Singapore’s top high-paying jobs for 25 to 29 year olds in 2024

As you start building your career (and your future), knowing which jobs offer the best pay can make all the difference. In this piece, we dive into the top highest-paying jobs for working professionals, from 25 to 29 years old in Singapore this year. By tapping into data from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), we’re giving you a clear view of where the money is in today’s job market. Whether you’re thinking about switching careers or just stepping into the workforce, these roles are among the best-paying opportunities out there right now.

Disclaimer: The data presented represent the median monthly gross wages of common occupations by age and establishment size across all industries. These figures gathered from individuals who disclosed their salaries, are commonly used for salary benchmarking. The Occupational Wage tables from MOM provide insights into the wages of over 400 occupations, focusing on full-time resident employees. The data reflect basic and gross wages, excluding bonuses, and may be suppressed in cases where the number of actual observations is too small to maintain confidentiality. 

Top high-paying occupations based on Monthly Gross Salary 

Trade brokers

Trade brokers are like personal guides in the world of investing. They help people and companies buy and sell things like stocks, bonds, and commodities. By understanding their clients’ goals, they find the best opportunities and handle the trading details. 

GROSS WAGE: ~ $13,750/MONTH

Data scientist

The demand for data scientists is high because data can serve many purposes. For instance, cosmetics companies can use customer data to manage product production and distribution better, and financial companies can use data to analyse potential stocks and investments. Corporations can use personalised data to understand their businesses and customers and make better decisions. Data scientists also require business abilities like strategic thinking and business analysis, and soft skills. 

GROSS WAGE: ~$7,800/MONTH

In-house legal counsel (except judiciary, ministries and statutory boards)

It is with no doubt that individuals working in this industry will fetch a fat paycheck — after all, those who can make it to be lawyers have to be the creme of the crop. Just to qualify as a lawyer, you must first obtain a law degree from an accredited university. After graduation, you’ll also have to pass the Singapore Bar Examination and undergo six months of training.

As an in-house legal counsel, your role is to tackle any legal issues that the company may face, as well as draft out legally binding documents and contracts for the company. You’ll also need to have a good foundation in business to consider the company’s best interests.

GROSS WAGE: ~$7,670/MONTH

Data centre engineer

If you didn’t know, data centre engineers are the ones who are responsible for keeping our digital world running smoothly. They design, build, and maintain the infrastructure that stores and manages all our data, which includes websites as well as cloud services. Their work usually involves setting up different servers, ensuring everything is safe and secure, and troubleshooting any issues that arise to keep systems up and running ‘round the clock. 

GROSS WAGE: ~$6,570

Research and development manager

As its name suggests, Research and Development (R&D) managers lead different teams to explore new ideas, develop new products, and improve existing ones. For those curious, their job typically involves overseeing the research, coordinating with different departments, and ensuring that projects stay on track. They’re the ones who turn creative concepts into reality, making sure that new solutions and technologies are both practical and aligned with the company’s goals. 

GROSS WAGE: ~$6,432

Software developer

Software developers are the creative minds behind the apps and programmes we use on a day-to-day basis. They are the brains behind the codes that make our apps and systems work, by taking ideas and turning them into functional software by designing, building, and testing it to ensure it meets users’ needs.

GROSS WAGE: ~$6,327/MONTH

Specialist medical practitioner (medical)

Besides being a lawyer, it is (almost) every Singaporean’s dream to become a doctor, but whether you make the cut is another thing altogether. Getting into medical school is known to be extremely difficult, with only the top students being able to rise up to the challenge.

Even after getting into med school, you’ll need to study and go through residency in a hospital before you can even think of being a Specialist Medical Practitioner. You’ll also need to obtain specialist accreditation from the Specialists Accreditation Board (SAB).

Since Singapore is known for its impeccable medical services due to our advanced medical healthcare technology, there is no doubt why they are paid handsomely.

GROSS WAGE: ~$6,253/MONTH

Actuary

For those who are unfamiliar, an actuary is someone who uses math and statistics to figure out and manage risks. They essentially help insurance companies decide how much to charge for certain policies as well as how much money to save for future claims. They analyse data and predict future events, such as how long people will live or the likelihood of accidents, to design insurance and financial products that are both smart and stable. On top of that, they also help with planning pensions and investment strategies. 

GROSS WAGE: ~$6,055/MONTH

General practitioner/physician

If you don’t want to be a Specialist Medical Practitioner, being a General Practitioner or Physician is still considered a high-paying salary. Those are the doctors at your nearby clinics that offer the first line of care whenever anyone requires medical attention.

Their job isn’t easy too. They have to also go through medical school and be exceptionally well-versed in all areas. After undergoing postgraduate training in Family Medicine and years of hands-on experience, they will be able to qualify as a General Practitioner.

GROSS WAGE: ~$6,038/MONTH