Food services workers’ minimum wage rises to $2,220 in July

Pay will reach $2,500 by 2028.

Food services workers in Singapore will see their minimum monthly wage rise to $2,220 from $2,080 starting 1 July 2026, the government announced.

The increase is part of a three-year plan under the Food Services Progressive Wage Model (PWM).

The government has accepted recommendations from the Tripartite Cluster for the Food Services Industry (TCF), covering more than 53,000 full-time and part-time workers since the PWM’s introduction on 1 March 2023.

Under the updated schedule, the baseline monthly gross wage will increase from $2,220 in 2026 to $2,500 by 2028, with workers seeing annual increments of up to $145.

The schedule aligns with other PWM sectors, taking effect every 1 July, giving employers time to adjust administrative processes for workers in multiple sectors.

The TCF has also recommended expanding Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) training modules, helping workers meet the PWM requirement of completing two WSQ courses. Workers holding relevant qualifications from Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) and Private Education Institutions (PEIs) will also be recognized as meeting training requirements.

Additionally, workers can take advantage of the Workfare Skills Support (WSS) scheme, which has been enhanced to provide greater support for lower-wage workers.

Under WSS (Level-Up), self-sponsored trainees undertaking long-form courses can receive up to $18,000 per year for full-time training and $3,600 for part-time training.

For shorter courses, the WSS (Basic) scheme will provide $10.50 per hour starting 1 July 2026. Employers supporting worker upskilling may also qualify for Absentee Payroll.

The government said these measures aim to boost wages whilst equipping food services workers with skills for career progression.

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