Over 250,000 Indians already live and work in Singapore, drawn by high salaries, strong job security, and career growth opportunities (Ministry of Manpower, Singapore). But how much is the average salary in Singapore? And what factors decide your salary?
Why Indians Choose to Work in Singapore
Singapore is among the highest-paying countries in Asia, offering a median salary of SGD 5,197 (₹3.2L) per month (Singapore Department of Statistics). The city has a strong demand for skilled workers, especially in sectors like IT, banking, engineering, and healthcare.
Here’s why Singapore is a top destination:
High Salaries – A software engineer earns around SGD 7,000 (₹4.3L) per month, while an experienced banking professional can make up to SGD 10,000 (₹6.2L) (Glassdoor, 2024).
Lower Taxes – The personal income tax starts at 0% for salaries below SGD 20,000 and goes up to 22% for incomes above SGD 320,000.
Career Growth – Top companies like Google, Amazon, DBS Bank, and Tata Consultancy Services have offices in Singapore.
What Decides Your Salary in Singapore?
Industry & Job Role – IT, finance, and healthcare jobs pay more than hospitality or retail.
Experience & Education – A fresh graduate may start at SGD 4,000 (₹2.4L) per month, while someone with 10+ years of experience can earn SGD 12,000+ (₹7.4L).
Work Pass Type –
Employment Pass (EP): For skilled professionals earning at least SGD 5,000 (₹3.1L) per month.
S Pass: For mid-level jobs with a minimum salary of SGD 3,150 (₹1.9L) per month.
If you’re considering working in Singapore, this guide will help you understand how much you can earn and what to expect. Let’s get into the details.
According to the Ministry of Manpower Singapore, technology and finance are seeing the highest salary increases due to rising digitalization and demand for data security. The fintech sector alone recorded a 14% rise in salaries in 2024, while AI-related roles have grown by 15% annually (Glassdoor Singapore).
While technology and finance are booming, other sectors are seeing minimal salary growth due to automation, outsourcing, and digital booking systems.
Job Role
Salary Growth (%)
Average Salary (SGD/INR)
Retail Store Manager
2%
3,500 – 5,500 (₹2.1L – ₹3.4L)
Customer Service Rep
2%
3,000 – 5,000 (₹1.8L – ₹3L)
School Teacher
3%
4,500 – 7,000 (₹2.8L – ₹4.3L)
Travel Consultant
3%
3,800 – 6,000 (₹2.3L – ₹3.7L)
Warehouse Supervisor
3%
3,200 – 5,800 (₹2L – ₹3.6L)
Where to Work for the Best Average Salary in Singapore?
Industry
Top Employers in Singapore
Information Technology
Google, Amazon, Grab, Shopee, Microsoft
Banking & Finance
DBS, Citibank, HSBC, Standard Chartered, JP Morgan
Healthcare & Pharma
Raffles Medical Group, Parkway Pantai, National University Health System (NUHS)
Engineering & Construction
ExxonMobil, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, A*STAR
Education & Research
National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT)
Hospitality & Tourism
Marina Bay Sands, Hilton Singapore, Shangri-La, Singapore Airlines
Why These Companies?
AI engineers, fintech analysts, and cybersecurity experts are making SGD 15,000+ (₹9.3L) per month at top firms.
Government-backed institutions like NUHS and A*STAR provide stable, high-paying jobs in biotech, medical research, and innovation—perfect for professionals looking for long-term growth.
Luxury hospitality brands pay top dollar for skilled professionals. Aviation jobs at Singapore Airlines, five-star hotel managers, and executive chefs command salaries far beyond industry averages.
Location-Wise Average Salary in Singapore for Indians
Average salary in Singapore varies based on location, with central areas offering higher pay due to demand and business activity. According to the Ministry of Manpower Singapore, professionals in CBD earn up to 30% more than those in suburban regions.
Average Salary in Singapore by Region (2025)
Region
Average Salary (SGD/INR)
Highest Paying Industries
Central Business District (CBD)
7,500 – 15,000 (₹4.6L – ₹9.3L)
Finance, IT, Law, Consulting
West (Jurong, Tuas, Clementi)
5,500 – 9,500 (₹3.4L – ₹5.9L)
Engineering, Manufacturing, Research
East (Changi, Paya Lebar, Tampines)
5,000 – 8,500 (₹3.1L – ₹5.2L)
Logistics, Healthcare, Aviation
North (Woodlands, Sembawang, Yishun)
4,500 – 7,500 (₹2.8L – ₹4.6L)
Education, Retail, Public Services
Note: Conversion rates may vary.
Industry Hotspots by Location
Where should you work based on your profession?
Industry
Best Paying Region
Why?
Finance & Banking
CBD
Home to JP Morgan, Citibank, Deloitte
IT & Consulting
CBD & West
Google, IBM, and AI research centers
Engineering & R&D
West
Jurong Innovation District, Tuas Mega Port
Healthcare & Pharma
East
Hospitals & biotech hubs in Changi
Logistics & Aviation
East
Changi Airport & DHL Logistics Center
Education & Government
North
Schools, universities, public sector jobs
Cost of Living vs. Salary: Where is the Best Balance?
CBD offers the highest salaries but comes with higher rent and daily expenses.
North is the most affordable but has fewer high-paying job opportunities.
West & East offer a balance—decent salaries with reasonable living costs.
Healthcare? The East offers high salaries for specialists.
Looking for budget-friendly locations? The North has lower rent but fewer high-paying jobs.
Average Salary in Singapore by Work Pass Type
The average salary in Singapore is directly tied to the type of work pass a professional holds. Foreign professionals on an Employment Pass (EP) earn up to 50% more than S Pass holders, while Work Permit holders have the lowest salaries, often earning less than half of an EP holder’s salary (MOM).
Do higher-level work passes mean better salaries? Yes, EP holders earn significantly more than S Pass and Work Permit holders due to stricter eligibility criteria and higher job requirements. Which pass should you apply for? It depends on job role, salary level, and qualifications.
Average Salary in Singapore by Work Pass Type (2025)
Work Pass Type
Eligibility Salary (SGD/INR)
Typical Industry
Average Salary (SGD/INR)
Employment Pass (EP)
Min. 5,000 (₹3.1L)
IT, Finance, Healthcare, Engineering
7,000 – 15,000 (₹4.3L – ₹9.3L)
S Pass
Min. 3,150 (₹1.9L)
Manufacturing, Retail, Mid-Level Tech Roles
4,000 – 7,500 (₹2.4L – ₹4.6L)
Work Permit
No min salary
Construction, Domestic Work, F&B, Low-Skilled Jobs
The average salary in Singapore for each work pass type increases at different rates. EP holders see the fastest salary growth, while Work Permit holders have limited earning potential.
Work Pass Type
Starting Salary (SGD/INR)
After 5 Years
After 10 Years
Employment Pass (EP)
7,000 (₹4.3L)
12,000 (₹7.4L)
18,000+ (₹11.2L)
S Pass
4,000 (₹2.4L)
6,500 (₹4L)
8,000 (₹4.9L)
Work Permit
2,000 (₹1.2L)
3,000 (₹1.8L)
4,000 (₹2.4L)
Key Takeaway:
EP holders double their salaries within 10 years, making it the best pass for long-term growth.
S Pass holders experience moderate growth, but need to upgrade to EP for major salary jumps.
Work Permit holders have minimal salary increases, often limited to inflation adjustments.
Salary Breakdown by Experience Level in Singapore
The average salary in Singapore grows significantly with experience, but the increase depends on the industry and job role. In high-demand fields like finance, IT, and engineering, salaries can double or even triple within a decade. Meanwhile, roles in education and retail see slower salary growth.
How fast do salaries grow? On average, professionals in Singapore see a 35-50% salary increase within their first 5-7 years (Ministry of Manpower, 2024). Which jobs see the biggest jumps? Senior IT specialists, investment bankers, and healthcare professionals experience the fastest salary growth.
Salary Growth by Experience Level (2025)
Experience Level
Years of Experience
Average Salary (SGD/INR)
Fastest Growing Roles
Entry-Level
0 – 3 years
3,500 – 6,500 (₹2.1L – ₹4L)
Software Engineer, Data Analyst, Junior Doctor
Mid-Level
4 – 7 years
7,000 – 12,000 (₹4.3L – ₹7.4L)
Investment Banker, IT Consultant, Project Manager
Senior-Level
8+ years
12,000 – 20,000+ (₹7.4L – ₹12.4L)
AI Engineer, Finance Director, Chief Medical Officer
Tech & finance professionals see the highest salary jumps—aim for these industries.
After 5 years, salaries double for AI engineers, bankers, and senior project managers.
Healthcare professionals hit the highest earnings after a decade of experience.
High-Paying Jobs in Singapore for Indians in 2025
Singapore offers some of the highest salaries in Asia, particularly in finance, technology, and healthcare. Professionals with specialized skills and international experience can earn SGD 15,000 – 25,000+ (₹9.3L – ₹15.5L) per month (Ministry of Manpower Singapore, 2024).
Which jobs pay the most? Finance, AI, and healthcare specialists top the list.
What skills increase salary potential? Advanced degrees, certifications, and experience in emerging technologies.
Which jobs will grow the most in the next decade? AI, cybersecurity, and medical research.
Top 10 Highest-Paying Jobs in Singapore (2025)
Job Role
Average Salary (SGD/INR)
Required Experience
Investment Banker
15,000 – 25,000 (₹9.3L – ₹15.5L)
CFA, MBA, 7+ years
AI Engineer
12,000 – 22,000 (₹7.4L – ₹13.7L)
Python, TensorFlow, 5+ years
Finance Director
18,000 – 30,000 (₹11.2L – ₹18.6L)
CPA, Risk Management, 10+ years
Chief Medical Officer
20,000 – 35,000 (₹12.4L – ₹21.7L)
MD, 12+ years
Cybersecurity Expert
10,000 – 18,000 (₹6.2L – ₹11.2L)
CISSP, Ethical Hacking, 6+ years
Cloud Architect
11,000 – 20,000 (₹6.8L – ₹12.4L)
AWS, Google Cloud, 5+ years
Data Scientist
10,000 – 18,000 (₹6.2L – ₹11.2L)
SQL, AI Analytics, 5+ years
Petroleum Engineer
12,000 – 22,000 (₹7.4L – ₹13.7L)
Oil & Gas, 7+ years
Corporate Lawyer
14,000 – 26,000 (₹8.6L – ₹16.1L)
LLM, Mergers & Acquisitions
Surgeon (Neurosurgery)
25,000 – 40,000 (₹15.5L – ₹24.8L)
MBBS, 15+ years
Note: Conversion rates may vary.
Skills That Lead to Higher Salaries
Technology and finance professionals in Singapore with in-demand skills earn up to 40% more than their peers without them (Glassdoor Singapore, 2024). AI specialists and cybersecurity experts have seen the highest salary growth, with some roles experiencing double-digit salary hikes every year.
Skill
High-Paying Industries
Salary Impact
Machine Learning (AI)
AI, Fintech, Data Science
15-20% higher pay
Cloud Computing
IT, Cybersecurity, E-commerce
10-15% salary boost
Financial Modeling
Investment Banking, Risk Analysis
12% higher salary
Data Analysis (SQL, Python)
AI, Finance, Market Research
10-15% salary jump
Cybersecurity (CISSP, CEH)
IT Security, Banking, Government
12-18% increase
Why These Skills Matter?
AI engineers with deep learning expertise earn 2X more than standard software developers.
Cloud architects in Singapore make SGD 20,000+ (₹12.4L) per month, reflecting the growing need for cloud-based infrastructure.
Cybersecurity salaries have increased by 18% in the last three years, due to rising data protection laws and cyber threats (Singapore Cyber Security Agency, 2024).
Fastest Growing High-Paying Jobs (Next Decade)
With Singapore investing SGD 25 billion in digital infrastructure, demand for AI, cloud, and cybersecurity professionals is set to surge. Jobs in these fields are expected to see double-digit salary growth for at least the next 10 years.
Job Role
Expected Salary Growth (2025-2035)
Future Demand
AI Engineer
15% per year
Extremely High
Cybersecurity Expert
12% per year
High
Cloud Architect
10% per year
High
Investment Banker
9% per year
Stable
Healthcare Specialist
8% per year
Very High
How Do Salaries in Singapore Compare to India and Other Countries?
Singapore has long been a top choice for Indian professionals, but how does it compare to India, UAE, Canada, and the UK in terms of salaries?
Salary Comparison: Singapore vs India vs UAE vs USA (2025)
Is Singapore Still a Top Choice for Indian Professionals?
Higher salaries than India and UAE – Professionals in tech, finance, and healthcare earn 3-4x more than in India.
Lower taxes than Canada, UK, and USA – Singapore’s personal income tax starts at 0% and caps at 22%, while the UK and Canada go up to 45% and 50% respectively.
Strong job market – Demand for AI, fintech, and cybersecurity professionals continues to grow, pushing salaries higher.
upGrad Abroad – Helping Indians Prepare for Jobs in Singapore
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We’ve helped 10,000+ professionals build successful careers, offering personalized career support. Our test prep resources—for IELTS, GMAT, GRE, and PTE—are designed to get you ready for opportunities in Singapore.
We also provide clear, step-by-step guidance on work visas and immigration, ensuring you understand the entire process.
Plus, with hybrid learning programs, you can start online and then transition smoothly to studying on campus in Singapore.
FAQs on Average Salary in Singapore for Indians in 2025
What is the highest-paying job for Indians in Singapore?
Investment banking, AI engineering, and healthcare specialists are among the highest-paying jobs. Senior professionals in these fields can earn SGD 15,000 – 35,000 per month, with some exceeding SGD 40,000 in leadership roles.
How much do fresh graduates from India earn in Singapore?
Entry-level salaries for Indian graduates range from SGD 3,500 – 6,500 per month, depending on the industry. IT, finance, and engineering roles offer the best starting salaries, while hospitality and retail pay less.
Which work visa is required for high-paying jobs in Singapore?
The Employment Pass (EP) is required for high-paying jobs, with a minimum salary of SGD 5,000 per month. The S Pass, which has a lower salary requirement, is issued for mid-level skilled professionals.
Do IT jobs in Singapore pay more than in India?
Yes, IT professionals in Singapore earn three to four times more than in India. A software developer in Singapore can make SGD 7,000 – 15,000 per month, whereas salaries for the same role in India range from ₹1.2L – ₹3L per month.
How much can Indian doctors and engineers earn in Singapore?
Specialist doctors earn between SGD 20,000 – 35,000 per month, while engineers typically make SGD 6,000 – 12,000 per month. Salaries vary based on experience, specialization, and whether they work in the private or public sector.
Is it cheaper to live in Singapore compared to Dubai?
Singapore has higher rental and grocery costs than Dubai, but public transport and healthcare are more affordable. Dubai offers tax-free salaries, while Singapore has progressive income tax rates ranging from 0-22%.
Which industries in Singapore hire the most Indian professionals?
IT, finance, healthcare, and engineering are the top industries hiring Indian professionals. Fintech, AI, and biotech research are growing fields that actively recruit international talent.
What are the tax implications for Indian expats in Singapore?
Singapore has a tiered tax system, with income tax starting at 0% for earnings under SGD 20,000 and capping at 22% for salaries above SGD 320,000. There is no capital gains tax or estate tax, making it attractive for high earners.
Are salaries in Singapore expected to rise in 2026?
Yes, salaries in tech, finance, and healthcare are expected to increase due to talent shortages and industry growth. AI, cybersecurity, and digital banking roles saw double-digit salary growth in 2024, a trend likely to continue.
What are the best ways to negotiate a higher salary in Singapore?
Professionals should research industry benchmarks, highlight high-demand skills, and negotiate benefits like housing allowances and bonuses in addition to salary. Certifications in finance (CFA, CPA) and tech (AWS, cybersecurity) strengthen salary negotiations.
How does work experience affect salary growth in Singapore?
Mid-level professionals (4-7 years experience) typically earn 70-100% more than fresh graduates. Senior professionals with 8+ years of experience can double or triple their initial salaries, especially in tech, finance, and consulting.
Is Singapore a good place for Indian entrepreneurs?
Singapore is among the top-ranked countries for ease of doing business, with low corporate tax (17%) and access to global venture capital. Sectors like fintech, e-commerce, and AI startups are thriving, making it a strong option for entrepreneurs.
Do Indian expats get health insurance with their jobs?
Most companies provide basic health insurance for full-time employees, but coverage varies. Some firms offer private insurance as a benefit, especially for professionals on Employment Passes.
Can an Indian professional get permanent residency in Singapore?
Employment Pass holders can apply for Permanent Residency (PR) after 2-3 years. PR approval depends on salary, industry, and contribution to the economy, with better chances for professionals in finance, tech, and healthcare.
Are housing allowances included in salary packages for Indian expats?
Some multinational companies and senior-level positions offer housing allowances, but this is not standard. Most expats pay rent out of their salary, making accommodation one of the biggest expenses in Singapore.
Anas is a graduate in Economics and a post graduate in Mass Communication. He is a curious soul and loves to travel. Anas has a keen interest in movies and literature. He wants to be a globe-trotter, discovering various aspects of life.
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