AON: SG fresh graduate entry-level salaries rise 2.5% as number of entry-level jobs falls 3.2%

Singapore's fresh graduates are entering a job market where salaries are rising, but hiring for entry-level positions is becoming more challenging. According to Aon's 2026 Salary Increase and Turnover Study, entry-level pay increased by 2.5% year-on-year, while the number of entry-level jobs fell by 3.2% between 2025 and 2026. Aon surveyed over 1,200 organizations across Southeast Asia for these findings.

In Singapore, 88.9% of job-seeking fresh graduates secured employment within six months in 2025, down from 91.2% in 2024, according to the Joint Graduate Employment Survey. This indicates that landing a first job is becoming increasingly difficult, despite the rise in graduate pay.

The demand for data and AI roles in Southeast Asia is the highest, with 64% of firms listing them among their top five job categories. Other high-demand sectors include front-office roles (56%) and cybersecurity (44%). Furthermore, 59% of organizations are automating tasks previously performed manually, while 42% are investing in upskilling or reskilling workers affected by these changes.

Rahul Chawla, Partner and Head of Talent Solutions at Aon, emphasizes that companies must focus on building their future talent pipeline. Graduate roles should emphasize problem-solving, judgment, soft skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively with AI. While overall salary budgets remain steady, with Singapore's increase set at 4.1% for 2026 and 2027, industries like retail and hospitality, and life sciences and medical devices are expected to see the largest growth.