The 15 Highest Paying Hourly Jobs in Singapore
2020 saw the worst recession in Singapore since its independence in the wake of a pandemic that engulfed the world. Luckily for Singapore, its strict guidelines in 2020 helped curb cases and allowed for a slow, yet steady economic recovery in 2021 with a 7.2% increase. In 2022 economy it’s expected to increase by 3% to 5% according to economists. The increase in numbers is definitely something to look forward to and has already begun to open many doors for the country’s workforce.
Singapore’s labour market continues to be on its road to recovery, as business activity steadily picks up. According to the Ministry of Manpower, the citizen unemployment rate came down to 3.5% in 2021 from 4.1% in 2020, making 2022 rather promising. Employment has grown in sectors such as IT and communications, healthcare, social services, professional services, administrative and support services, and financial services., in full-time as well as part-time roles. However, it’s no secret that many are still finding their feet in the scheme of life since the recession and supplementing their incomes with part-time jobs, a market that can prove to be highly lucrative if approached the right way.
So, whether you’re a student looking to find your footing, in between jobs and looking for extra cash, or on payroll and wondering how to supplement your income, this blog is for you. Keep reading to learn about the 10 highest paying hourly jobs in Singapore.
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High-Paying Part-Time Jobs in Singapore
What is the minimum hourly wage in Singapore?
The Economist Intelligence Unit’s (EIU), Worldwide Cost of Living 2021 survey ranked Singapore as the second-most expensive city in the world for the 6th time since 2014. The cost of living in Singapore is 27.6% higher than the United States, given its lack of resources and increasing land scarcity. The numbers might seem staggering, but a single adult earning a low-level income is able to get by with just under S$1,2500 in Singapore, even in the absence of minimum wage laws and regulations.
The Ministry of Manpower in Singapore doesn’t set minimum wages for employees overall. According to the MOM, wages should be determined by labour market demand and supply. Therefore, workers are paid according to their abilities, skills, and competencies. However, in the absence of a minimum wage, Singapore employs the Progressive Wage Model, which sets minimum wages for certain economic sector instead of the entire market as whole, with each sector’s minimum wage increasing with time.
General cleaners in offices and commercial establishments are required to be paid a minimum of S$1,274, while those working in conservancies, such as schools, receive a basic salary of S$1. 274.The minimum basic salary for the first category of general cleaners is S$1,312 while the second one is S$1,530. As they are promoted to refuse collectors, their minimum base salary increases to S$1,698. If they are promoted to supervisors, their minimum basic salary increases to S$1,910, and to S$2,016 for truck drivers.
What are the top 5 high paying part-time industries in Singapore?
Let’s take a look at the top 5 high-paying part-time industries in Singapore that offer hourly wage jobs along with the best paying part-time jobs in each industry.
The hospitality industry is growing, and so is the demand for housekeepers, waiting staff, and receptionists.
Focussed on customer satisfaction, the multi-million-dollar industry offers a wide range of roles for workers who have good strong communication skills and a personable demeanor.
- Waiting staff – S$13 to S$18/hr
- Receptionist – S$12- S$15/hr
- Barista – S$6-S$13/hr
Browse Hospitality industry jobs on GrabJobs
A global education leader, Singapore ranks as one of the top countries in education and training sector. It places an emphasis on knowledge-intensive work and seeks to develop deeper skills and capabilities to ensure growth and better jobs for citizens with high-value jobs.
The sector offers ample jobs to part-time workers and contract-based employees all year round.
- Personal trainer – S$50-S$70/hr
- Tutor – S$30 to S$50/hr
- Music teacher – S$30-60/ hr
Browse Education jobs on GrabJobs
Singapore is Asia’s digital capital, and the preferred location for nformation & Communications Technology firms.
Many global technology companies, including Google, Facebook and Alibaba, are based in Singapore. These companies are all part of a rich ecosystem that allows ICT firms to collaborate with one another and end user companies in order to develop commercially viable solutions. Naturally, some of the highest paying hourly jobs can be found in this sector in Singapore.
- Web Designer – S$25- S$45/hr
- Customer Service Officer – S$13- S$15/hr
- Data Entry – S$8- S$14/hr
Browse IT jobs on GrabJobs
Marketing in Singapore and around the globe is constantly changing. Companies that are successful have a dedicated team made up of marketers whose primary job is to monitor the industry and develop the best marketing strategies.
The industry offers a plethora of part-time roles in different departments, such as writing, content creation, and brand ambassador.
- Content creator – S$35- S$45/hr
- Writer – S$20- S$60/hr
- Brand Ambassador – S$10 to S$25/hr
Browse Marketing jobs on GrabJobs
The dynamic and exciting sector of tour and travel services offers a wide range of services and products for international and regional travellers. As one of the most visited locations in Asia, Singapore thrives on travel and tourism and provides many opportunities within the sector for high paying part-time jobs.
Tourism accounted for around four percent of Singapore’s gross domestic product in 2019 and although the recent brush with the pandemic has dented the industry, it’s well on its way to recovery.
- Delivery driver – S$26- S$40/hr
- Private cab driver – S$20-S$40/hr
- Tour guide – S$20- S$80/hr
Browse Tourism jobs on GrabJobs
What are the 15 Best Paying Hourly Jobs in Singapore?
Part-time jobs are very common in Singapore. Due to the absence of a minimum wage, flipping hamburgers at fast food joints can only guarantee you S$5 or S$6 an hour. That may seem rather unimpressive if you’re behind on rent, need to pay off your student loans or simply want a decent side hustle. So, what must cash-strapped, willing people do with their hearts and hands? Read on to find out the highest paying hourly jobs in Singapore.
Tuition teacher is a highly lucrative job in Singapore’s competitive education system, even if you’re doing it part-time. You can charge S$70 per hour if you have a Bachelor’s Degree in English from Cambridge University and teach junior college students English lessons. The amount that you can earn an hour teaching primary and secondary school students is significantly lower, at S$30 to S$50.
A part-time job as a personal trainer or fitness instructor can provide a steady income. Personal trainers earn an average of S$50-S$70 per hour. This is an excellent income considering you get paid to instruct people. You can offer training to friends and acquaintances and build your network from there. These first customers are likely to spread your services via word of mouth and bring home a bevy of clients. Formal qualifications are helpful in establishing your credibility as a personal training professional. In the absence of one, it would help to have previously studied physiotherapy or sports science. These courses will enable you to gain a better understanding of the human body and how to strengthen your muscles.
Driving a taxi is a lucrative job that doesn’t require you to work full-time. Many part-time drivers make decent money driving taxis. Part-time drivers may be able to earn more if they are eligible for incentives offered by cab companies. A taxi driver must be at minimum 21 years old and possess a Private Hire Car Driver’s Voluntary Licence (PDVL), a minimum of two years’ driving experience, and a four-door automobile. A PDVL is required if you don’t already have one. Drivers can earn an average of S$38/hour during peak hours and S$30/hour during non-peak hour (excluding incentives).
A freelance writer can be a good part-time job if you love writing and are skilled at it. You will find many companies looking for talented writers, especially on content-based websites. You may be offered an hourly rate or a fixed price per article. For projects that you are charging hourly, your hourly rate could be between S$20-60. You can earn between S$50 and S$200 per fixed-pay job. You could also build up your resume doing contract jobs and eventually write full-time, if the pen (or keyboard?)
If pianoforte comes naturally to you and teaching Chopin’s symphonies intrigues, you’d be able to make good money with some skills and a certification. Music teachers such as piano teachers are in high demand and amongst the best paying part-time jobs in Singapore. As with tutoring students, parents, and potential students will also be looking at your music experience and qualifications before they hire you as a tutor. You will need to score at least grade 8 in piano from Trinity College London and the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music. You would also need a minimum grade of 5 in music theory. You can work at your home if your piano is available, or you can travel to your student’s house to give lessons. Music teachers can expect to be paid rates between S$30-60 an hour.
While web design can be learnt quickly, it will take you several months to master the skills. If you’re interested in this route but don’t want to spend too much time looking through tutorials online, you can use reliable platforms to purchase a course and improve your skillset. As your skills improve, you can take on more complex projects which pay a better hourly rate. Web designers can make up to S$45 an hour once they master the skill and have a good portfolio to show.
Emcees are not hired to rile up mall-goers, as much as it might seem so. Sure, small gigs will always be available, but this one is one of the best paying part time jobs available. After a bit of experience, you can take up bigger events such as dinner parties for corporate events, or meetings, or even weddings. Hosting events can pay anywhere between S$300 up to several thousand dollars depending on how many people are present and how long the event lasts. You can register with an agency or fly solo. Your personality is what gets you the bucks here, so pay attention to personal grooming and ensure your language and communication skills are top-notch. Extra points if you can inject some humor into the events!
Singapore is frequented by travellers from around the world. It is only natural that they’d want a guide to show them around and take them to the hippest joints. So, if you know Singapore like the back of your hand and have good interpersonal skills, investing in a course to train as a tour guide would be a viable option. The training is usually 6 months long and needed to obtain a General Tourist Guide Licence. Tour guides make anywhere between S$20 to S$80 per hour, and can go further up if groups sign up.
If your caregiving instincts are strong and you tend to be the one in your group always ensuring the safety and well-being of others, think about making money off that trait. Caregivers are responsible for providing personal care for the elderly and sometimes may be asked to perform light housekeeping duties as a part of the job. A part-time caregiver can expect anywhere between S$14 to S$21. No such qualifications are required for this role, but applicants with some experience in the healthcare industry are often given preference over those with no qualifications or experience.
Although it may seem that the life of a waiting staff member is essentially to serve, clear tables and take orders, that’s not all there is to waiting staff. The waiters are the true taste and experience makers in the service business, ensuring the needs of the customers are met. They also serve as the channel of communication between the manager, the kitchen, and the customer. No qualifications are needed for this role, and workers with no experience are often hired and provided with training to perform specific tasks. A waiter in Singapore typically earns between S$13 to S$18. The hourly rate can easily go up if customers leave tips.
Everyone loves a morning coffee – so everyone loves a barista! With more than 7000 food and beverage retailers, Singapore is a mecca for all things caffeinated. Even with an average hourly wage, once you get good at brewing coffee, tips will start to stack up. Plus, you’ll get to know the morning ‘regulars’ and create a great network while you’re at it. With no qualifications or experience needed to enter the field, the job offers S$6 to S$13.
Data entry is often seen as a boring and slow-paced job. But if you’re detail-oriented, good with numbers, and prefer a remote job, this is a role for you. Most companies will offer the role without a qualification, but a keen eye is a must for this job, so be prepared to have your skills tested in an interview. A part-time data entry position can pay you between S$8 to S$14 based on your skill assessment and previous experience.
Brand ambassadors are vital in raising awareness about a market or brand. This role requires a friendly, confident individual who is comfortable talking to others. Brand ambassadors often stand in public places like shopping malls and supermarkets but can also be approached purely to use their online presence to amplify the brand image towards the target audience. This is a great way to socialize and network. Many brands that engage ambassadors may offer more prominent roles down the line, so it’s a great way to get your foot in the door. As a brand ambassador, you can make anywhere between S$10 to S$25 an hour.
Many people believe interior designers charge an arm and a leg, but this is not true. This could be the right job for you if you are a skilled renovator and design is your second language. An affluent audience serves as the perfect employee, often needing help to choose the right colours, furniture, and textures that go well together, for their property. Although this isn’t a must, a degree in design or a certification course will definitely help you bag part-time jobs as an interior design consultant.
It can be highly profitable to teach swimming lessons. A swimming instructor can make up to S$20 an hour per client. Swimming skills are essential for both students and adults, so you can be sure that if you’re good at your job, you won’t be hard pressed to find many clients. If you happen to land groups, you may well earn as much as S$200 an hour. While being an excellent swimmer would be a prerequisite, you would also need to know CPR and first aid as a swimming instructor. Country clubs or private clubs won’t require certification but if you plan to join a school, you’ll need a lifesaving certification which is required by the Singapore Sports Council.
With the right skill set and qualifications, you can land any of these part-time jobs, and with some experience, you can just as easily turn your part-time gig into a full-time job. If you’re ready to start your job hunt, head over to Grabjobs!
