This year's highest-paying jobs in Singapore are in these five
sectors: information technology (IT), accounting, sales and
marketing, banking and finance, and the healthcare and life
sciences.
This is according to a new report by staffing firm Kelly
Services.
Hit by the global slump in commodities and manufacturing demand,
three sectors featured in last year's top five list are out of this
year's ranking: oil, gas and petrochemicals; pharmaceuticals; and
semiconductors.
IT tops the 2016 list with technology heads expected to command
between S$13,000 and S$24,000 a month, according to the Kelly
Singapore 2016 Salary Guide.
Ths firm said the Government's aggressive infocomm sector
development is behind the emergence of IT as one of the highest
paying industries.
In terms of specific occupations, some of the hot jobs for 2016
are: compliance manager, fintech developer, big data developer,
digital marketing manager and scientific and regulatory affairs
specialist
Said Foo See Yang, vice president and country general manager of
Kelly Services Singapore: "Despite the challenges in the global
economy, bright spots remain in the financial technology, big data,
as well as digital marketing sectors where demand for talent will
continue to rise throughout 2016.
"Professionals, managers, executives and technicians (PMETs) who
have been hit hardest by the slowdown should look at upskilling and
expanding their capabilities into new areas of growth to stay
relevant."
The firm also said that global economic volatility will lead to
more employers turning to temporary and contract work arrangements
to fulfil manpower needs.
"There is a need for a mindset shift by the Singaporean workforce
to look beyond permanent roles, especially in the current economic
environment," said Mr Foo.
How much you can earn in the 5 highest-paying sectors:
The Government's efforts such as the 2015 Intelligent Nation Master
plan and the National Broadband Network, is driving growth for the
industry. Business development senior account directors and program
managers can expect to earn S$12,000 to S$22,000 and S$11,000 to
S$14,480 respectively.
The push to develop the accounting industry into a leading global
hub for the Asia-Pacific region by 2020 saw sector grow S$1.8
billion in 2015. Chief financial officers can expect to earn
S$10,000 to S$20,000 and accounts managers, S$5,000 to S$7,000.
Mobile marketing is becoming increasingly important as a dominant
medium to reach brands' target consumers. Digital marketers can
expect to earn S$6,000 to S$10,000.
While growth in the banking and finance is expected to be low this
year, Singapore's economy continues to be triple-A rated with over
700 financial institutions providing a wide array of financial
services. Some bright spots can be seen in the sector as the
Monetary Authority of Singapore commits S$225 million to grow the
country's financial technology capabilities.
Financial technology developers are expected to be paid in the
range of S$7,500 and S$12,000. Vice presidents of compliance and
risk functions in the banking and finance industry can expect to
get S$10,000 and S$17,000.
As Asia's fastest growing bio-cluster, demand for professionals
with specialist skill sets and talent is expected to remain high.
The Government's S$19 billion Research, Innovation and Enterprise
2020 Plan is set to advance and support the sector.
Research and development directors can earn S$8,000 to
S$15,000.
ST
