Salaries in Singapore: the complete guide
How much do people earn in Singapore? What is the median salary, is there a minimum wage, how much goes to CPF and tax, and what salary do you need for a work pass? This guide brings together the latest official figures to help you evaluate a job offer or plan your move.
Key Figures
Median and Average Salary
The most reliable benchmark is the median income published each year by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). Half of full-time employed residents earn more than this amount, and half earn less.
Median: 5,775 SGD per month
Gross monthly income from work of full-time employed residents in June 2025, up from 5,500 SGD in 2024 (+5.0% nominal, +4.3% after inflation). This figure includes the employer’s CPF contribution.
Lower-income workers: 3,164 SGD per month
At the 20th percentile, income rose from 3,026 SGD to 3,164 SGD over the same period (+3.8% in real terms).
Averages are higher than the median
Very high salaries in finance, law and tech pull the average up. The median gives a better picture of a “typical” salary.
MOM figures cover residents (citizens and permanent residents). Salaries of foreign professionals on an Employment Pass are often higher, since the pass itself requires a minimum salary.
Is There a Minimum Wage?
Singapore has no universal minimum wage. Instead, it uses the Progressive Wage Model, which sets minimum pay and a career ladder for lower-wage workers in specific sectors, including:
Companies hiring foreign workers must also pay their local staff at least the Local Qualifying Salary (1,800 SGD per month from 1 July 2026) for them to count towards foreign worker quotas.
Salaries by Profession
Pay varies widely by profession. Specialised roles in finance, law and technology earn the most, while service jobs sit at the lower end of the scale.
| 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 |
Indicative gross monthly salaries, sorted from highest to lowest. Actual pay depends on experience, company and sector.
Salaries Required for a Work Pass
Foreigners need a work pass, and most passes require a minimum monthly salary. These thresholds rise with age and experience.
Work Permit
For sectors such as construction, manufacturing, marine and services.
S Pass
For technical roles and mid-level professionals.
Employment Pass (EP)
For managers, executives and specialists, also assessed under the COMPASS points system.
From 1 January 2027
Higher thresholds were announced for new applications.
Always check the latest rules and the Self-Assessment Tool on the Ministry of Manpower website.
CPF Contributions
The Central Provident Fund (CPF) is Singapore’s mandatory savings scheme for retirement, housing and healthcare. It applies only to citizens and permanent residents: foreigners on a work pass do not contribute.
Rates are lower for employees above 55 and for permanent residents in their first two years.
Income Tax
Singapore has one of the lowest income tax burdens among developed economies. Tax residents pay progressive rates from 0% to 24% on their chargeable income (income after reliefs). There is no tax on capital gains.
| Chargeable income (per year) | Rate |
|---|---|
| First 20,000 SGD | 0% |
| 20,001 – 30,000 SGD | 2% |
| 30,001 – 40,000 SGD | 3.5% |
| 40,001 – 80,000 SGD | 7% |
| 80,001 – 120,000 SGD | 11.5% |
| 120,001 – 160,000 SGD | 15% |
| 160,001 – 200,000 SGD | 18% |
| 200,001 – 240,000 SGD | 19% |
| 240,001 – 280,000 SGD | 19.5% |
| 280,001 – 320,000 SGD | 20% |
| 320,001 – 500,000 SGD | 22% |
| 500,001 – 1,000,000 SGD | 23% |
| Above 1,000,000 SGD | 24% |
Resident tax rates. Non-residents pay a flat 15% on employment income, or the resident rates if that results in more tax.
From Gross to Net: Two Examples
Simplified examples for a single person with no other income or reliefs beyond those listed.
5,000 SGD gross per month
Employee CPF (20%): −1,000 SGD. Annual tax on about 47,000 SGD of chargeable income (after CPF and earned income reliefs): around 1,040 SGD, or 87 SGD per month.
6,000 SGD gross per month
No CPF. Annual tax on 72,000 SGD as a tax resident (in Singapore 183 days or more): around 2,790 SGD, or 233 SGD per month.
Tips for Negotiating Your Salary
Compare the full package, not just the base. Many employers pay an annual “13th month” bonus (the Annual Wage Supplement) and performance bonuses.
Budget for housing. Rent is the biggest expense in Singapore; ask whether a housing allowance is included, especially for expat roles.
Check medical and insurance cover. Foreigners are not covered by CPF, so private health insurance matters.
Use the median as a benchmark. Compare the offer with market rates for your role, experience and sector.
Make sure the salary meets work pass thresholds for your age, now and when the pass is renewed.
In Summary
Salaries in Singapore are among the highest in Asia, with a median of 5,775 SGD per month and low income tax. The high cost of living, especially housing, means you should always look at the full package and your take-home pay before accepting an offer.