As 2026 approaches, Singapore employees can expect moderate salary increases averaging 3 to 6 percent, as companies take a cautious approach amid ongoing economic uncertainty. According to a survey by ManpowerGroup and other HR firms, bonuses are also moderating, with more employers offering just one month or smaller payouts. Job switchers, however, can expect higher increases of 5 to 15 percent.

On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong spoke with DrEe Cheng Ong, Associate Professor, Department of Economics at NUS to find out which sectors are benefiting most from these salary trends and how companies are deciding where to allocate higher pay increases. 

As 2026 approaches, Singapore employees can expect moderate salary increases averaging 3 to 6 percent, as companies take a cautious approach amid ongoing economic uncertainty. According to a survey by ManpowerGroup and other HR firms, bonuses are also moderating, with more employers offering just one month or smaller payouts. Job switchers, however, can expect higher increases of 5 to 15 percent.
On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong spoke with Dr Ee Cheng Ong, Associate Professor, Department of Economics at NUS to find out which sectors are benefiting most from these salary trends and how companies are deciding where to allocate higher pay increases.&nbsp;

Your Way Home with Hongbin Jeong is your 4–8pm drive companion,

Your Way Home with Hongbin Jeong is your 4–8pm drive companion, guiding you through the day’s biggest headlines, trending conversations and the issues shaping Singapore and the world.

From news and current affairs to lifestyle insights and generational perspectives, the show helps you make sense of what’s happening — with clarity, context and a touch of personality.

Whether you’re catching up after a long day or tuning in on the move, Your Way Home keeps you informed, engaged and connected — all the way home.

And she closes the day with a song that says it all.

Your Way Home with Hongbin Jeong is your 4&ndash;8pm drive companion, guiding you through the day&rsquo;s biggest headlines, trending conversations and the issues shaping Singapore and the world.
From news and current affairs to lifestyle insights and generational perspectives, the show helps you make sense of what&rsquo;s happening &mdash; with clarity, context and a touch of personality.
Whether you&rsquo;re catching up after a long day or tuning in on the move, Your Way Home keeps you informed, engaged and connected &mdash; all the way home.
And she closes the day with a song that says it all.