Minimum Wage Singapore 2026: Progressive Wage Model Explained

Singapore does not have a universal minimum wage. Instead, the government uses the Progressive Wage Model (PWM) — a sector-by-sector approach that sets minimum wages based on job level and skills, not just a flat hourly rate. Here's what the 2026 rates look like, and who is covered.

What Is the Progressive Wage Model?

The PWM was introduced in 2012, starting with the cleaning sector. It has since expanded to cover:

• Cleaning
• Security
• Landscape
• Lift and escalator maintenance
• Food services
• Retail
• In-house administrative support and operations
• In-house customer service

The PWM works as a career ladder: workers are required to receive training and move up skill levels to earn higher wages. Employers cannot simply pay the minimum — they must provide a pathway for workers to progress.

2026 PWM Wage Floors by Sector

Cleaning Sector (Effective 2026)

Job Level	Minimum Monthly Wage
Supervisor	$3,100
Team Leader	$2,600
Cleaner (Advanced)	$2,200
Cleaner (Basic)	$1,850

Security Sector (Effective 2026)

Job Level	Minimum Monthly Wage
Chief Security Officer	$4,350
Senior Security Officer	$3,550
Security Officer	$2,900
Junior Security Officer	$2,150

Retail Sector (Effective 2026)

Job Level	Minimum Monthly Wage
Senior Manager	$4,000
Executive	$2,500
Assistant / Cashier	$1,900

Food Services Sector (Effective 2026)

Job Level	Minimum Monthly Wage
Senior Cook	$2,800
Cook	$2,200
Assistant (F&B)	$1,700

Verify current rates at mom.gov.sg/pwm before making employment decisions.

Local Qualifying Salary (LQS)

In addition to PWM, Singapore has a Local Qualifying Salary (LQS) of $1,600/month for full-time workers. This applies to employers who hire foreign workers — they must pay their local employees at least $1,600/month to maintain their foreign worker entitlements.

For part-time employees, the LQS is $10.50/hour.

Workfare Income Supplement (WIS)

Low-wage workers who earn between $500 and $3,000/month can receive the Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) — a government cash supplement paid directly to the worker and to their CPF account.

Age	Maximum Annual WIS (2026)
35–44	$2,100
45–59	$2,800
60 and above	$3,267

Does Singapore Need a Universal Minimum Wage?

The debate continues. Proponents argue the PWM is more nuanced — it builds skills and rewards progression. Critics say it leaves gaps: workers in non-PWM sectors (such as domestic helpers and part-time tutors) have no floor protection.

The government has indicated the PWM will continue expanding to cover more sectors. As of 2026, PWM coverage has reached approximately 80% of resident low-wage workers.

Key Tools

• Calculate your take-home pay → Income Tax Calculator
• Calculate CPF contributions on minimum wage → CPF Contribution Calculator