Finance is one of Singapore’s signature industries, and its pay figures are among the most closely watched. MOM’s data lists 54 jobs in accounting and finance, with a top occupation median of S$20,000. Looking at the average salary in Singapore next to finance roles shows how much the sector pays above the middle. This article sets out the main figures and explains how to read them with care.
Median Wages for Core Finance Jobs
The June 2025 occupation table gives financial analysts a median gross monthly wage of S8,366,actuariesS7,953, accountants S5,968,auditorsS5,750 and bank officers S4,827.ThegapbetweenthetopandbottomofthisshortlistismorethanS3,500 a month. Risk management managers, listed under business and management, reach S$17,078.
Why Analysts and Actuaries Sit Higher
Actuaries and financial analysts work in specialised, technical roles with demanding qualifications and strong demand. Pay reflects the scarcity of the skills and the value attached to the decisions they support. Accountants and auditors form a much larger workforce with clearer entry routes, so the median is lower while the range is still wide.
What the Wage Tables Leave Out
Bonuses matter a great deal in finance, and the tables exclude them. MOM notes that occupations where performance bonuses are a large share of pay, such as brokers, dealers and senior management, look lower than their total pay. A banker’s actual yearly earnings can differ sharply from twelve times the median monthly wage. Treat the table as a floor for regular pay.
Questions to Ask Before You Compare an Offer
Keep this checklist close:
- Is the offer basic salary, gross wage or a total package?
- Is any bonus guaranteed, and for how many months?
- Does the role include allowances or commissions?
- Which firm size and sector does the benchmark cover?
- What is your age and experience compared with the median holder?
- How does the offer look after CPF and tax?
Clear answers keep you from comparing a basic salary with a bonus-loaded total.
Reading the Middle 50% Range
Each occupation has a 25th and 75th percentile. For accountants, an offer near the 25th percentile is common for early career staff, while the 75th percentile reflects seniority or a larger employer. Use the range to place yourself honestly. If your experience is well beyond the typical holder of the title, a figure above the median is reasonable to ask for.
Starting a Finance Career
New graduates should look at programme-level starting pay in the MOE survey, which ranks 128 programmes from S3,350toS6,950. Finance and business degrees appear across that range. Add certifications and internships to your preparation, since employers weigh them alongside the degree. Your first offer will likely sit below the occupation median.
Handling Bonuses and Take-Home Pay
Finance packages often include annual wage supplements and performance bonuses. A bonus take-home calculator shows how much you keep after CPF and tax, which is usually less than people expect. Compare two offers on a net basis so a larger bonus does not distract from a smaller base.
Bringing the Data Together
Start with the national average salary in Singapore for context, then move to the specific title in a Singapore salary guide to see the median and the middle 50% range. Use a salary comparison tool to test your pay against your job and age, and convert the final offer to take-home pay before you decide.
Conclusion: Finance Pay Is High but Needs Careful Reading
Medians from S4,827toS8,366 for common finance roles show a broad spread, and bonuses add a layer that the tables do not capture. Compare like with like, use the range and check net pay. Foundific lists MOM wages for finance occupations with sources so you can benchmark each offer.
