Singapore: jobs and pay

What is the unemployment rate in Singapore?

Singapore's overall unemployment rate was 1.9% in June 2026, seasonally adjusted, according to the Department of Statistics (SingStat), using Ministry of Manpower data. The rate for residents (citizens and permanent residents) was 2.9%, and for citizens 3.0%.

The overall rate includes non-residents working in Singapore, and it is lower than the resident rate. Seasonally adjusted figures remove regular patterns in the year. The Ministry of Manpower publishes the figures quarterly.

Official sources: SingStat: unemployment rate, quarterly, seasonally adjusted

What is the average salary in Singapore?

The median gross monthly income from work of full-time employed residents in Singapore was S$5,775 in June 2025, according to the Ministry of Manpower. It was S$5,500 a year earlier. Between 2020 and 2025 the median rose 27.4% in nominal terms and 8.3% in real terms.

The median is the income in the middle when workers are ranked by income, so it is less affected by very high earners than an average. The figure includes employer contributions to the Central Provident Fund (CPF), the national savings scheme. It covers residents only.

Official sources: MOM: income summary table

How fast are wages rising in Singapore?

Total wages in Singapore, including employer CPF contributions, rose 4.9% in nominal terms in 2025, or 4.0% in real terms, according to the Ministry of Manpower. Basic wages rose 4.2%. Employers paid bonuses averaging 1.80 months of basic wage.

Real wage growth takes inflation into account, so it shows the change in what pay can buy. Nominal total wage growth was 5.6% in 2024 and 5.2% in 2023, according to the same table.

Official sources: MOM: income summary table

What is the average monthly salary in Singapore?

The latest figure from the ILO, for 2021, is $3,483 a month. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2012. East Asia & Pacific median: $527 a month; Singapore is 3rd highest of 14. World rank, highest first: 19th of 90.

How high is unemployment in Singapore?

The latest figure from the ILO, for 2025, is 2.8%. The peak was 5.9% in 2009 and the low 2.7% in 2024. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 2.9%, and Singapore placed 13th highest of 24. Worldwide: 144th of 174.

What is youth unemployment in Singapore?

According to the ILO, unemployment among 15 to 24 year olds in Singapore was 6.8% in 2025. Its high point since 2005 was 2009, at 12.5%; its low point was 2024, at 6.3%. It is 14th highest of 24 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is 7.5%. Of 174 countries with 2025 data, 135th highest.

How many people in Singapore are working or looking for work?

The ILO puts the labour force participation rate in Singapore at 69.7% in 2025. Since 2005 it has ranged from 65.2% (2005) to 70.7% (2021). Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 65.3%, and Singapore placed 6th highest of 24. World rank, highest first: 29th of 174.

How many women in Singapore are working or looking for work?

63.6%: that is the labour force participation rate for women in Singapore for 2025, according to the ILO. The peak was 64.4% in 2021 and the low 53.6% in 2007. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 56.3%, and Singapore placed 6th highest of 24. World rank, highest first: 26th of 174.

What share of adults in Singapore have a job?

In 2025, the employment to population ratio in Singapore was 67.7%, according to the ILO. That is the highest since at least 2005. It is 5th highest of 24 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is 63.1%. World rank, highest first: 24th of 174.

How common is self-employment in Singapore?

The ILO puts the share of workers who are own-account or contributing family workers in Singapore at 9.3% in 2025. Since 2005 it has ranged from 8.3% (2015) to 10.3% (2007). It is 21st highest of 24 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is 40.0%. Of 174 countries with 2025 data, 146th highest.

What share of jobs in Singapore are salaried?

The latest figure from the ILO, for 2025, is 87.3%. Its high point since 2005 was 2023, at 87.8%; its low point was 2007, at 84.6%. It is 3rd highest of 24 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is 56.8%. World rank, highest first: 26th of 174.