17 Highest Paying Jobs in Singapore That Have the Best Pay

Let’s face it. Money is important. It’s an essential commodity that we all need in order to survive. This is especially true in Singapore. Because according to the Economist Intelligence Unit, we are ranked the most expensive city to live in. Thus, there is absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to know what are the highest paying jobs in Singapore! I mean, we all need to get that bread, literally and figuratively.

From fresh graduates to mid-life career switchers, this guide is for you. Why? This is because we are living in dynamic times. Hence, it is always helpful to keep up with industry standards. In particular, knowing what are the highest paying jobs in Singapore can help you plan your career. This is because you can manage your expectations accordingly.

Thus, read on to find out what are the highest paying jobs in Singapore! We have compiled this list based on data from websites such as Payscale, Glassdoor, Salary Expert and other resources. As this list cuts across various industries and sectors, we believe there will be something that interests you. However, do note that the salaries stipulated reflect the current industry average. This means that they may differ according to the specifics of the job and changing times. 

1. Chief Executive Officer / Managing Director

The CEO is the highest-ranking executive in the company. Thus, it is not surprising that being a CEO is one of the highest paying jobs in Singapore. 

Most CEOs in Singapore graduate with at least a Master’s in Business Administration. Hence, if this is your ambition, you know what to do! 

Salary: $10,000 to $15,000 a month

What they do:

• Make important corporate decisions
• Manage the corporation’s resources and operations

2. Chief Financial Officer

Everyone knows that one of the highest paying jobs in Singapore is when you deal with money itself. Unsurprisingly, either a degree in banking and finance or accountancy is crucial. Furthermore, you also need relevant experience. With 15 to 20 years of experience, a CFO can draw a monthly salary between $20,000 to $25,000.

Salary: $20,000 to $25,000 a month

What they do:

• Manage the financial decisions of a company
• Analyse the company’s financial strengths and weaknesses
• Managing accounting and finance divisions

3. Chief Technology Officer

In today’s world, we are surrounded by technology. In fact, we live in an era of accelerated technological progress that can result in an abrupt change in society. Thus, due to its wide ramifications, the tech industry is now flourishing. It is no wonder working in the tech industry is one of the highest paying jobs in Singapore. 

Hence, if you are good with computers and software, this could be the job for you!

Salary: $12,000 a month

What they do:

• Lead the technology department
• Create technologies that help to grow the business

4. Doctors

It is well-known that the medical profession occupies a unique societal position in Singapore. It is a profession of great privilege and commensurate responsibility. Why you may ask? Oftentimes, the answer is because they serve a noble and higher calling. Simply put, because they save people’s lives.

Apart from that, they also make a lot of money. How much exactly, is the question. Ultimately, the pay of a doctor depends on the job. 

Dentists

Salary: $15,000 a month

What they do:

• Examine, diagnose and treat diseases and other conditions that affect the teeth and gum

Paediatricians 

Salary: $15,300 a month

What they do:

• Diagnose and treat children with diseases or injuries

Specialists (experts in certain fields of medicine) 

Salary: $23,000 a month

What they do:

• Treat specific parts of the body

Surgeons  

Salary: $25,000 a month

What they do:

• Treat diseases and injuries through surgery

Anaesthesiologists 

Salary: $23,000 a month

What they do:

• Administer anaesthetics to patients

Plastic surgeons

Salary: $30,000 a month

What they do:

• Restore, reconstruct or alter the human body and face

5. Head of Compliance

The head of compliance maintains an organisation’s legal integrity. Very simply, they ensure compliance! This means that they ensure that company policies and other laws/regulations are followed by everyone in the organisation.

Salary: $12,000 to $18,000 a month

What they do:

• ensure compliance with laws and regulations
• ensure observation of company policies and other codes of procedure

6. Head of Sales

Sales are not cut out for everybody. However, if you can do it well, you’re in for the win. As the head of sales, you will be in charge of developing sales targets. Further, you will examine and capitalise on growth opportunities. In summary, your responsibility is to bring the organisation to greater heights.

Salary: $15,000 to $20,000 a month

What they do:

• Set sales targets
• Enable sales improvements
• Enhance the organisation’s position with consumers and in the market

7. Insurance Agent

An insurance agent works for insurance companies that sell insurance policies. In addition, insurance agents assist their clients in settling any claims or any other queries relating to said policies.

Insurance agents (a successful one) are one of the highest paying jobs in Singapore because of the commissions that they receive. How do you get commissions? From closing deals! This is why, when you do sales, the sky’s the limit!

Salary: $8,000 to $12,000 a month

What they do:

• Sell insurance policies
• Handle policy renewals
• Settle insurance claims

8. Investment Banker

An investment banker is an individual who works in a financial institution. In general, an investment banker working in a multinational corporation would earn a higher wage than one who, say, works in a local bank.

Salary: $15,000 a month

What they do:

• Raise capital for financial institutions
• Provide financial advisory services

9. Judge

In civil cases, a judge hears and determines disputes between litigants. Alternatively, in criminal matters, a judge examines the evidence and determines the liability of accused persons. In addition, they determine the appropriate sentences to be meted out (if any).

While qualifications matter (a lot!), many have also said that one of the most important attributes of a judge is impartiality! If you think you are a good fit, then why not consider this demanding yet noble profession?

Salary: $15,000 to $30,000 a month

What they do:

• Preside over court proceedings
• Hear evidence
• Make rulings
• Read court documents
• Research on legal issues

10. Lawyers

Depending on the years of experience, a lawyer can draw between $5,000 and $20,000 a month. In particular, corporate legal professionals often earn a higher wage compared to their counterparts who specialise in community law.

Furthermore, in-house counsels in multinational corporations earn more than a typical associate at a law firm. What’s more, they generally have better work-life balance too!

However, it’s not all glitz and glamour. Firstly, to qualify for practice, you must first obtain a degree in law. Secondly, you will have to pass the Singapore Bar Exams. Finally, you will have to complete a Training Contract over a period of 1 year.

Salary: $5,000 to $20,000 a month

What they do:

• Represent clients in civil hearings or criminal trials
• Advise clients on legal rights and obligations

11. Regional Human Resources Director

Working in human resources means that you must have an affinity with… humans. Further, knowledge of labour laws and other regulations is a big plus.

Your responsibilities include talent recruitment and development. In addition, you are in charge of employee compensation/benefits and other related operations.

Salary: $10,000 to $18,000 a month

What they do:

• Design and implement strategies related to employee management and budget

12. Real Estate Agent

A property agent is the middlemen in the purchase, rent or sale of properties. What makes this one of the highest paying jobs in Singapore are the commissions you get! 

In this line of work, being persuasive and charismatic is a plus! Thus, if you are a people person, this could be a potential career for you!

Salary: $10,000 to $15,000 a month

What they do:

• Provide advice to clients about market conditions
• Facilitate walk-throughs
• Provide assistance in the purchase, rent or sale of properties

13. Regional Marketing Director

This may come as a surprise to some but the marketing industry can be pretty lucrative in Singapore. More specifically, in today’s digital age, expertise in digital marketing is a bonus!

Salary: $13,000 to $18,000 a month

What they do:

• Develop and create marketing ideas for services and products in the region

14. Senior Architect

In general, architects work in the construction industry. They design buildings and the corresponding spaces in and around them. Occasionally, they also restore old buildings and think of innovative ways to utilise them.

A creative eye is definitely an asset in this field. Hence, if you have an interest in architecture and design, be sure to check this job out!

Salary: $6,000 to $10,000 a month

What they do:

• Prepare and present design proposals
• Provide advice
• Coordinate the work of contractors
• Make site visits

15. Senior Consultant

Depending on who consults you, a senior consultant’s wage can go up pretty high. Many individuals and organisations hire senior consultants to get professional advice.

The advice and recommendations provided can differ across industries and specialisations. Thus, if you are an expert in a particular field, this job could be suitable for you!

Salary: $8,000 to $15,000 a month

What they do:

• Give advice on how to resolve problems
• Create value
• Improve business efficiency
• Increase profits

16. Shipbroker

Generally, shipbrokers are middlemen who ensure the smooth transport of seaborne goods. Sometimes, they also arrange for the purchase and sale of ships on behalf of their clients.

An interesting note is that shipbroking typically does not require formal qualifications. Instead, experience on the job and strong communication skills are key!

Salary: $12,000 a month

What they do:

• Arrange ocean transport of goods and commodities by sea
• Facilitate the purchase/sale or employment of a vessel

17. University Lecturer

If you are into academia, you would be happy to know that being a university lecturer can be one of the highest paying jobs in Singapore. In fact, university professors who are on tenure earn an average monthly income of $13,000.

Furthermore, not many jobs are as fulfilling as one in education. Therefore, if you enjoy teaching, this is one career option you can explore!

Salary: $10,000 to $15,000 a month

What they do:

• Teach university students
• Conduct scholarly research
• Publish articles and books

Conclusion

In summary, knowing the brief job descriptions and market rates out there can aid you in academic and career planning.

Firstly, it is important to know the qualifications needed for each job. Some require formal qualifications while for others, the experience is more important. Hence, it is always helpful to know what you need to get to where you want to be.

Secondly, general knowledge of the highest paying jobs in Singapore will come in handy. This is because it provides a clearer understanding of what might be suitable for or interesting to you. What is your bottom-line, and what are your passions? Well, that’s for you to figure out!

Last but not least, salary is an equally important aspect of anyone’s job. For most people, remuneration is the reason we work. Hence, knowing the average salaries across various jobs and sectors helps you to manage expectations. And in addition, lets you know what you are worth!

Thus, this simple guide is useful in various scenarios. For instance, maybe you want to know if you are reasonably paid. Another example would be if you want to switch careers, this list is for you!

Also, check out our career tips in Singapore to help you succeed faster in your professional career! Here’s an article for those of you looking for high-paying part-time jobs instead.

If you like what you read, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram to get the latest updates.