Average Salary in Singapore 2026: Industry Benchmarks for HR & Payroll Teams
Updated on 13 March 2026 in Business | Suki Bajaj
Whether you're an HR professional, a payroll specialist, or simply curious about your earning potential, understanding the average salary in Singapore is essential.
The city-state's dynamic economy and diverse job market mean that salary benchmarks are constantly shifting. In this guide, we'll dive into the latest and most relevant data and broken it down by industry, so you can easily find what matters most to you.
Key Takeaways (At a Glance)
- The average salary in Singapore 2025 is estimated to be around SGD $6,282 per month.
- The median gross monthly income is approximately SGD $5,800, reflecting a 5.5% increase from 2024.
- IT, Finance, and Healthcare continue to be the highest-paying industries.
- HR roles are seeing steady salary increases, highlighting their strategic importance
- AI, data science, and cybersecurity skills are driving significant higher salary ranges
In this guide, we’ll talk about:
What Is the Average Salary in Singapore (2025)?
What is the Difference Between Average and Median Salary?
2025 Singapore Average Monthly Salary Guide
2025 Singapore Median Monthly Salary Guide
Factors Affecting Salary Levels in Singapore
How the Latest Salary Trends Shape Your HR & Payroll Planning
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
What Is the Average Salary in Singapore (2025)?
The concept of an "average salary" can be a little misleading. The numbers often cited are a "mean" salary, which can be biased by a minor group of very high earners.
A more realistic picture comes from the "median" salary, which represents the middle point—half the workforce earns more, and half earns less.
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Simplify your payroll todayWhat is the Difference Between Average and Median Salary?
It's important to understand the difference between average and median salary, as this can provide a more accurate analysis.
Average (Mean) Salary
This is the total income of all workers divided by the number of workers. It can be inclined upwards by a small number of high-income earners.
The mean, or average salary in Singapore, is higher, at approximately SGD $6,282 per month. This increase from previous years reflects a tight labour market with specific sectors and in-demand skills seeing substantial pay bumps.
Mean Gross Monthly Income from Employment (Including Employer CPF Contributions and excluding bonus) of Employed Residents
| 1Q 2023 | 2Q 2023 | 3Q 2023 | 4Q 2023 | 1Q 2024 | 2Q 2024 | 3Q 2024 | 4Q 2024 | 1Q 2025P | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Levels ($) | 5,680 | 5,750 | 5,863 | 6,027 | 6,090 | 6,107 | 6,138 | 6,113 | 6,282 |
Median Salary
This is the middle value when all salaries are arranged in order. It's a more representative figure of what a typical worker earns.
According to data from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), the median gross monthly income for full-time employed residents in Singapore stands at around SGD $5,500. This includes the employer's CPF contributions.
Median Gross Monthly Income from Employment (Including Employer CPF Contributions) of Full-Time Employed Residents
| Mid-Year | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 – early 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Levels ($) | 3,770 | 3,949 | 4,056 | 4,232 | 4,437 | 4,563 | 4,534 | 4,680 | 5,070 | 5,197 | 5,500 |
Source: Ministry of Manpower (MOM) Income Summary Table in Singapore 2025
2025 Singapore Average Monthly Salary Guide
Salary benchmarks in Singapore vary widely across different industries due to demand, skill requirements, and market conditions.
Here is a quick breakdown of the average gross monthly income for various sectors in 2025.
| Industry/Sector | In-demand Roles | Monthly Salary Range (SGD) |
|---|---|---|
| Technology and Digital | Software Engineers, Data Analysts | $6,000 - $9,000 |
| Banking and Financial Services | Roles in Fintech, ESG Investing, Compliance | $7,000 - $12,000 (Mid-Senior Roles) |
| Healthcare and Life Sciences | Regulatory Affairs Specialists | $5,000 - $8,000 |
| Engineering and Manufacturing | Electrical and Mechanical Engineers | $4,500 - $7,500 |
| Sales and Marketing | Digital Marketers, E-commerce Specialists | $5,000 - $9,000 |
2025 Singapore Median Monthly Salary Guide
When asking "how much should I pay employees in Singapore?", industry context is everything.
The following tables provide a concise overview of median monthly salaries for full-time employed residents, broken down by key demographics. All figures include employer CPF contributions.
Median Monthly Gross Income by Industry (SGD)
| Industry | Entry Level (<2 years) | Mid-Career (2-5 years) | Senior (>5 years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Information & Communications | $5,000 - $6,500 | $6,500 - $9,000 | $9,000+ |
| Financial & Insurance Services | $4,800 - $6,000 | $6,000 - $8,500 | $8,500+ |
| Professional Services | $4,500 - $5,800 | $5,800 - $8,000 | $8,000+ |
| Healthcare | $4,000 - $5,500 | $5,500 - $7,500 | $7,500+ |
| Manufacturing | $3,800 - $5,200 | $5,200 - $7,000 | $7,000+ |
Key Position Median Salary Ranges (SGD)
A person's salary also depends heavily on their role and seniority. Higher-level positions, like managers and directors, naturally demand higher salaries due to increased responsibility and required experience.
| Position Title | Median Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Managers & Directors | $10,820 |
| Professionals | $8,363 |
| Associate Professionals & Technicians | $4,735 |
| Clerical Support Workers | $3,510 |
Key Insights for HR Professionals
- Salaries rise significantly with experience, with a notable jump after the 5-year mark.
- Sector-specific demands with the tech and financial services sectors continue to offer the highest salary potential due to strong demand for skilled professionals.
- To attract and retain talent, remind employees that total compensation includes bonuses, benefits, and opportunities for career growth.
Disclaimer: All figures are based on median gross monthly income estimates for 2025 and can vary widely based on company size, specific job role, and individual skills and performance.
Source: The data presented is based on various reports and is compiled from Singapore-based sources, including the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) statistics and private salary guides from firms like Michael Page and Morgan McKinley.
Factors Affecting Salary Levels in Singapore
Beyond the industry, role, and age, several key factors influence an individual's pay. Understanding these can help you set a fair and competitive salary for your employees, whether they are locals or foreigners.
Experience Level
Unsurprisingly, more experience leads to higher pay. Professionals with 5-10 years of experience can earn 30-50% more than entry-level employees.
Education and Qualifications
A strong academic background, such as a university degree or master's, typically correlates with a higher average income in Singapore.
Industry Demand
Sectors experiencing rapid growth or facing talent shortages (like tech, finance, and healthcare) offer higher wages to attract and retain skilled professionals.
Skills in Demand
Specialised skills, particularly in areas like AI, data analytics, cybersecurity, and automation can give candidates a strong negotiating edge.
Company Size
Multinational corporations (MNCs) often offer higher salaries and benefits compared to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
Type of Employment
The average salary in Singapore per hour is a common metric for part-time work, while monthly and annual salaries are the norm for full-time roles.
The minimum salary in Singapore per month is also a key consideration, especially for specific sectors covered under the Progressive Wage Model.
How the Latest Salary Trends Shape Your HR & Payroll Planning
For HR professionals, keeping up with the current salary trends is a key part of strategic planning to ensure their company remains competitive in the job market.
Budget Forecasting - Knowing the current salary benchmark in Singapore allows for more accurate budget allocation and long-term financial planning.
Salary Structuring - Design fair and competitive pay scales that align with industry benchmarks and attract the right talent.
Talent Retention - Proactively identify and address potential pay gaps to retain valuable employees and reduce turnover.
Attracting Top Talent - Craft competitive salary offers that stand out in a crowded job market to engage the best candidates and position your company as an employer of choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
A "good" salary is subjective, but with a median gross monthly income of $5,500, anything above this can be considered strong. For a comfortable lifestyle, many professionals aim for a monthly salary of $7,000 - $8,000 or more.
Salaries for foreigners vary widely based on their role, industry, and the type of pass they hold. Generally, salaries are benchmarked against local market rates, especially for similar roles and experience levels.
While S$3,000 is below the median income for full-time workers, it can be a good starting salary for entry-level positions or roles in certain industries. It's important to consider living expenses and career progression.
The salary for an HR manager can vary significantly based on company size, industry, and experience. However, a general range for a mid-level HR manager is between SGD 6,000 to SGD 8,000 per month.
Reference: Human Resources Manager Salary in Singapore (August, 2025) – Jobstreet
Conclusion
The average salary in Singapore continues to grow in 2025, driven by a dynamic economy and high demand for skilled professionals. Staying on top of these trends is crucial for building a competitive and fair compensation strategy.
By leveraging accurate data and an all-inclusive payroll software with salary benchmarking, you can confidently plan for the year and attract, retain, and fairly compensate your top talent. Find out how we can help.