Wage Schedule: 2025–2027
A new three-year wage roadmap sets minimum salary benchmarks for full-time and part-time retail employees:
- Entry-level part-time workers will see hourly wages rise from SGD $12.09 in 2025 to SGD $13.45 by 2027.
- Full-time wage floors will increase proportionally across job levels, with 2027 figures subject to review based on economic conditions.
Mandatory Training Requirements
To align wages with skills development, all retail workers must complete at least one Workforce Skills Qualification (WSQ) module or possess relevant qualifications from Institutes of Higher Learning. Employers are granted a six-month grace period to ensure new hires meet this requirement.
Career Progression Framework
The PWM career ladder links wage increases to upskilling and role advancement. Higher job roles come with higher wage floors, incentivizing continuous learning and professional growth within the retail sector.
Government Co-Funding Support
To ease the financial impact on employers, the Progressive Wage Credit Scheme (PWCS) offers:
Year Co-Funding Rate
2025 Up to 40%
2026 Up to 20%
This support is designed to help businesses transition smoothly while maintaining payroll compliance.
Implications for Global Payroll and Tax Teams
Multinational retailers operating in Singapore must prepare for:
- Payroll system updates to reflect new wage floors and hourly rates.
- Training compliance tracking for all retail hires.
- Budgeting for wage increases and reduced co-funding in 2026.
- Tax planning adjustments to account for PWCS benefits and reporting obligations.
Singapore’s PWM continues to serve as a model for balancing wage growth with productivity and skills development. Retail employers should act now to ensure readiness ahead of the September 2025 rollout.
Singapore – Global Insights
For further detailed guidance on payroll, employment law, and compliance in Singapore, visit our Singapore Global Insights guide on the activpayroll website. You can also explore broader regional updates and expertise in the APAC Global Expertise web section.
Next Steps
If you have any questions or need tailored advice, we encourage customers and potential clients to get in touch. Please complete our Contact Us form, and a member of our team will be happy to assist with your queries.
