Singapore Salary Guide 2025: Industry-by-Industry Breakdown

Introduction

Singapore's labor market continues to evolve in 2025, shaped by global economic trends, technological advancement, and local workforce dynamics. As we navigate through this year, understanding salary benchmarks across different industries becomes crucial for employers to remain competitive and for job seekers to negotiate fair compensation.

This comprehensive guide examines the latest salary trends across Singapore's major industries, based on data from the Ministry of Manpower's (MOM) comprehensive labor market reports and statistics. We'll explore median incomes, growth rates, factors influencing compensation, and provide insights into what professionals can expect in different sectors.

Overall Salary Trends in Singapore

Before diving into industry-specific breakdowns, let's examine the broad salary landscape in Singapore. The median gross monthly income for full-time employed residents reached $5,800 in 2025, representing a 5.5% increase from 2024 figures. After adjusting for inflation, real income growth stands at approximately 3.1%, indicating continued strengthening of purchasing power for Singaporean workers.

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Key observations in the overall labor market include:

• The income gap continues to narrow, with the P20 to P50 income ratio improving to 0.57 in 2025, up from 0.55 in 2024 and 0.54 in 2019.
• Professionals, Managers, Executives, and Technicians (PMETs) now make up approximately 65% of the employed resident workforce, reflecting Singapore's ongoing economic transformation.
• Industries with the strongest real income growth include Information & Communications, Financial & Insurance Services, and Healthcare.

Industry-by-Industry Salary Breakdown

1. Financial & Insurance Services

The financial sector remains Singapore's highest-paying industry, with professionals benefiting from the city-state's position as a global financial hub.

Median Gross Monthly Income (2025): $8,950Year-on-Year Growth: 5.8%Real Growth (Inflation Adjusted): 3.4%

Top-paying roles in this sector include:

• Chief Financial Officers: $17,500-$25,000
• Investment Banking Directors: $15,000-$22,000
• Risk Management Directors: $13,000-$18,000
• Financial Analysts (Mid-Level): $7,500-$9,000
• Insurance Underwriters (Mid-Level): $6,500-$8,000

The financial sector has experienced evolving job demands with increasing emphasis on digital transformation skills, sustainable finance expertise, and regulatory knowledge. Financial technology specialists command premium salaries, often 10-15% above traditional banking roles with similar experience levels.

2. Information & Communications

The technology sector continues to be a key driver of Singapore's economy, with high demand for skilled professionals across various specializations.

Median Gross Monthly Income (2025): $8,450Year-on-Year Growth: 6.2%Real Growth (Inflation Adjusted): 3.8%

Top-paying roles in this sector include:

• Data Scientists (Senior): $12,000-$18,000
• AI/ML Engineers: $11,000-$16,000
• Cybersecurity Specialists (Senior): $10,000-$15,000
• DevOps Engineers: $8,000-$12,000
• Software Developers (Mid-Level): $7,000-$9,000

The tech sector has seen particularly strong growth in areas related to artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. Professionals with expertise in emerging technologies like quantum computing and advanced machine learning frameworks command premiums of 15-20% above market rates. The sector has also seen increased remote work opportunities, with approximately 30% of technology roles now offering flexible work arrangements.

3. Professional Services

Professional services encompass legal, accounting, consulting, and other specialized business services, with continued strong demand for expertise in these areas.

Median Gross Monthly Income (2025): $7,800Year-on-Year Growth: 5.5%Real Growth (Inflation Adjusted): 3.1%

Top-paying roles in this sector include:

• Management Consultants (Partner Level): $15,000-$25,000
• Legal Counsels (Senior): $12,000-$18,000
• Tax Directors: $13,000-$18,000
• HR Directors: $12,000-$16,000
• Marketing Directors: $10,000-$15,000

Professional services firms are increasingly valuing cross-disciplinary skills, with professionals who combine technical knowledge with business acumen commanding higher salaries. The sector has seen particularly strong growth in sustainability consulting, digital transformation advisory, and regulatory compliance services.

4. Healthcare & Social Services

Singapore's aging population continues to drive demand for healthcare professionals, reflected in competitive salaries and benefits.

Median Gross Monthly Income (2025): $6,900Year-on-Year Growth: 5.7%Real Growth (Inflation Adjusted): 3.3%

Top-paying roles in this sector include:

• Medical Specialists: $14,000-$25,000
• Hospital Administrators: $10,000-$15,000
• Pharmacists (Senior): $7,500-$9,500
• Registered Nurses (Advanced Practice): $6,500-$8,500
• Allied Health Professionals (Senior): $5,500-$7,500

The healthcare sector has seen significant investment in telemedicine and digital health technologies, creating new roles that blend clinical expertise with technological skills. These hybrid positions typically command 10-15% salary premiums over traditional clinical roles at similar experience levels.

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5. Manufacturing

Singapore's manufacturing sector continues its shift toward high-value production, with corresponding changes in the demand for skilled workers.

Median Gross Monthly Income (2025): $6,000Year-on-Year Growth: 4.3%Real Growth (Inflation Adjusted): 1.9%

Top-paying roles in this sector include:

• Plant Managers: $10,000-$15,000
• Manufacturing Engineers (Senior): $7,000-$9,000
• Supply Chain Managers: $8,000-$12,000
• Quality Control Managers: $7,500-$10,000
• Industrial Design Specialists: $6,500-$8,500

The manufacturing sector has seen significant transformation with Industry 4.0 technologies. Workers with skills in industrial automation, robotics, and advanced manufacturing technologies command salary premiums of 15-20%. The Progressive Wage Model implementation has also contributed to wage growth among lower-wage workers in this sector.

6. Education

Education professionals continue to see steady income growth, supported by Singapore's emphasis on developing human capital.

Median Gross Monthly Income (2025): $5,700Year-on-Year Growth: 4.0%Real Growth (Inflation Adjusted): 1.6%

Top-paying roles in this sector include:

• University Professors: $9,000-$15,000
• School Principals: $10,000-$14,000
• Educational Technology Directors: $8,000-$12,000
• Curriculum Specialists: $6,500-$9,000
• Teachers (Senior): $5,500-$7,500

The education sector has seen growing demand for professionals with expertise in educational technology and personalized learning approaches. Those with skills in these areas typically earn 10-15% above traditional teaching roles at comparable levels. International schools continue to offer premium compensation packages, often 20-30% higher than public institutions.

7. Transportation & Storage

This sector has experienced moderate growth with the recovery of global trade and travel.

Median Gross Monthly Income (2025): $4,950Year-on-Year Growth: 3.8%Real Growth (Inflation Adjusted): 1.4%

Top-paying roles in this sector include:

• Logistics Directors: $10,000-$15,000
• Air Traffic Controllers: $7,500-$12,000
• Supply Chain Analysts: $6,000-$8,000
• Maritime Operations Managers: $7,000-$10,000
• Transportation Planners: $5,500-$7,500

The transportation sector continues to evolve with increasing digitalization. Professionals with expertise in logistics technology, sustainable transportation solutions, and supply chain optimization are in high demand, commanding salary premiums of 10-15%.

8. Construction

The construction sector shows moderate growth, with particular demand for professionals with green building and sustainable construction expertise.

Median Gross Monthly Income (2025): $4,750Year-on-Year Growth: 4.2%Real Growth (Inflation Adjusted): 1.8%

Top-paying roles in this sector include:

• Project Directors: $12,000-$18,000
• Civil Engineers (Senior): $7,000-$10,000
• BIM Managers: $6,500-$9,000
• Green Building Specialists: $7,000-$10,000
• Construction Managers: $6,000-$9,000

The construction sector has seen significant wage growth for roles related to sustainable building practices and digital construction technologies. The sector continues to rely heavily on foreign workers for labor-intensive positions, while specialized technical and managerial roles are increasingly filled by local professionals.

9. Retail Trade

The retail sector shows modest growth as it continues to navigate the shift between physical and online commerce.

Median Gross Monthly Income (2025): $4,200Year-on-Year Growth: 3.6%Real Growth (Inflation Adjusted): 1.2%

Top-paying roles in this sector include:

• Retail Operations Directors: $10,000-$15,000
• E-commerce Managers: $7,000-$10,000
• Visual Merchandising Managers: $5,500-$7,500
• Store Managers (Large Format): $5,000-$8,000
• Retail Analysts: $5,000-$7,000

The retail sector continues to transform with the integration of online and offline experiences. Professionals with expertise in omnichannel retail strategies, customer experience design, and retail analytics command salary premiums of 15-20% compared to traditional retail roles.

10. Food & Beverage Services

The F&B sector continues to recover, with moderate salary growth supported by the Progressive Wage Model implementation.

Median Gross Monthly Income (2025): $3,750Year-on-Year Growth: 4.5%Real Growth (Inflation Adjusted): 2.1%

Top-paying roles in this sector include:

• F&B Group Operations Directors: $8,000-$12,000
• Executive Chefs (High-End Establishments): $6,000-$10,000
• Food Safety & Quality Managers: $5,500-$7,500
• Restaurant Managers: $4,000-$6,000
• Pastry Chefs (Specialized): $4,500-$6,500

The F&B sector has seen significant wage growth at the lower end due to the Progressive Wage Model, which has raised minimum wages for lower-wage workers. Establishments focusing on unique dining experiences and specialized cuisine continue to offer higher compensation to attract and retain talent.

Factors Influencing Salary Levels

Several key factors influence salary levels across industries in Singapore:

1. Educational Qualifications

Higher education continues to correlate strongly with higher earnings. In 2025, the median income for degree holders is $8,950, compared to $5,200 for those with diplomas and $3,800 for those with secondary qualifications. The wage premium for degree holders from prestigious universities remains significant, with graduates from top global institutions earning 10-15% more than the average degree holder in similar roles.

2. Experience and Tenure

Experience remains a significant salary determinant across all industries. Professionals with 5-10 years of relevant experience typically earn 30-50% more than entry-level counterparts in the same field. The value of experience is particularly pronounced in knowledge-intensive sectors like finance and technology, where senior professionals with specialized expertise can command salaries 2-3 times higher than mid-level employees.

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3. Skills in Demand

Across industries, certain skill sets command significant salary premiums:

• Digital & Technology Skills: Professionals with expertise in AI/ML, cybersecurity, and cloud technologies can expect salary premiums of 15-25% across industries.
• Data Analytics: Skills in data analysis, interpretation, and visualization continue to be in high demand, with professionals commanding 10-20% higher salaries.
• Sustainability Expertise: As Singapore pursues its green agenda, professionals with expertise in sustainability, ESG reporting, and green technologies earn 10-15% higher salaries.
• Cross-functional Skills: Professionals who combine technical expertise with business acumen, communication skills, and leadership capabilities command the highest premiums, often 20-30% above those with technical skills alone.

4. Industry Growth and Transformation

Industries undergoing rapid transformation tend to offer higher salary growth. In 2025, sectors seeing the strongest wage growth include:

• Healthcare (particularly digital health)
• Sustainable energy and green technology
• Financial technology
• Advanced manufacturing
• Cybersecurity

5. Company Size and Type

Compensation varies significantly by company size and type. In 2025:

• Multinational Corporations (MNCs) typically offer the highest base salaries, approximately 10-15% above market median.
• Government-Linked Companies (GLCs) offer competitive base salaries with strong benefits packages.
• Local Large Enterprises typically offer salaries around the market median.
• Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) generally offer lower base salaries but may provide more rapid advancement opportunities and potentially higher variable compensation.
• Startups often offer below-market base salaries but compensate with equity packages and greater responsibility.

Outlook for 2025 and Beyond

Several trends are expected to shape Singapore's salary landscape in the coming years:

1. Continued Growth in High-Value Sectors

Industries focused on innovation, technology, and specialized services are expected to see the strongest salary growth, reflecting Singapore's economic transformation strategy. Professionals in AI, sustainable finance, biomedical sciences, and advanced manufacturing will likely continue to command premium salaries.

2. Skills-Based Compensation

Employers are increasingly moving toward skills-based compensation models rather than focusing solely on qualifications and years of experience. This trend is expected to accelerate, with more organizations implementing skills assessments and competency-based pay structures.

3. Greater Emphasis on Total Rewards

Beyond base salary, employers are placing greater emphasis on comprehensive benefits packages, including flexible work arrangements, career development opportunities, health and wellness benefits, and retirement planning. These non-monetary factors are becoming increasingly important in attraction and retention strategies.

4. Progressive Wage Growth for Lower-Income Workers

The Progressive Wage Model continues to boost incomes for lower-wage workers across sectors like cleaning, security, landscape, retail, and food services. This initiative is expected to expand to additional sectors, further raising wages at the lower end of the income spectrum.

5. Remote Work Compensation Adjustments

As hybrid and remote work arrangements become permanent features of the employment landscape, some organizations are implementing location-based pay scales. Professionals working remotely from Singapore may see different compensation structures compared to their office-based counterparts, particularly for roles in multinational organizations.

Conclusion

Singapore's salary landscape in 2025 reflects the nation's continued economic transformation toward high-value, knowledge-intensive industries. While traditional sectors like manufacturing and construction continue to provide stable employment and moderate wage growth, the strongest salary increases are seen in sectors driving innovation and digital transformation.

For professionals, the key to maximizing earning potential lies in continuous skill development, particularly in high-demand areas like digital technologies, data analytics, and sustainability. For employers, staying competitive in the talent market requires not only benchmark-appropriate compensation but also comprehensive benefits packages and career development opportunities.

As Singapore navigates global economic uncertainties, its focus on developing local talent while attracting global expertise positions the city-state to maintain its competitive edge in high-value sectors, likely ensuring continued positive wage growth in the years to come.

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