Salaries for polytechnic graduates in Singapore continued to increase in 2024

Data from a joint survey showed that the median gross monthly salary of those in full-time permanent employment increased from S$2,800 to S$2,900 between 2023 and 2024.

Findings from the 2024 Polytechnic Graduates Employment Survey (GES) revealed that graduates from Singapore's five polytechnics are expecting higher salaries in Singapore’s evolving job landscape. A joint initiative by the polytechnics, the survey recorded the responses of both fresh and post-national service (NS) graduates.

Among the 5,769 respondents in the labour force, 54.6% were in full-time permanent employment, 27% were in part‐time/temporary employment, and 2.9% had either accepted a job offer or were actively starting a business venture.

Reasons for staying in a part-time or temporary employment have been consistent throughout the years with them taking up these jobs voluntarily while pursuing or preparing to begin future studies.

Looking into each group of graduates, the findings are as follows:

From the 7,614 out of 10,045 fresh graduates that responded, 50.4% entered the labour force about six months after graduation while 48.9% were pursuing or preparing to begin further studies and were not actively looking for jobs. The remaining 0.8% said that they were taking a break and were not seeking employment.

Next, out of the total 8,939 respondents who completed their full-time NS between 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024, 5,290 graduated in 2021. Results showed that 36.5% were in the labour force while 63.1% were pursuing or preparing to begin further studies or were not actively looking for jobs. The remaining 0.4% of them said they were taking a break and were not seeking employment at the moment.

Median gross salary by type of graduate

Data from the survey showed that the median gross monthly salary in full-time permanent employment increased from S$2,800 to S$2,900 between 2023 and 2024. About 87.5% of those in the labour force were found to be employed within six months after graduation or after completing full-time NS, which is fewer than the year before (92.7%).

Median gross salary across courses

The median gross monthly salaries across the various courses also increased over the year with graduates from health sciences, humanities & social sciences, and information & digital technologies holding the highest overall median over all graduates.

Speaking on behalf of the Polytechnic GES Committee, Principal & CEO of Singapore Polytechnic Mr. Soh Wai Wah said that all five polytechnics — Nanyang Polytechnic, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Republic Polytechnic, Singapore Polytechnic, and Temasek Polytechnic — are taking active steps to equip students with the necessary skills and adaptability to navigate the evolving job landscape.

“This includes strengthening industry partnerships to provide real-world experience, integrating AI literacy into our curriculum, and enhancing career guidance and support services. Our commitment is to ensure that our graduates are well-prepared for the future of work and can successfully launch fulfilling careers,” he added.

Lead image: Singapore Polytechnic Facebook
Infographics: Polytechnic GES Survey