Landing your first job in Singapore is exciting, but one of the biggest questions every fresh graduate faces is: how much should I expect to earn? Whether you have just completed your degree at NUS, NTU, SMU, SUTD, or one of the SIT or SUSS programmes, understanding starting salary ranges helps you set realistic expectations and negotiate with confidence.
This guide breaks down 2026 starting salaries by degree type, examines the key trends shaping graduate pay, and shares practical tips for getting the best possible offer.
Starting Salaries by Degree in 2026
Graduate employment surveys from Singapore's autonomous universities consistently show that degree choice has a significant impact on starting pay. Here are the median gross monthly salaries for fresh graduates in 2026:
| Degree | Median Starting Salary | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| Computing / Information Systems | S$6,500 | S$7,500 |
| Medicine | S$6,300 | S$7,200 |
| Law | S$6,000 | S$7,000 |
| Business / Accountancy | S$4,800 | S$5,500 |
| Engineering | S$4,500 | S$5,000 |
| Sciences | S$4,000 | S$4,800 |
| Arts & Social Sciences | S$3,800 | S$4,200 |
| Design / Built Environment | S$3,700 | S$4,300 |
These figures represent full-time permanent employment and include employer CPF contributions in the gross calculation. Polytechnic diploma holders typically start between S$2,500 and S$3,200, while ITE graduates begin at around S$2,000 to S$2,500.
The Tech Premium Keeps Widening
The most striking trend in Singapore's graduate job market is the growing gap between tech and non-tech salaries. Computing graduates now earn 70% more than Arts and Social Sciences graduates at the starting level, and this premium has widened steadily over the past five years.
Several factors drive this trend:
- Demand outpaces supply. Singapore's push to become a smart nation, combined with the expansion of AI, fintech, and cybersecurity roles, means companies are competing aggressively for tech talent.
- Global competition for tech workers. Singapore-based tech firms and MNCs must offer salaries competitive with regional hubs like Hong Kong and Sydney to attract and retain engineers.
- SkillsFuture and government initiatives. The government has invested heavily in upskilling through SkillsFuture programmes, but the demand for experienced software engineers and data scientists still exceeds the pipeline.
That said, non-tech graduates are not shut out of high-paying roles. Business graduates who enter management consulting, investment banking, or specialised finance roles can earn S$5,500 to S$7,000 as starting salaries. The key is targeting high-demand sub-sectors within your field.
Factors That Affect Your Starting Pay
Your degree alone does not determine your salary. Several other factors play a significant role:
Internship Experience
Graduates who completed relevant internships, especially with reputable companies, consistently report higher starting salaries. A six-month internship at a Big Four accounting firm, a tech company like Grab or Shopee, or a government agency like GIC can add S$300 to S$800 to your starting offer compared to peers with no internship experience.
University and Programme Reputation
While all six autonomous universities in Singapore produce employable graduates, certain programmes carry additional weight. NUS Computing, NTU's Renaissance Engineering Programme, and SMU's quantitative finance track are examples of programmes whose graduates tend to command a premium. Overseas degrees from globally ranked universities can also push offers higher, though the advantage has narrowed as local universities have climbed global rankings.
Academic Performance
GPA matters more in some fields than others. For law, consulting, and investment banking, graduating with honours (particularly First Class or Second Upper) is often a screening criterion. In tech and engineering, employers tend to weigh portfolio projects, GitHub contributions, and practical skills more heavily than grades alone.
Industry and Company Size
MNCs and large Singapore enterprises like DBS, Singtel, and CapitaLand generally pay more than SMEs for entry-level roles. Government-linked companies and the civil service offer competitive packages when you factor in benefits, job stability, and CPF contributions. Startups may offer lower base salaries but sometimes compensate with equity or faster career progression.
How to Negotiate Your First Salary
Many fresh graduates accept the first offer without negotiation. This is a missed opportunity. Here is how to approach it:
- Research market rates. Use data from university graduate employment surveys, the Singapore Salary Guide 2026, and resources like MOM's occupational wage data to understand what is fair for your role and industry.
- Consider total compensation. Look beyond base salary. Annual wage supplement (AWS, also known as the 13th month bonus), performance bonuses, medical benefits, transport allowances, and training budgets all add value. In Singapore, employers contribute 17% of your salary to CPF (for employees under 55), which is a significant addition to your total package.
- Use competing offers wisely. If you have multiple offers, it is reasonable to share this during negotiations. You do not need to name the other company, but you can mention that you have received a competitive offer at a higher salary range.
- Be professional and specific. Rather than saying "I want more money," try: "Based on the market data I have reviewed, the typical range for this role is S$4,800 to S$5,500. Given my internship experience at [Company] and my specialisation in [skill], I believe S$5,200 would be fair."
- Know when to accept. If the company cannot move on salary, ask about earlier performance reviews, sign-on bonuses, or additional leave days. Sometimes flexibility on non-cash benefits is easier for employers to offer.
What Comes After Your First Job?
Your starting salary sets the baseline, but salary growth in Singapore is typically strongest in the first five years of your career. Professionals who switch roles strategically, build in-demand skills, and take on leadership responsibilities early can see their salaries double within five to seven years. For a broader perspective on salary benchmarks across experience levels, check our comprehensive Singapore Salary Guide 2026.
Whether you are about to graduate or have just received your scroll, the Singapore job market in 2026 offers strong opportunities across most sectors. To explore entry-level and graduate roles tailored to your qualifications, chat with Ava at sgjobai.com or on Telegram. With over 40,000 live job listings, you can quickly find positions that match your degree, skills, and salary expectations.