Singapore workers say pay is fair but remain unhappy: report

Only 37% are satisfied with their salary, even as most believe they are paid fairly.

Most Singapore workers believe they are paid fairly, but only 37% are happy with their salary, according to Jobstreet by SEEK’s Salary Pulse: Singapore 2026 report.

The report found that almost three-quarters of workers said they are paid fairly for the work they do. However, Singapore still ranked among the weakest markets surveyed in the Asia Pacific for pay satisfaction.

Jobstreet said workers are increasingly evaluating salary beyond compensation, including whether their pay reflects their contribution, supports their lifestyle, and signals career progression.

Among workers who said their pay feels “about right,” seven in 10 still said they were not satisfied with their remuneration.

Pay transparency has also become a stronger expectation. About 77% of workers said they want salary ranges disclosed internally, whilst 57% said they are less likely to apply for a role if pay is not listed in the job advertisement.

Many workers remain uncomfortable discussing pay. One in two workers has asked for a raise before, and 73% of those who did received an increase either in full or in part. However, only 7% said they feel “extremely comfortable” asking for a pay raise.

Younger workers are more likely to act on pay dissatisfaction. If a pay increment fell short, 29% of Gen Z workers and 25% of millennials said they would look for a new role, compared with 20% of Gen X and 13% of baby boomers.

The report also pointed to a “loyalty tax” in Singapore’s labour market. Whilst 87% of workers received their last pay increase through their current employer, workers who changed employers were five times more likely to receive a pay increase of more than 10%.

Jobstreet said unmet salary expectations can affect retention and engagement, with more than 20% of workers saying they would consider leaving if their expectations were not met.

The report surveyed 1,008 employed respondents aged 18 to 64 in Singapore in February 2026. It also analysed advertised salaries for the top 20 roles by job ad volume on SEEK platforms from October 2025 to March 2026.