10 Highest Paying Jobs in Singapore: A Guide for Students

23/09/2024•14 minute read

The job market can feel overwhelming with endless advice from career consultants on social media and the flood of vacancies listed online daily. In this fast-paced environment, it's essential to focus on the main goal: securing a job that aligns with your skills and interests while also understanding your career earning potential. Knowing what you can earn in your chosen field helps you make informed decisions about your future.

In this blog, we've compiled the top 10 highest-paying jobs in Singapore based on recent data from the Ministry of Manpower. All the figures listed are based on the gross monthly wages, offering you a clear picture of what you might earn. For each role, we’ll explore the qualifications, certifications, and experience required. While earning a high salary may not be everyone’s top priority, it's important to consider the financial stability and career growth that can come with these roles. High-paying jobs often offer opportunities for career advancement, which can lead to long-term satisfaction and help prevent burnout.

What are the 10 highest-paying jobs in Singapore?

1. University Lecturer: $13,108 per month

Educational Path: To become a university lecturer, you typically need to obtain a PhD in your chosen discipline. Prior to that, you will need to complete both a bachelor's and a master's degree with a high level of academic achievement. During your studies, it’s important to refine your research interests to carve out a niche in your specific field.

Necessary Degree/Certifications: There are no additional certifications required to become a university lecturer beyond your academic qualifications. However, it’s highly beneficial to submit research papers for consideration in academic journals or at conferences. This not only improves your writing and research skills but also helps you gain recognition in your field. Even as an undergraduate, you can begin this process by collaborating with professors or participating in programmes like Crimson Education's research mentorship programme.

Professional Experience: Most lecturers start as teaching assistants during their PhD studies, gaining valuable teaching experience while supporting professors with research and administrative tasks. This experience also helps you build connections within the academic community. While there is no formal requirement for professional experience outside academia, industry knowledge related to your field can be useful. For example, if you’re a professor of literature, understanding the publishing industry can benefit both you and your students. Ultimately, even seemingly unrelated professional experience can enhance your teaching and make you a more well-rounded educator in the long run.

2. Financial/Investment Adviser: $12,500 per month

Educational Path: A business degree with a concentration in finance is a typical route to becoming a financial or investment adviser. Since business is a versatile degree, it opens the door to various other roles on this list. However, if a business degree doesn’t appeal to you, you can still become a financial or investment adviser with any bachelor’s degree, as long as you pair it with the required coursework and certifications.

Necessary Degree/Certifications: A Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) certification is highly recommended as it provides an in-depth understanding of stock valuation techniques and portfolio management. It also ensures you stay current with industry practices and makes you a more competitive candidate. Other certifications are available depending on your specific interests and desired clientele.

Professional Experience: Internships at reputable institutions, such as JP Morgan or DBS, during your education will be invaluable in developing a portfolio of technical skills. Additionally, any experience in a client-facing role will help strengthen your interpersonal communication skills and prepare you for the level of research and preparation needed when advising clients.

3. Arts/Entertainment/Recreation Premises & Facilities Manager (excluding Security): $12,150 per month

Educational Path: This role demands a high level of technical expertise, so you’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree in building management or mechanical/electrical engineering.

Necessary Degree and Certifications: A bachelor’s degree or diploma in building management or engineering is essential. You can also enhance your qualifications by taking a 6-month course in facilities management, which will equip you with relevant industry skills.

Professional Experience: You’ll typically need 5-7 years of experience to secure this position. Building a portfolio of transferable skills through project management roles will help, particularly in understanding compliance processes and working with a team.

4. IT Sales Manager: $12,000 per month

Educational Path: A bachelor’s degree in business management will provide a solid foundation for this role, with courses in marketing or sales offering additional advantages. Related fields like communications, business law, or economics are also relevant. To remain competitive, especially when aiming for senior positions, pursuing an MBA can be highly beneficial.

Necessary Degree and Certifications: While no specific certification is required to become a sales manager, having certifications in your portfolio can enhance your employability and show your commitment to continuous learning. Consider certifications like the Certified Sales Leadership Professional (CSLP) or the Certified Professional Sales Person (CPSP).

Professional Experience: Since sales management isn’t an entry-level role, it’s important to start by gaining experience as a sales representative. This will help you build communication skills and develop a strong understanding of the product landscape. Acquiring skills in customer service and leadership early on will provide a strong foundation for advancing to higher-level positions.

5. IT Customer Services Officer/Clerk: $11,900 per month

Educational Path: Candidates don’t need to follow a specific degree path for a role in IT customer services, as long as they hold a bachelor’s degree. However, studying a field that helps build strong soft skills is highly beneficial. Communications, business administration/management, psychology, or even the liberal arts can all provide a solid foundation for this role.

Necessary Degree and Certifications: There are no strict degree requirements for IT customer services roles. Employers tend to value experience and transferable skills, particularly in customer service or team management. You might consider workshops like the Customer Service Excellence course to strengthen your expertise and stand out in the field.

Professional Experience: Like the role of IT Sales Manager, experience is highly valued. It’s best to start in other customer-facing roles to build your skills. This experience can come from various industries, so even if you begin in a junior position, it’s a great opportunity to refine your abilities and take control of your career path.

6. Air Transport & Supporting Services Operations Officer: $11,207 per month

Educational Path: If you are keen on this career, the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) offers a 3-year BSc with Honours in Air Transport Management, the only degree of its kind provided by an autonomous university in Singapore. Developed in close collaboration with the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) and other industry partners, this programme offers excellent exposure and networking opportunities. Alternatively, you can pursue a major in business with a focus on operations management to keep your options open. The Singapore Aviation Academy also offers an MSc in Air Transport Management, allowing you to specialise further after your undergraduate studies.

Necessary Degree and Certifications: You need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. While there are no strictly required certificates for this path, obtaining industry-recognised certifications—such as the IATA Foundation in Travel and Tourism Diploma—can help demonstrate your value to future employers.

Professional Experience: This role requires a blend of soft skills and technical, industry-specific abilities. It’s advisable to start by developing your customer service and interpersonal skills within the aviation industry. For example, consider applying for junior roles in flight operations, where you can receive on-the-job training and become familiar with the logistics involved in ensuring successful flights.

7. In-house Legal Counsel: $11,242 per month

Educational Path: You need a minimum of a **bachelor’s degree in **law or a relevant pre-law course, such as philosophy, political science, or economics. Pairing your studies with courses in business management or human resources will help you familiarise yourself with the priorities and processes of a corporate environment.

Necessary Degree and Certifications: In-house legal counsel do not need to be admitted to the bar, as the profession is not regulated. While there are no strict certification requirements beyond your education, completing short courses like the Association of Corporate Counsel Certification Program can help diversify your skills and enhance your value to clients.

Professional Experience: Most in-house legal counsels are hired after gaining 4-9 years of experience at a law firm. To strengthen your resume, seek internships or positions at private practices or corporate legal departments. Corporations emphasise your experience and ability to adapt to their culture, so any time spent in a corporate setting will be beneficial.

8. Financial Services Manager: $10,710 per month

Educational Path: To become a financial services manager, pursue a degree in business, focusing on **finance or **accounting. As mentioned earlier, a business degree is versatile, providing you with skills applicable across various industries.

Necessary Degree and Certifications: Accountancy is a highly beneficial skill that enhances your competency. Consider becoming a certified accountant through qualifications from the Certified Public Accountant (CPA), the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), or as a Chartered Accountant (CA). The Singapore CA qualification is globally recognised, allowing you to branch out internationally if desired.

Professional Experience: During your studies, seek an internship at a financial company or within a finance department of a reputable organisation. After this, gain some entry-level experience to build your industry knowledge before pursuing certification. Once certified, continue gaining experience for 2-5 years before applying for a financial services manager position.

9. Research & Development Manager: $10,545 per month

Educational Path: Depending on your field, pursue a **BSc with honours in chemistry, engineering, or **computer science. While at university, consider pairing your degree with classes in communications, statistics, or other disciplines that enhance your research methods. Some specialised positions may also require a Master’s or PhD in engineering, biochemistry, physics, or a related field.

Necessary Degree and Certifications: No specific certification is strictly required for a career in research. However, as R&D relies heavily on innovation and advancement, stay updated on industry developments. You can do this through webinars or symposiums tailored to your industry, or by networking with professionals who can provide insights into the latest trends and practices.

Professional Experience: This role demands significant experience, but don’t worry! Look for internships during your university years; relevant positions such as research assistant or participation in R&D projects may be available within your institution. These opportunities will help you gain a solid understanding of research methods and project management as you transition into the working world.

10. Petroleum/Chemical/Pharmaceutical Supervisor or General Foreman: $10,171 per month

Educational Path: For this specific industry position, obtain a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering or a related field.

Necessary Degree and Certifications: In this role, you and your team will likely work with sensitive substances and specialised equipment. To ensure you understand the risks involved, you must attend the mandatory Workplace Safety and Health Management in Chemical, Process, Pharmaceutical Industries and Laboratories (WSHMCPP) course. Depending on your field, consider additional courses in managing workplace risk. These certifications will enhance your decision-making skills and demonstrate your competency as an employee.

Professional Experience: You typically need 3-5 years of experience in a supervisory role, along with in-depth knowledge of chemical production processes and safety protocols. While this may seem daunting, start by working as a lab-based assistant during your university studies to familiarise yourself with the environment and common procedures. This strong foundation, combined with teamwork skills, will highlight your competency and position you as a strong candidate in the industry.

We hope you found these roadmaps helpful! With the ever-changing job landscape and the emergence of new industries post-pandemic, choosing a single path can be challenging. However, there are always options available and opportunities to diversify your portfolio, no matter where you are in your career. Higher education institutions recognise this and often offer varied and interdisciplinary degree programmes to meet the evolving needs of students and employers alike.

If you’re seeking guidance to turn these roadmaps into reality—especially if you want to start strong with a university education—Crimson offers a comprehensive admissions consultation service! To learn more, you can schedule a free consultation with one of our academic advisors. In your session, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the paths you may need for your dream career and discover how to reach your goals, whatever they may be.