New report finds AI and data skills driving wage premiums in Singapore
Talents with artificial intelligence and data skills are commanding wage premiums in Singaporean workplaces, according to a new report, which urged employers to strengthen workforce planning to keep payroll costs in check.
The PERSOL Singapore Salary Guide 2026/2027 found that AI or data analytics capabilities rank among the top 10 in-demand skills across all 14 functions and industries it covers.
Employers are prioritising professionals who can support AI adoption, cloud optimisation and cybersecurity resilience, according to the guide.
Monthly base salaries range from S$6,000 to S$12,000 for AI engineers, from S$7,500 to S$14,000 for data scientists and from S$7,000 to S$15,000 for cybersecurity managers.
"AI and data skills are no longer confined to technology roles, and professionals who invest in upskilling will be best positioned to stand out. For employers, clear development pathways and the smart use of technology will be key to building resilient, future-ready teams," said Foo See Yang, managing director and strategic business group head at PERSOL APAC, the Asia Pacific arm of the HR solutions provider.
"With specialist AI and data talent commanding premium salaries, combining targeted external hiring with the upskilling of existing teams will help businesses build capability while keeping costs in check," he added.
Premium for specialised talent
Specialised talent is also commanding a premium in banking and finance, where hiring remains active for revenue-generating roles. Private banking relationship managers earn between S$8,000 and S$20,000, while senior relationship managers can earn up to S$30,000.
In healthcare, demand remains robust for physiotherapists, occupational therapists, radiographers and pharmacists. The Ministry of Health projects the sector's workforce to grow from 129,000 in 2024 to about 156,000 by 2030.
Demand for sustainability professionals is also expected to rise as mandatory climate reporting extends to more listed companies from financial year 2028.
The guide warned that shortages of such talent can slow expansion plans and client delivery, advising employers to hire earlier and offer flexible work arrangements and structured career development.
Measured wage growth
"In Singapore, the labour market has demonstrated resilience despite external headwinds. Employers are becoming more cautious in their hiring decisions, placing greater emphasis on skills and experience. Professionals are also increasingly expected to embrace lifelong learning to strengthen their capabilities amidst a challenging economic environment," Foo said.
The Ministry of Manpower reported a 19th consecutive quarter of employment growth in the second quarter of 2026, with total employment rising by 11,400 and the retrenchment incidence holding at 0.2%.
However, 51% of employers plan to implement wage moderation or a wage freeze in 2027, up from 48 per cent in 2026, according to the Singapore National Employers Federation's Wage and Employment Outlook 2026/2027 Survey.
Cost pressures are also set to intensify, with Central Provident Fund contribution rates for employees aged 55 to 65 rising in January 2027 and the Occupational Progressive Wage increasing in July 2027.
"Rising payroll costs will be felt most keenly in labour-intensive sectors, making it more expensive to attract, retain and grow talent. Employers will need to review hiring budgets, strengthen workforce planning and adopt AI-enabled workflows to sustain productivity," Foo said.
