,637Otorhinolaryngologist/Ear, nose, throat (ENT) specialistS$6,624Industrial safety engineerS$6,602Semi-conductor engineerS$6,600Social science researcherS$6,600Emergency physicianS$6,575Air-conditioning/Refrigeration engineerS$6,503Applications/Systems programmerS$6,500Civil engineerS$6,500Procurement engineerS$6,500TranslatorS$6,456Internal medicine physicianS$6,391Revenue specialistS$6,387Polytechnic lecturerS$6,384ChemistS$6,357General practitioner/physicianS$6,335Multimedia (including games) developerS$6,331Quality control/assurance engineerS$6,310Cardiothoracic surgeonS$6,294Operations research analystS$6,292BiochemistS$6,264Production engineerS$6,251Mechanical engineerS$6,205Telecommunications engineerS$6,158Landscape architectS$6,145EconomistS$6,080Computer engineerS$6,061Media and broadcasting engineerS$6,049Aeronautical engineerS$6,046Electrical engineerS$6,000Industrial machinery and tools engineerS$6,000JournalistS$6,000Medical laboratory scientistS$5,979Obstetrician/GynaecologistS$5,965Technical writerS$5,891Orthopaedic surgeonS$5,836Medical scientistS$5,833Process engineerS$5,833PaediatricianS$5,789Medical diagnostic radiographerS$5,716Environmental engineerS$5,710Product and industrial designerS$5,710Executive search consultantS$5,709Radiation therapistS$5,629CuratorS$5,595General surgeonS$5,580Auditor (accounting)S$5,575Artistic director (stage, film, television, game and radio)S$5,500Clinical psychologistS$5,495Accountant (excluding tax accountant)S$5,494Pharmacist (patient care)S$5,466Hydrographic surveyorS$5,450Urban plannerS$5,397Biomedical engineerS$5,346Multimedia (including games) designerS$5,319Advocate/Solicitor (practising)S$5,300Digital marketing professional (e.g. online, social media, e-commerce marketing professional)S$5,300Industrial relations officerS$5,292Registered nurse and other nursing professional (e.g. clinical nurse, nurse educator, excluding enrolled nurse)S$5,276Content writerS$5,250OptometristS$5,241Research officer (non-statistical)S$5,200Policy administration professional (e.g. policy analyst)S$5,179General dental practitionerS$5,163PodiatristS$5,054Quantity surveyorS$5,040Land surveyorS$5,000Multimedia artist and animatorS$5,000Occupational health and safety professionalS$5,000Occupational therapistS$4,933Medical social workerS$4,915AudiologistS$4,884Data centre engineerS$4,863Lift engineerS$4,842Audio and video equipment engineerS$4,837PhysiotherapistS$4,814Building construction engineerS$4,800Speech therapistS$4,764Network, servers and computer systems administratorS$4,750DietitianS$4,708NutritionistS$4,684Marine engineerS$4,603Manufacturing engineerS$4,589Training and staff development professionalS$4,490Intellectual property agentS$4,464Career coach (counselling)S$4,415Social worker (general)S$4,410Counsellor (family)S$4,350Public relations/Corporate communications professionalS$4,305Traditional Chinese medicine practitionerS$4,289Food and drink technologistS$4,261Early intervention teacher for infants and childrenS$4,019AuthorS$4,000Personnel/Human resource officerS$4,000Script writer and editorS$3,945Technical/Vocational/Commercial education institute teacher and trainerS$3,800Graphic designerS$3,765Fashion designerS$3,500School counsellorS$3,497Teaching assistant/Tutor in universityS$3,400Counsellor (rehabilitation)S$2,974Counsellor (drugs and alcohol)S$2,658
Associate Professionals & Technicians
While we’re climbing down the financial ladder, lower-ranking professionals and technicians need not feel resigned to a lower salary, as some earn over S$8,000 or even S$9,000 per month. It all depends on the blend of value, skills and experience, even without the badge of a big MNC director.
OccupationGross Monthly Median WageInternational market agent/representative (e.g. junket operator)S$9,530Harbour pilotS$8,833Safety and security consultantS$8,318Environmental inspector (environmental public health)S$7,392Maintenance plannerS$6,540Information technology trainer (extracurriculum)S$6,119Insurance sales agent/broker (including independent financial planner)S$5,780Chemical engineering technician (petrochemicals)S$5,752After sales adviser/Client account service executiveS$5,620Air transport service supervisorS$5,552Video camera operatorS$5,434Computer systems operatorS$5,425Occupational health and safety inspectorS$5,403Financial markets back office administratorS$5,366Appraiser/Valuer (excluding intangible asset valuer)S$5,281SonographerS$5,200IT support technician (including IT user helpdesk technician)S$5,148PhotographerS$5,120AssessorS$5,100Marine surveyor (ship and nautical)S$5,089Audit associate professionalS$5,050Business development executiveS$5,000Chemical engineering technicianS$4,925Enrolled/Assistant nurse (excluding registered nurse)S$4,904Sports coachS$4,896Assistant electrical engineerS$4,871Chemistry technicianS$4,765Visual merchandiserS$4,736Interior designerS$4,700BuyerS$4,694Assistant electronics engineerS$4,632Legal associate professional (e.g. paralegal)S$4,557Air transport equipment project executiveS$4,555IT security technicianS$4,542Employment agent/Labour contractorS$4,522Road transport operations officerS$4,507Advertising salesmanS$4,500Clinical research coordinatorS$4,500Website administrator/WebmasterS$4,500Aeronautical engineering technicianS$4,481Semi-conductor technicianS$4,462Process engineering technicianS$4,461Marine draughtsmanS$4,400Production engineering technicianS$4,380Crewing executive (ship)S$4,377Lift technicianS$4,374OpticianS$4,357Language instructor (extracurriculum)S$4,329Civil engineering technicianS$4,310Tax associate professionalS$4,300Quality assurance technicianS$4,292Medical and pathology laboratory technicianS$4,280Private tutor (academic)S$4,250Purchasing agentS$4,240Electrical engineering technicianS$4,235Load control officer (aircraft)S$4,229Air cargo officerS$4,201Marine engineering officer (including third, fourth and fifth engineer)S$4,173Media and broadcasting operations technicianS$4,150Air-conditioning/Refrigeration engineering technicianS$4,141Architectural draughtsmanS$4,135Assistant civil and structural engineerS$4,110Logistics/Production plannerS$4,104IT Infrastructure technicianS$4,100Martial arts instructorS$4,100Electronics engineering technicianS$4,071Clearing and forwarding agentS$4,047Shipping agent/Boarding officerS$4,046Assistant manufacturing engineerS$4,002Pre-primary education teacherS$4,000Assistant mechanical engineerS$3,983Operations officer (except transport operations)S$3,969Safety inspector (vehicles, processes and products)S$3,964Kitchen operations head/supervisorS$3,949Management executiveS$3,912Assistant accountantS$3,885Premises and facilities maintenance officerS$3,875Audio and video equipment technicianS$3,869ChefS$3,850Port/Shipping operations supervisor (including post-fixture and planner)S$3,830Fire and safety inspectorS$3,810Mechanical draughtsmanS$3,800Real estate agentS$3,800Resident technical officerS$3,800Automotive engineering technicianS$3,778Flight operations officerS$3,778Manufacturing engineering technicianS$3,750Mechanical engineering technicianS$3,746Exhibition/Conference/Event planner (including wedding planner/coordinator)S$3,740Machining/Tooling technicianS$3,641Instrumentation technicianS$3,626Building technicianS$3,623Non-ordained religious associate professionalS$3,611Volunteer executiveS$3,565Medical X-ray technicianS$3,540Veterinary technician/assistantS$3,531Electrical/Electronics draughtsmanS$3,518Marketing and sales executive (food & beverage services)S$3,500Online sales channel executiveS$3,500Automation technicianS$3,449Telecommunications technicianS$3,421Land surveying technicianS$3,400Train operations officerS$3,385ParamedicS$3,375Social work associateS$3,362Landscape operations officerS$3,325Art and craft instructor (extracurriculum)S$3,300Train service supervisorS$3,272Pharmacy technicianS$3,240Merchandising/Category executiveS$3,197Community health workerS$3,103Pastry ChefS$3,034Dental technicianS$3,032Music instructor (extracurriculum)S$3,000Rolling stock engineering technicianS$2,970Library officerS$2,936Civil/Structural engineering draughtsmanS$2,819Relief teacherS$2,765Massage therapistS$2,690Athlete/SportsmanS$2,658Physical fitness instructor (including yoga instructor and aerobics instructor)S$2,550Youth work associateS$2,500
Non-PMET
With a median salary of just S$3,000, those falling outside of the PMET category are paid much less than PMETs, half of whom earn S$7,300 or more. However, even if you’re one of the clerical, sales or manufacturing workers, there are jobs available that pay considerably above the average figures.
Besides the usual foremen and supervisors, who can make well over S$7,000, senior stewards or qualified equipment installers are not far behind, and if you’re good with locks, you can apparently make almost S$10,000 as a locksmith!
Clerical Support Workers
OccupationGross Monthly Median WageMaterial planning clerkS$6,000Securities clerkS$5,972PawnbrokerS$5,192Bank operations clerkS$5,150Insurance/Underwriting clerkS$5,045SecretaryS$5,035Proofreading clerkS$5,000Statistical clerkS$4,401Payroll/Wages clerkS$4,256Legal clerkS$4,246Bill collectorS$4,073Bank tellerS$3,965Audit clerkS$3,875Money changerS$3,750Office supervisorS$3,743Travel consultant/Reservation executiveS$3,740Production planning clerkS$3,536Data processing control clerkS$3,480Ledger and accounts clerkS$3,340Shipping clerkS$3,318BookkeeperS$3,200Hotel executive (including hotel reservation and front desk executive)S$3,198Customer service officer/clerkS$3,190Air transport clerkS$3,160Contact centre information clerkS$3,150Billing clerkS$3,100Personnel/Human resource clerkS$2,950Land transport clerkS$2,909Procurement/Purchasing clerkS$2,850Medical/Dental receptionistS$2,810Typist and word processing operatorS$2,803Receptionist (general)S$2,724PostmanS$2,706Stock records clerkS$2,706Enumerator/Market research interviewerS$2,701Hotel receptionist (including hotel reservation and front desk clerk)S$2,687Passenger services agentS$2,570Telephone operatorS$2,523StorekeeperS$2,500Library clerkS$2,426Postal service counter clerkS$2,392Data entry clerkS$2,000Office clerk (including filing and copying)S$1,823
Service & Sales
OccupationGross Monthly Median WageChief stewardS$6,890Insurance investigatorS$6,125House stewardS$5,287Cage/Count supervisorS$4,484UndertakerS$4,137Slimming consultantS$4,081TelemarketerS$4,072Cabin attendant/stewardS$3,821Salesperson (door-to-door)S$3,811Hair stylist/HairdresserS$3,756Senior security supervisorS$3,720BeauticianS$3,500Housekeeping matronS$3,491Senior cook (e.g. station chef, commis cook 1, station cook)S$3,425Auxiliary police officerS$3,396EducarerS$3,391Driving instructor/testerS$3,342Security supervisorS$3,236Housekeeper (hotels and other establishments)S$3,233Sales supervisorS$3,220Senior private security officerS$3,082Nursing aide/assistantS$3,000Bookmaker/Croupier/Casino dealer and related gaming workerS$2,991Bartender/MixologistS$2,976Tour guideS$2,881Captain waiter/Waiter supervisorS$2,837Rail station service assistantS$2,810Keeper/Trainer in zoological, bird and aquatic parksS$2,803LifeguardS$2,790Private security officerS$2,748Dental aide/assistantS$2,700Child/After school care centre workerS$2,650Sales demonstratorS$2,550Teacher aideS$2,501Healthcare assistant (e.g. therapy aide/assistant)S$2,432Shop sales assistantS$2,358Petrol station attendantS$2,165Cashier (general)S$2,152ManicuristS$2,100BaristaS$2,064Cook (e.g. commis cook 2/3)S$2,028Attractions guideS$2,000Food service counter attendantS$1,939Masseur (non-medical) (including foot reflexologist)S$1,600WaiterS$1,564
Agricultural & Fishery
OccupationGross Monthly Median WageAquarium fish farm workerS$3,630Landscape and plant nursery supervisorS$2,575Gardener and horticultural workerS$1,800
Craftsmen & Related Trades
OccupationGross Monthly Median WageLocksmithS$9,443Supervisor/General foreman (metal, machinery and related trades)S$7,712Air-conditioning/Refrigeration plant installerS$6,497Lift supervisorS$4,813Supervisor/General foreman (electrical and electronic trades, excluding lift)S$4,796Supervisor/General foreman (precision, handicraft, printing and related trades)S$4,739Watch and clock assembler/repairerS$4,500Electrical lift, escalator and related equipment fitterS$4,108Underwater diverS$4,030Tool and die makerS$4,017Industrial/Office machinery mechanicS$4,012Supervisor/General foreman (food processing, woodworking, garment, leather and related trades).S$3,861Medical device assembler/repairerS$3,714Pre-press trades workerS$3,568Supervisor/General foreman (building and related trades)S$3,480Metal moulder and coremakerS$3,384Air-conditioning/Refrigeration equipment mechanicS$3,263Building maintenance workerS$3,245Welder and flame cutterS$3,050ElectricianS$3,000Machinery mechanicS$2,910CarpenterS$2,902Electrical household appliance repairerS$2,797Automotive mechanicS$2,776Butcher, fishmonger and related food preparerS$2,772Pipe fitterS$2,433Pastry and confectionery makerS$2,413JoinerS$2,411PlumberS$2,400Fumigator and other pest and weed controllerS$2,300BakerS$2,210Electrical fitterS$2,200Tailor/DressmakerS$2,098Building painterS$1,600Floor/Wall tilerS$1,600
Plant & Machine Operators and Assemblers
OccupationGross Monthly Median WageSupervisor/General foreman of assemblers and quality checkersS$5,775Crane/Hoist operator (excluding port)S$4,979Stationary plant and machine supervisor/general foremanS$4,705Metal heat treating plant operatorS$4,652Mechanical products quality checker and testerS$4,354Waste truck driver (including hooklift trucks with roll-on containers)S$4,140Bus driverS$3,782Precision grinding machine setter-operatorS$3,227Crane operator (on-site)S$3,117Excavating/Trench digging machine operatorS$3,098Airport mobile equipment operatorS$3,081Trailer-truck driver (including prime mover driver)S$2,860Metalworking machine setter-operatorS$2,809Train operatorS$2,774ChauffeurS$2,743Port limit helmsman/steersman/engine driver/tugmasterS$2,683Metal melter, caster and rolling mill operatorS$2,671Concrete mix truck driverS$2,666Dairy and confectionery products machine operatorS$2,553Mobile machinery supervisor and general foremanS$2,522Fork lift truck operatorS$2,500Ambulance driverS$2,386Parking valetS$2,372Sewing machine operatorS$2,267Printing machine operatorS$2,229Lorry driverS$2,159Van driverS$2,147Packing/Bottling/Labelling machine operatorS$2,101Mechanical equipment/component assemblerS$2,084Motorcycle delivery manS$2,080Electronic equipment/component assemblerS$2,017Delivery man using motorised personal mobility aids/devicesS$1,985Deckhand (including lighterman)S$1,740Laundry and dry cleaning worker (machine, non-household)S$1,560
Cleaners, Labourers & Related
OccupationGross Monthly Median WageAircraft loader (e.g. airport baggage/cargo handler)S$3,216Car park attendantS$3,126Concierge (hotel)S$3,002Sports and recreational attendant (e.g. golf marshal, golf caddie, fun fair attendant, bowling alley attendant, swimming pool attendant)S$2,980Laboratory attendantS$2,651Vehicle attendantS$2,620Building caretaker/WatchmanS$2,564Lashing workerS$2,554DoormanS$2,534Hospital/Clinic attendantS$2,459Warehouse workerS$2,458Bell captainS$2,427Office, commercial and industrial establishments multi-skilled cleaner cum machine operatorS$2,270Bellboy/Hotel porterS$2,255MoverS$2,223Cleaning supervisorS$2,210Office/Library attendantS$2,118Waste recycling sorterS$2,110Hotel cleanerS$2,019Housekeeping/Linen room attendantS$1,950Office, commercial and industrial establishments outdoor cleanerS$1,942Tree worker/technicianS$1,921Fast food preparerS$1,854Landscape workerS$1,800General waste collection, recycling and material recovery workerS$1,750Residential and open areas general cleanerS$1,750Tea server/steward (excluding bartender, barista and food/drink stall assistant)S$1,725Porter (except hotel)S$1,712Motor vehicle cleaner/polisherS$1,700DishwasherS$1,684Table-top cleanerS$1,670Office, commercial and industrial establishments indoor cleanerS$1,642Food/Drink stall assistantS$1,638Food and beverage establishments general cleanerS$1,600Hand launderer/presser (non-household)S$1,600Hand packerS$1,600Kitchen assistantS$1,600Leaflet and newspaper distributor/delivererS$1,600Odd job personS$1,600Civil engineering/Building construction labourerS$1,550Bus attendantS$1,400
Skills and responsibility pay
The list largely confirms what we all well know—that your pay increases either with skill or responsibility. Usually, the latter follows the former, and as you’re getting better at the essence of your job, you’re given more responsibility, climbing up to supervisory or managerial roles.
This is true for non-PMET positions as well, where senior personnel can see earnings approach their degree-bearing peers in the white-collar corporate world.
And it might become a broader trend in the future, if AI begins to threaten the most lucrative jobs, which are more easily automated with software, as observed by this Belgian recruitment company two years ago:
Image Credit: The Work by Ascential
It’s going to be interesting to watch and compare MOM’s future releases for signs of it happening in Singapore in the coming years.
Read other articles we’ve written on Singapore’s current affairs here.
Also Read: S’pore salary stagnation: Some industries pay less than 5 years ago. How does yours compare?
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock Editor’s Picks Vulcan Post