Average Salary in Singapore by Age, Experience and Education Level

Author

Rahmad

1. Median Salary

The median salary in Singapore is calculated by dividing the workforce into two groups with the same salary amount. A majority of employees earn salaries that are higher than the median salary, while almost half earn salaries under the median.

Overview of Median monthly Salary

Singapore has an average median monthly salary (including CPF employer contributions) of $4,680 ($56,160/year).

The average median monthly salary without employer CPF contributions is $4,000 (or $48,000/year).

Since 2011, Singapore's median salary income has grown 44.0% or 3.7% per year.

2. Max and Min Salary Range

Salary levels in Singapore range from 2,140 Singapore Dollars to 37,700 Singapore Dollars per month on average.

These are the max average salaries or median gross monthly income. Actual salaries may be significantly higher.

3. Increment Percentage of Average Annual Salaries

In Singapore wages rise is expected by 9% on average every 15 months, as per the reports of Salary Explorer. However, in other comparable countries, salaries increase by 3% on average every 16 months.

Below is a breakdown of salary increases by experience and industry level:

A) Experience-level-specific average salary increases.

Listed below is a summary of the average salary increases by experience level:

Average Annual Salary Increase

Average Annual Salary Increase

Source: timedoctor.com

B) Industry-specific average salary increases.

Listed below is a summary of the average salary increases by industry:

average salary increases by industry

Source: timedoctor.com

4. Singapore Household Income on Average

Every five years, Singapore's government conducts a survey of household expenditures to find out the median expenditure and household income as well as to determine trends in monthly household earnings and expenditure.

An analysis of Singapore's household income concluded that it went up in 2012-13 from 10,470 Singapore Dollars (7,707 USD) to 11,780 Singapore Dollars (8,672 USD) for 2017-18.

5. Singapore Minimum Wage

Singapore is among the few states that do not have a minimum wage. There is no minimum wage required in the country since there is no minimum wage law.

However, recently the MOM in Singapore has taken steps to introduce a new wage model which protects the people with the lowest median income such as security guards, machine operators, sales workers craftsmen, clerical support workers, and other related workers. In this new wage model, security guards and cleaners will each get the minimum pay of S$1,000 and S$1,100, respectively.

In the following section, we will compare the median monthly salary in Singapore on the basis of age group, experience, education, and occupation:

Average Salary In Singapore Based On Age Group

Based on Manpower research, Singapore citizens with full-time jobs have an average gross monthly income of $4,000 (excluding employer CPF). Employee CPF is included in this calculation and is what most Singaporeans view as their gross monthly wage.

Average Salary In Singapore Based On Age Group

Source: Dollars and sense

MOM's data begins at 15 years of age.

However, this only includes a full-time job, which is very rare among this age group.

As Singaporeans age, the median salary increases from S$2,329 in their early twenties to S$5,958 in their early 40s.

In the prime working years, which means the 20-24 & 25-29 age groups, the average salary rises by S$1,171, followed by the 30-34 age groups, where the increase is S$1,000.

The most significant jump would be S$1,329 for those starting work between 15-19 years of age.

The highest pay is between 40-44 age, and after 49, the salary drops significantly. It is interesting to note that, although the retirement age for full-time employment is 67, the median wages start tapering off at the age of 45.

Average Salary Depending On The Age Group For Different Occupations Varies

PMETs with higher-skilled jobs like managers & administrators, professionals, and associate professionals & technicians are more likely to earn more money than the average wages.

Clerical support workers are the most common occupation among 15-19-year-olds with a median salary of $800.

Professionals, associate professionals, and technicians earn more than the average salary for those between the ages of 20 and 24. From age 25 and up, managers and administrators earn the most.

At 60 and over, administrators and managers see their earnings drop significantly (over $1,000), while other professionals maintain their earnings near the median salary.

Moreover, a policy change that requires all Singaporean workers and local employees to receive the local standard wage (which is $1,400) has resulted in an increase in the average wage of cleaners, laborers, and other occupations (also individuals nearing retirement age and over 60).

Average Salary Depending On The Age Group For Different Qualifications Varies

Having an educational background along with professional qualifications increases your earnings potential. Generally, the more education you have, the higher your salary will be. Perhaps this explains why Singaporean parents insist on their children achieving academic excellence.

Degree holders are more likely to earn higher wages near their retirement years compared to the average person. The same is true if diploma holders choose to continue working full time after retirement, as they are likely to continue earning above-average income based on their level of qualification.

During your 40s, the average salary starts to peak.

Median gross monthly income reaches its peak in the 40s across all age groups, professions, and education levels. Academic qualifications and professional occupations typically peak in the late 40s, whereas other professions and qualifications peak in the early 40s.

The concept of FIRE may be the best motivation for those of us who strive to achieve financial independence before the age of 45, build a savings account and stop working after the age of 45. It might be comforting to know that in the majority of non-PMET occupations, wages do not drop much after 60.

The gender pay gap is a frequently discussed topic. Even though Singapore offers many opportunities for both men and women, there is still a gender pay gap. The reasons are debatable - whether it makes sense for there to be one or not - but it does exist.

When comparing salary levels, males earning seem to be more than the females. The statement is broad and does not take much else into account.

Women and men tend to have similar salaries - they rise until about 44 years of age and then decline.

However, stats show that female employees earn more money at a younger age compared to male employees. Women earn more or the same amount as men up until they are 29 years old. However, at a mid-way point, male earnings start to rise at around 30.

Knowing Singapore's employment practices is essential whether you want to outsource to the country or understand the country's employment landscape.

The following are provisions for employees in Singapore:

1. Working hours

A worker may not exceed 44 hours a week under the Employment Act. This provision should be spelled out in the service agreement.

2. Overtime

Overtime is allowed in Singapore, but employers cannot allow their employees to work more than 72 hours per month. In addition to the basic hourly rate, employers should pay their employees at least 1.5 times the basic hourly rate for overtime work.

3. Work Week

There is usually a 5-day working week at most companies, and weekend workdays are generally available.

4. Paid Leaves

Singapore employees have the right to 7-14 paid vacation days.

5. Other leaves

The company's employees are entitled to sick leave, paid holidays, and yearly leave as well as emergency leaves for the death of a family member, marriage leave or parental vacation.

6. CPF Contribution

When an employee earns more than 50 Singapore dollars per month, their employer sanctions their CPF contribution. Contributions to the CPF provide health and retirement benefits to working Singaporeans. Employer contributions to CPF are only tax-deductible for Singaporeans and permanent residents of other countries.

Singapore has a relatively high average income and a low personal income tax rate.

Also, Singapore's cost of living is higher than neighboring countries such as the Philippines, Cambodia, and Indonesia.

To give you a detailed picture of Singapore's cost of living, we will take a look at the following:

1. Housing

People in Singapore spend the most on housing. Singapore is a popular rental destination for expatriates (citizens who work or live abroad- especially south Korean workers). For a shared apartment, the average monthly rate is S$500 for a one-bedroom apartment, S$2,018, and for a three-bedroom apartment, S$3,885.

An apartment with modern amenities, however, costs up to S$10,000 per month.

In Singapore, purchasing property is a viable option for finding housing, but it is not particularly affordable. Real estate in Singapore is one of the most expensive worldwide.

2. Transport

A car in Singapore costs 2.5 times more than one in Malaysia.

Monthly car payments typically range from s$1,000 to S$2,000. Loan payments, fuel prices, insurance charges, and maintenance fees are included in the monthly payment.

However, Singapore's public transport system is excellent and very affordable.

Taxi and bus are available as full time national service, which can cost anywhere from S$100 to 120 per month.

3. Food

Due to Singapore's reliance on imported foods and lack of grain production, groceries are quite expensive as well in Singapore.

As a result, residents can expect to pay about 200 SGD for groceries if they buy locally and prepare their food at home.

Depending on where and how often you dine out or which food services you choose, the monthly cost may vary.

An average meal in a cheap restaurant, however, will cost you around S$8.85.

Dining out will cost you an average of S$300-450 per month.

4. Wrapping Up

Don't be discouraged if you earn less than the median salary in Singapore, as the range within each group can vary widely depending on your profession.

The most important thing is to keep improving yourself so you can be more employable.

The following are some ways you can earn close to the average Singaporean salary:

Take advantage of free course credits to upgrade your knowledge and skills.
Consider switching careers at mid-career to get more average income.
Take advantage of investment opportunities and do proper financial planning.
Know what your goals are and how you intend to reach them

Read More Article:

Find Jobs in Singapore

Find Salary Guide in Singapore

Average Salary in Singapore by Age, Experience and Education Level

The Average Salary in Singapore

1. Median Salary

Overview of Median monthly Salary

2. Max and Min Salary Range

3. Increment Percentage of Average Annual Salaries

A) Experience-level-specific average salary increases.

B) Industry-specific average salary increases.

4. Singapore Household Income on Average

5. Singapore Minimum Wage

Average Salary in Singapore by Age, Experience and Education Lever

Average Salary In Singapore Based On Age Group

Average Salary Depending On The Age Group For Different Occupations Varies

Average Salary Depending On The Age Group For Different Qualifications Varies

During your 40s, the average salary starts to peak.

Do Men Earn More Than Women In Singapore?

Singapore Employment Law: Employees' Rights and Protections

1. Working hours

2. Overtime

3. Work Week

4. Paid Leaves

5. Other leaves

6. CPF Contribution

Singapore's Cost of Living

1. Housing

2. Transport

3. Food

4. Wrapping Up