What is the average salary in Singapore by age?

Based on MOM Labour Force Survey data, median gross monthly wages (excluding employer CPF) peak in the 40–44 age bracket at approximately S$6,200/month. Workers in their late 20s (25–29) earn around S$3,500/month, rising steadily to the peak in their 40s before declining as older workers shift to part-time roles or lower-paying positions after 55.

At what age do Singaporeans earn the most?

Singaporeans typically earn the most in their early to mid-40s (ages 40–44), when median gross monthly wages peak at approximately S$5,900–$6,200/month (excluding employer CPF). This is when most professionals are at their highest career level before senior management roles become scarcer. Income then gradually declines after 50 as workers shift roles or retire.

How does National Service affect income in Singapore?

Male Singaporean citizens and PRs are required to serve National Service (NS) for approximately 2 years, typically from age 18–20. This delays the start of their careers and university education by 2 years compared to female peers. As a result, male income in the 20–24 age group often appears lower than female income when comparing like-for-like career stages, though males ultimately earn more on average later in their careers due to occupational differences.

What is the gender pay gap in Singapore?

The gender pay gap in Singapore has narrowed significantly in recent years. MOM data shows the adjusted gender pay gap (controlling for occupation, industry, and working hours) is approximately 6% — women earn about 94 cents for every dollar earned by men in comparable roles. The unadjusted median monthly wage gap is larger: approximately S$5,200/month for men vs S$4,400/month for women, reflecting occupational and industry differences rather than direct pay discrimination.

Average Income by Age in Singapore 2026 — MOM Salary Data

The median gross monthly wage in Singapore is S$4,936/month (excluding employer CPF) for full-time employed residents. But income varies significantly by age — peaking in the early 40s and declining as workers approach retirement. Understanding where your salary sits for your age helps you assess whether you are on track.

Singapore Median Salary by Age Group (2025)

Age Group	Median Monthly Wage	Employer CPF (17%)	Total Package
20–24	S$2,400	S$408	S$2,808
25–29	S$3,500	S$595	S$4,095
30–34	S$4,800	S$816	S$5,616
35–39	S$5,600	S$952	S$6,552
40–44	S$6,200	S$1,054	S$7,254
45–49	S$5,900	S$738	S$6,638
50–54	S$5,200	S$572	S$5,772
55–59	S$4,500	S$405	S$4,905
60–64	S$3,500	S$245	S$3,745
65+	S$2,500	S$125	S$2,625

Source: MOM Labour Force Survey 2024. Figures are estimates for full-time employed Singapore residents (citizens and PRs). Employer CPF rates reduce at 55 (13%), 60 (9%), 65 (7%), 70+ (5%).

Note for males: Due to National Service (2-year obligation typically from age 18–20), male career starts are delayed by approximately 2 years relative to female peers. Compare your income to others with similar years of experience rather than chronological age alone.

Income Trajectory in Singapore

Early Career (20–29): Building Foundation

The typical graduate enters the workforce at 22–24 (or 24–26 for males after NS) with a starting salary between S$2,800 and S$3,800/month depending on field. Engineering, finance, technology, and law command higher starting salaries; arts and social sciences start lower.

In your 20s, the priority is skill accumulation over immediate salary maximisation. CPF is building automatically — at S$3,500/month, your CPF OA receives approximately S$840/month combined (employee + employer), building a foundation for a future HDB purchase.

Peak Earning Years (30–49): Compounding Growth

The most significant income growth happens between 30 and 45 for most Singapore professionals. Median wages nearly double from around S$2,400 (age 22) to S$6,200 (age 42) — reflecting accumulated experience, senior positions, and the premium the Singapore labour market places on mid-career talent.

If your income is significantly below the median for your age group, consider whether a sector change, further qualifications (postgraduate, professional certification), or a different employer type (MNC vs government vs SME) would improve your trajectory.

Late Career (50+): Plateauing and Transition

Median incomes begin declining after 50 as:

Senior roles become fewer relative to the workforce
Some workers voluntarily downshift to less demanding positions
Employers sometimes redeploy older workers into part-time arrangements
Retirement (partial or full) begins before the official CPF access age of 55

The government’s Senior Employment Credit (SEC) and CPF transition rate reductions are designed to encourage continued employment of workers over 55.

How CPF Changes Your Take-Home by Age

CPF contribution rates change significantly as you age — which affects both take-home pay and retirement savings accumulation:

Age	Employee CPF	Employer CPF	Total CPF	Take-home (% of gross)
Under 55	20%	17%	37%	80%
55–60	15%	13%	28%	85%
60–65	11.5%	9%	20.5%	88.5%
65–70	9%	7%	16%	91%
70+	7.5%	5%	12.5%	92.5%

Applies to wages up to the CPF ordinary wage ceiling (S$8,000/month from 2026).

As you pass 55, your take-home pay actually rises as a share of gross salary — even if gross salary declines — because CPF contributions decrease.

Gender Pay by Age in Singapore

MOM data shows the gender income gap narrows when controlling for occupation and hours, but the unadjusted gap reflects occupational sorting:

Age Group	Male Median	Female Median	Unadjusted Gap
25–29	S$3,600	S$3,400	5.6%
30–34	S$5,200	S$4,400	15.4%
35–39	S$6,100	S$5,000	18.0%
40–44	S$6,800	S$5,400	20.6%
45–49	S$6,200	S$5,000	19.4%

The gap widens in the 30s and 40s — partly reflecting career breaks for caregiving and partly occupational differences. The adjusted gap (like-for-like roles) is approximately 6%.

Written by WealthVieu

WealthVieu researches and writes data-driven personal finance guides using primary sources including the IRS, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Federal Reserve, and Census Bureau.

The content on Wealthvieu is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax, or investment advice. Consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions. Full disclaimer · Editorial policy