In a promising sign for employees, 82% of Singapore employers plan to increase salaries by at least 3% in 2025, according to a survey conducted by ManpowerGroup Singapore.
Additionally, 89% of employers intend to hand out bonuses of at least one month, signaling optimism about economic growth and talent retention.
However, the data reveals variations across industries and company sizes, offering a nuanced picture of what workers can expect. Here’s a closer look at the findings.
Salary Increases Across the Board:
While the majority of employers (57%) are opting for modest raises between 3% and 5%, a significant portion (22%) will offer smaller increments, and only 3% are planning substantial hikes of 7% or more.
Bonus Plans Show Generosity:
Bonuses remain a key component of compensation, with half of all employers offering exactly one month’s pay. Meanwhile, others are going above and beyond, particularly in certain industries.
Smaller companies tend to offer slightly higher salary increments compared to larger enterprises, though disparities exist:
| Company Size | <3% | 3–<5% | 5–<7% | ≥7% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Micro (<10) | 16% | 58% | 18% | 8% |
| Small (10–49) | 17% | 57% | 22% | 5% |
| Medium (50–249) | 20% | 62% | 18% | 1% |
| Large (250–999) | 8% | 60% | 27% | 5% |
| Very Large (1k–4.9k) | 11% | 58% | 20% | 10% |
| Large Enterprise (500+) | 28% | 47% | 18% | 7% |
Bonuses also vary by company size, with medium and large firms offering the most generous payouts:
| Company Size | <1M | 1M | 1–1.5M | >1.5M |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Micro (<10) | 13% | 33% | 45% | 8% |
| Small (10–49) | 11% | 38% | 45% | 5% |
| Medium (50–249) | 8% | 42% | 33% | 17% |
| Large (250–999) | 8% | 38% | 38% | 16% |
| Very Large (1k–4.9k) | 8% | 36% | 34% | 13% |
| Large Enterprise (500+) | 17% | 32% | 32% | 19% |
| Industry | <3% | 3–<5% | 5–<7% | ≥7% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transport, Logistics & Auto | 10% | 52% | 35% | 3% |
| Communication Services | 19% | 60% | 12% | 9% |
| Health Care & Life Sciences | 59% | 15% | 24% | 3% |
| Energy & Utilities | 14% | 59% | 16% | 12% |
| Financials & Real Estate | 13% | 64% | 13% | 9% |
| Consumer Goods & Services | 20% | 55% | 19% | 6% |
| Industrials & Materials | 25% | 56% | 13% | 6% |
| Information Technology | 20% | 66% | 12% | 2% |
| Industry | <1M | 1M | 1–1.5M | >1.5M |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transport, Logistics & Auto | 2% | 60% | 11% | 27% |
| Communication Services | 6% | 58% | 32% | 3% |
| Consumer Goods & Services | 52% | 26% | 9% | 14% |
| Energy & Utilities | 0% | 53% | 38% | 9% |
| Financials & Real Estate | 51% | 29% | 13% | 7% |
| Health Care & Life Sciences | 39% | 38% | 12% | 11% |
| Industrials & Materials | 16% | 24% | 7% | 53% |
| Information Technology | 18% | 60% | 16% | 7% |
Opportunities Vary by Sector:
Workers in Transport, Logistics & Automotive and Energy & Utilities will likely see the most significant salary and bonus increases. This reflects high demand and industry growth. In contrast, those in Health Care & Life Sciences may face slower wage growth due to budget constraints.
Smaller Companies Offer Flexibility:
Micro and small businesses tend to provide higher salary increments and competitive bonuses, making them attractive options for job seekers prioritising short-term financial gains.
Large Enterprises Focus on Stability:
Larger firms emphasise stability, with more modest increases but consistent bonuses, appealing to employees seeking long-term security.
Data for Singapore's workforce in 2025 looks promising. 82% of employers plan salary hikes of at least 3%, and 89% will offer bonuses of one month or more.
However, differences across industries and company sizes are important to consider.
For employees, opportunities exist, but are not equal. To maximise chances for a raise, bonus, or career move, stay informed about industry trends.
While the odds of salary increases are favourable, preparation and awareness are key to benefiting from this positive outlook.
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