In this article, we discuss the average annual income in Singapore, the occupations where you can quickly increase your salary by relocating or changing jobs, and tips for raising your income in Singapore while considering factors like tax, employee benefits, and the economy.
If you’re interested in changing jobs to Singapore, consider using the recruitment agency Good Job Creations.
Average Annual Income in Singapore
Average Salary by Gender
Men’s average salary: 108,520 SGD
Women’s average salary: 83,560 SGD
Occupations with High Salaries
Management & Business: 137,413 SGD
Insurance: 123,984 SGD
Lawyers: 120,457 SGD
Most Common Salary
50,190 SGD
Reference: AVERAGE SALARY SURVEY “Singapore | Average Salary Survey 2024“
Three Occupations Where Japanese Can Easily Increase Their Annual Income in Singapore
The above survey results show that positions like executives and lawyers have the highest annual incomes in Singapore. However, obtaining professional qualifications or succeeding as a businessperson might be challenging for Japanese individuals suddenly attempting to break into the Singaporean market.
We will introduce three occupations where Japanese people can leverage their unique skills and characteristics to more easily aim for a high annual income in Singapore.
Hairdresser
Occupation No. 1 for Increasing Your Salary When Changing Jobs to Singapore: Hairdresser
The average annual salary in Singapore for Japanese hairdressers tends to be significantly higher compared to Japan. According to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare’s “Annual Income Lab,” the average monthly salary for hairdressers in Japan is approximately 251,230 yen, with an average annual income of about 3.797 million yen.
While this is lower than the average annual income across all professions in Japan (4.58 million yen), the salary range for hairdressers varies widely from 3.37 million to 10.68 million yen, allowing those with skills and experience to earn significantly more, even in Japan.
In Singapore, however, many hairdressers with over 10 years of experience earn more than 500,000 yen per month. My impression, based on what I’ve observed, is that there are many such professionals. A search on the internet also reveals several news articles reporting that the annual income of hairdressers who moved to Singapore has doubled.
One reason for this is the large number of Japanese clients in Singapore who specifically request Japanese hairdressers. It’s difficult to convey subtle nuances and specific hairstyle requests in a language other than your own, especially in English, which can make it a challenge. Because of this, many Japanese residents in Singapore seek out the few Japanese hairdressers available, often visiting Japanese-run salons.
Additionally, Japanese hairdressers are popular among locals in Singapore as well. Japanese fashion and beauty styles are attractive to Singaporeans, leading many to specifically request Japanese hairdressers.
(There’s also an opinion that Japanese hairdressers, who have honed their skills in Japan’s highly competitive beauty industry, generally possess higher technical skills compared to Singaporean hairdressers.)
For these reasons, Japanese hairdressers are in high demand in Singapore, leading to higher salary levels compared to those in Japan.
Reference: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare “Hairdresser – Job Details | jobtag
Preschool Teacher / Childcare Worker
Occupation No. 2 for Increasing Your Salary When Changing Jobs to Singapore: Preschool Teacher / Childcare Worker
Similar to hairdressers, Japanese preschool teachers and childcare workers also tend to have higher salary levels in Singapore compared to Japan.
According to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare’s “Annual Income Lab,” the average monthly salary for childcare workers in Japan is approximately 222,000 yen, and for preschool teachers, it is about 214,000 yen. The average annual income is about 3.969 million yen for childcare workers and 4.07 million yen for preschool teachers.
In contrast, in Singapore, it is not uncommon for even young childcare workers and preschool teachers in their early 20s to earn over 300,000 yen per month, depending on the nursery or kindergarten.
Recently, the number of Japanese families relocating to Singapore has been increasing, leading to a surge in demand for nurseries and kindergartens with Japanese staff. Many parents prefer to have their children cared for by fellow Japanese, even while living abroad.
Reference: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare “Childcare Worker – Job Details | jobtag,” “Preschool Teacher – Job Details | jobtag”
Sushi Chef
Occupation No. 3 for Increasing Your Salary When Changing Jobs to Singapore: Sushi Chef
Sushi chefs are one of the most sought-after professions overseas. This is especially true in Southeast Asia, where many countries have high-end sushi restaurants that have been established through affiliations with famous Japanese eateries, and Singapore is no exception.
The prices at these restaurants, such as a dinner omakase menu costing over 50,000 yen per person, tend to be significantly higher compared to Japan.
Despite the high costs, these restaurants often become fully booked in the evenings for business dinners or dates. Veteran sushi chefs who have endured rigorous training in renowned Japanese establishments are highly sought after throughout Asia.
Common Factor: Rarity Value
As you might have noticed, the common factor among these three occupations is their “high rarity value in Singapore.” Each of these professions has a relatively high supply of workers in Japan, making the demand somewhat more prominent in these fields.
In contrast, in Singapore, despite high demand from both Japanese residents and locals, the number of Japanese professionals working as hairdressers, childcare workers, or sushi chefs is relatively low. This leads to a phenomenon where wage levels rise significantly.
For those currently working in these three professions in Japan, considering a move abroad could greatly enhance both your salary and market value.
What About Other Professions?
For those in other fields, it is important to find a profession in Singapore where you can leverage your “rarity value” or to focus on increasing your value through mid- to long-term skill development and career planning.
For example, while there are many Japanese in Singapore who are proficient in English, there are still relatively few who are skilled in languages from neighboring countries such as Thai, Vietnamese, or Burmese. Those who acquire these languages could be highly valued by companies with regional headquarters in Singapore.
Additionally, with the increasing number of Japanese expatriates in Singapore each year, the demand for Japanese house sitters, pet sitters, and groomers is expected to rise. While there are many local house sitters and groomers in Singapore, the number of Japanese professionals in these roles is still relatively small, offering the potential for high income.
How to Ask for a Raise Successfully
1. Research Your Worth
Before you walk into a salary negotiation, you need solid data to back up your request. Use salary comparison websites, industry reports, and networking insights to determine the average pay for your role and experience level in Singapore.
2. Time It Right
The best times to ask for a raise include:
- After a successful project or achievement where you added significant value.
- During annual performance reviews, when salary adjustments are typically discussed.
- When the company is performing well financially, making it easier to justify an increase.
3. Be Ready for Counteroffers
Your employer might not immediately agree to your request. Be prepared to negotiate beyond base salary, such as:
- Performance-based bonuses
- Flexible working arrangements
- Additional benefits like professional development courses
Take Control of Your Earning
Understanding Singapore’s average annual income isn’t just about numbers—it’s about pushing yourself to make informed career and financial decisions. Whether you’re evaluating your salary, planning your next career move, or negotiating a raise, having the right knowledge puts you in control.
By researching industry salary benchmarks, improving your negotiation skills, and strategically planning for future income growth, you can maximize your earning potential and build long-term financial security.
