What are the salaries in Singapore?
Singapore is one of the most developed economies in the world, with a high standard of living, quality infrastructure, excellent healthcare, good education and strong social security. It also has a high cost of living, so salaries need to be weighed against everyday expenses.
Key Figures
Competitive Salaries
Singapore generally offers competitive salaries, especially in key sectors. In these fields, pay often matches or even exceeds what other major international cities offer. The high cost of living must still be taken into account when assessing an offer.
Managing Your Budget
To maintain a comfortable standard of living in Singapore, residents are often advised to:
Manage their budget carefully and plan spending ahead.
Look for housing outside the most central areas to reduce costs.
Rely on social benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans to stay financially stable in the long term.
What Is the Average Salary?
The average salary reflects Singapore’s dynamic, diverse economy, one of the most important financial and business centres in Asia and the world. The city attracts talent from everywhere in finance, technology, trade, biotechnology and services, which keeps average pay relatively high. The average salary in Singapore, around €4,914 per month, depends on several factors:
Industry
Finance, technology and consulting pay more on average than hospitality or retail.
Experience and skills
Experienced workers and those with specialised, in-demand skills often earn more.
Education level
Specialised or postgraduate degrees tend to open the door to better-paid jobs.
Government policy
Singapore actively manages foreign labour and develops local skills, which affects pay across sectors.
The cost of living in Singapore is among the highest in the world, and housing in particular takes up a large share of residents’ budgets.
Salary Table for Common Professions
| Profession | Avg. monthly salary |
|---|---|
| Financial Manager | 16,200 SGD |
| Lawyer | 15,600 SGD |
| IT Manager | 13,500 SGD |
| Human Resources Director | 12,600 SGD |
| Data Scientist | 10,350 SGD |
| Business Analyst | 10,200 SGD |
| Sales Director | 10,000 SGD |
| Architect | 9,670 SGD |
| Project Manager | 9,430 SGD |
| Financial Analyst | 7,800 SGD |
| Web Developer | 7,500 SGD |
| Civil Engineer | 7,320 SGD |
| Nurse | 6,190 SGD |
| Accountant | 5,300 SGD |
| Graphic Designer | 5,220 SGD |
| Travel Agent | 4,980 SGD |
| Chef | 4,940 SGD |
| Secretary | 3,710 SGD |
| Waiter | 2,480 SGD |
2024 figures, sorted from highest to lowest.
What the Figures Show
Salaries for common professions span a wide range, reflecting the city-state’s diverse economy, from 2,480 SGD for waiters to 16,200 SGD for financial managers. Specialised roles in finance, technology and law command the highest salaries: data scientists and IT managers, for example, earn between 10,350 and 13,500 SGD. Less specialised roles, such as secretaries and chefs, earn lower but still competitive salaries of 3,710 to 4,940 SGD.
This salary spread confirms Singapore’s status as a talent hub across many fields, with attractive prospects for both local and expatriate professionals.