72% of real estate pros get pay rise as median salary hits $158,000

The city-state is leading other major economies, such as the US and UK.

Seventy-two percent of real estate professionals have received a 14% increase in their salary in the past year, with the median annual pay at $158,000 in 2026, according Macdonald & Company.

Based on salary data from 445 real estate professionals in Singapore, the latest 'Salary, Rewards and Sentiments' report said that the city-state’s professionals lead the pack, with average pay rises in the US at 12%, UK at 10%, and Europe at 12%.

“However, the path to higher pay varies considerably: annual reviews remain the most common trigger (49%) but deliver the smallest average increase (7%). Promotions account for 26% of pay rises and generate a 20% uplift on average. Moving employers is less frequent (14%), but
produces the largest gains, with an average increase of 32%,” the company said.

Macdonald & Company Singapore Managing Director Will Buck said that whilst annual reviews remain the norm, it's clear that those changing roles are capturing the greatest gains.

“For employers, this highlights the growing cost of replacing talent versus investing in retention and development pathways for existing teams,” he added.

The study also found that money is not the primary driver of feeling valued at work. The top reasons cited are recognition of work (37%) and relationship with managers (21%), whilst salary was mentioned by only 9%.

There were 44% who said they feel valued and 23% undervalued. Amongst those who feel undervalued, company culture and values (27%) rank as the leading concern, ahead of both career growth opportunities and salary (both 23%).

Looking at gender, women are more likely to have received a pay rise at 79% versus 70% for men, and see a higher average uplift at 17% vs 14%, respectively. However, men are more likely to cite promotion as the reason for their pay rise.

Globally, technology adoption is advancing rapidly, with workplace adoption of AI particularly strong in the Asia-Pacific region, led by Singapore, where 67% report AI use and 84% expect their role to be impacted by AI over the next five years.

However, only 52% feel confident using it – pointing to a capability gap that organisations will need to address through training and support. Benefits remain anchored by variable pay, with 85% citing bonus entitlement and 51% receiving healthcare or subsidised healthcare.