‘Guess I have reached my ceiling’: Yet another Singaporean struggles with stagnant pay despite having 5 years work experience
He said he has never earned over S$3,200 and his attempts to apply for jobs that pay S$4,000 or more were unsuccessful.
A Singaporean diploma holder, currently enrolled in a part-time degree program at Singapore University of Social Sciences, expressed online his frustration with stagnant pay despite five years of experience. He noted that his salary remains at S$3,200, and his efforts to secure higher-paying jobs, such as those offering S$4,000 or more, have been unsuccessful. On the r/askSingapore forum, he questioned how non-degree holders managed to increase their salaries beyond S$4,000.
In response, fellow commenters encouraged him not to lose hope and to persist in seeking better opportunities. Some shared their own experiences, such as one individual who secured a position at a multinational corporation (MNC) earning around S$3,500 after applying to 100 jobs. Others suggested focusing on upskilling, including taking online courses and obtaining certificates, even if they aren't industry-recognized.
These steps could demonstrate a willingness to learn and a commitment to continuous improvement, which might impress potential employers.
Soft skills were highlighted as a crucial factor in career advancement. One commenter, now earning S$6,000, emphasized that soft skills are more important than qualifications, as they demonstrate a person's ability to work well with others and adapt to new situations. Another individual, who had progressed from S$2,400 to S$5,000, advised working diligently, staying open to new opportunities, and cultivating sharp thinking and leadership skills.
He believed that his company recognized his value after demonstrating leadership by guiding colleagues and addressing critical workplace problems. His salary was subsequently increased.
Singapore's wage growth has been slowing compared to the previous year. In May, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) reported that workers who remained with the same employer for a year saw their nominal wages increase by 4.9% in 2025, a slight decline from 5.6% in 2024. However, inflation has eased, leading to a real wage growth of 4.0%, up from 3.2% the prior year.
MOM predicts that wage growth will remain positive but more moderate this year, as firms remain cautious about wage increases due to inflation risks and geopolitical uncertainties.
Written by urgent.news from The Independent Singapore's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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