2025 Singapore Labour Market & Outlook

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We see the pressures that Singaporean businesses are facing. Navigating economic uncertainty, adapting to new technologies and managing talent in a competitive market create a complex environment for leaders. These hurdles can make it challenging to plan with confidence. But while uncertainty can be daunting, it also presents opportunities for innovation and adaptation.

And for jobseekers, we know many have found themselves in a state of uncertainty. Even when securing interviews, determining fair compensation and cultural fit remains challenging. We understand the need for clarity and want to help you understand your worth and how to secure a job that suits your skills, experience and professional needs.

Our Salary Guide aims to provide you with a thorough hiring outlook for Singapore’s employment market in 2025. This section goes beyond just salary data, providing up-to-date market trends based on insights from 300 Singaporean office workers and our tenured recruiters. We will guide you through the factors influencing current market trends including hiring intentions, how AI is being embraced and the ways in which pay rises are awarded this year. Armed with this knowledge, you'll gain a competitive edge, whether you're a candidate looking to position yourself for success or an employer seeking to attract and retain top talent.

As companies in Singapore remain cost-conscious and hesitant to hand out pay rises, many workers plan to approach their employer for a raise this year. Off the back of salary rises during the pandemic, pay bumps are now reserved for those who exceed expectations in their role or to secure highly sought-after talent. Employers need to balance salary budgets with employee expectations as 27% say they will look for a new job if they do not receive one in 2025. Leaning on flexibility and employee wellbeing benefits can be a strategic trade off if pay increases aren't viable.

of Singapore workers say they plan to ask for a raise in 2025 of Singapore workers say they plan to ask for a raise in 2025

Job security top of mind following period of unrest

The wave of business restructuring that swept through companies has put workers on high alert, with 82% of Singaporean workers worried about redundancies happening at their company in 2025. For jobseekers, it's crucial to stay informed about industry trends, develop in-demand skills, and network to showcase adaptability and value. Many workers are already taking steps to prepare for potential redundancies with 59% pursuing training or certifications to improve their marketability and 38% passively looking for a new job.

To support employees through periods of change, business leaders need to prioritise transparent communication, and offer alternatives and solutions, such as reskilling opportunities and career guidance to help alleviate possible anxiety and retain valuable talent.

Artificial intelligence is rapidly infiltrating Singaporean organisations. Employees are utilising generative AI tools to streamline repetitive tasks and employers are actively encouraging the ethical use of it to boost efficiency and productivity. While the full impact on talent pipelines is still unfolding, forward-thinking companies in Singapore are embracing both the implementation of AI and the employees who champion its responsible use to drive innovation and optimise workflows.

of employees say learning and enhancing AI skills related to their role is necessary for future career success of employees say learning and enhancing AI skills related to their role is necessary for future career success

Growing enthusiasm for the potential of automation

Singaporean workers are confident that soft skills such as empathy, strategic thinking and relationship building will grow in importance as automation advances. In fact, 77% of workers think automation will have a positive impact on their current job and career prospects. At the same time, 71% would participate in training to reskill with their current employer if their job becomes (partially) automated.

To thrive in the digital age, teams need individuals who embrace continuous learning and are comfortable navigating the evolving tech landscape. Hiring managers should seek out those with a passion for technology, and the ability to leverage it for innovation and efficiency.

Productivity has remained a key focus for Singaporean companies as they navigate economic uncertainty and strive to remain competitive. With work environments changing over the last 12 months and staff spending more time working from the office, 66% of workers still say working hybrid has the biggest positive impact on their productivity levels. Empowering workforces with flexibility in relation to work hours or work environment can yield positive results for productivity and retention.

of workers say working from the office full-time has had a positive impact on their productivity of workers say working from the office full-time has had a positive impact on their productivity

of workers say working outside traditional work hours has done the same of workers say working outside traditional work hours has done the same

Internal lateral
move to
enhance skills Accept a job
if approached
by another firm Accept a
counteroffer Accept a temp
role if no perm
is available Accept a
promotion
w/o more pay Return to
a former
employer Quit job
without new
one Internal lateral
move to
enhance skills Accept a job
if approached
by another firm Accept a
counteroffer Accept a temp
role if no perm
is available Accept a
promotion
w/o more pay Return to
a former
employer Quit job
without new
one

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The non-salary data presented in this Salary Guide is derived from an online survey conducted by an independent research firm commissioned by Robert Half in November 2024. The survey gathered responses from 300 finance, accounting, financial services, human resources and IT and technology professionals employed by a diverse range of organisations in Singapore, including SMEs and large companies.