Top 8 Highest-Paying Jobs in Singapore Among Young Professionals

What are the highest-paying jobs in Singapore for young professionals aged 25 to 29?

Do technical careers dominate the rankings, or do other fields compete? What skills and qualifications could help you reach these roles?

This guide compares eight occupations using MOM wage data. You will learn about their salaries, responsibilities, requirements and possible career pathways.

Quick Takeaways

• The highest-paying jobs listed offer median gross monthly wages ranging from S$6,946 to S$9,500.
• AI and machine learning engineers lead the ranking with a S$9,500 median monthly wage.
• The top roles span AI, marketing, data, technology, medicine, cybersecurity and workplace training.
• Each career requires different skills, experience, qualifications or professional registration to enter and progress. 
• To pursue a higher-paying career, identify your skills gap and build evidence through practical projects. 

How We Ranked the Highest-Paying Jobs in Singapore

This ranking uses MOM’s Occupational Wages 2025 data, released on 30 June 2026.

The figures show median gross monthly wages in June 2025. They cover full-time resident employees aged 25 to 29 from establishments with at least 200 employees.

We ranked the published occupations from highest to lowest gross wage for young professionals aged 25 to 29. These figures exclude bonuses and do not represent guaranteed starting salaries.

Top 8 Highest-Paying Jobs in Singapore Among Young Professionals

The table gives you a quick salary comparison before we explore each occupation.

Rank	Occupation	Median Basic Wage	Median Gross Wage
1	Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning Engineer	S$8,300	S$9,500
2	Marketing Manager	S$7,469	S$7,500
3	Operations Research Analyst	S$6,802	S$7,119
4	Data Scientist	S$7,000	S$7,115
5	ICT Service Manager	S$7,059	S$7,100
6	Internal Medicine Physician	S$7,073	S$7,073
7	Cyber Risk Specialist	S$6,541	S$6,976
8	Training/Staff Development Professional	S$6,945	S$6,945

1. Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning Engineer

Median gross monthly wage: S$9,500

AI and machine learning engineers develop systems that learn from data. These systems predict outcomes, recommend actions or automate decisions.

Their responsibilities may include:

• Preparing data for model training
• Building and testing machine learning models
• Measuring and improving model performance
• Deploying models into applications and workflows
• Monitoring models after deployment

This role requires programming, statistics and problem-solving skills. Engineers may also work with APIs, AI agents and cloud platforms.

Employers often seek qualifications in computer science, engineering, mathematics or related fields. Applied projects can help demonstrate your technical knowledge.

Possible entry routes include software engineering, data analysis and junior machine learning roles. These positions can build your programming, data preparation and model development experience.

2. Marketing Manager

Median gross monthly wage: S$7,500

Marketing managers plan how businesses attract, engage and retain customers. They oversee campaigns across digital and offline channels.

Their responsibilities may include:

• Developing marketing strategies
• Managing campaign budgets
• Reviewing customer research
• Overseeing content and advertising
• Tracking campaign performance
• Coordinating teams and agencies

Marketing managers need commercial judgement, communication and leadership skills. They must also understand digital channels and campaign data.

Most professionals reach this position after gaining hands-on marketing experience. Common entry routes include marketing executive, digital marketer and channel specialist roles.

Managing campaigns can help you develop budgeting and stakeholder management skills. You also need to show how your work supports leads, sales or customer growth.

3. Operations Research Analyst

Median gross monthly wage: S$7,119

Operations research analysts use data and mathematical models to solve operational problems. They compare possible outcomes before recommending an approach.

Their work may involve:

• Improving delivery routes
• Planning employee or resource schedules
• Managing inventory levels
• Comparing operating costs
• Supporting budget allocation
• Testing possible business scenarios

These analysts may work across transport, healthcare, finance and supply chain functions.

The role requires mathematics, statistics, data analysis and structured problem-solving skills. Analysts must also explain technical findings to business teams.

Employers may seek qualifications in mathematics, statistics, economics, engineering or operations research.

Possible entry routes include data analyst, business analyst and operations analyst positions. These roles can help you practise turning data into practical recommendations.

Related Article: Entry-Level Data Analyst Salary in Singapore 2026 Updates

4. Data Scientist

Median gross monthly wage: S$7,115

Data scientists analyse complex datasets to identify patterns and predict outcomes. Their findings can support planning, risk management and customer decisions.

Their responsibilities may include:

• Collecting and cleaning data
• Exploring patterns within datasets
• Building predictive models
• Testing model performance
• Creating data visualisations
• Presenting findings to stakeholders

For example, a retailer might use data science to forecast product demand. A bank could apply it to detect unusual transactions.

This role requires programming, statistics and machine learning skills. You also need to explain findings clearly to non-technical teams.

Employers may seek technical qualifications or applied project experience. Many professionals start in data analyst or business analyst roles before developing deeper modelling skills.

5. ICT Service Manager

Median gross monthly wage: S$7,100

ICT service managers oversee technology services, systems and support teams. They help ensure these services meet business and user needs.

Their responsibilities may include:

• Monitoring service quality and performance
• Managing technology budgets and resources
• Coordinating technical teams
• Responding to service disruptions
• Reviewing operational and security risks
• Managing stakeholder expectations

This role requires technical knowledge, communication and team management skills. Managers must explain complex issues to employees without technical backgrounds.

Most professionals enter this role after gaining experience in ICT support, systems administration or service delivery.

Supervisory experience can also prepare you to manage employees, vendors and competing priorities. This position rarely represents an entry-level career.

6. Internal Medicine Physician

Median gross monthly wage: S$7,073

Internal medicine physicians diagnose and manage illnesses affecting adult patients. They may treat complex conditions involving several organs or health concerns.

Their responsibilities may include:

• Reviewing symptoms and medical histories
• Ordering and interpreting tests
• Diagnosing illnesses
• Developing treatment plans
• Monitoring patient progress
• Coordinating care with other specialists

This career requires recognised medical education and supervised clinical training. Physicians must also secure professional registration before practising in Singapore.

Those pursuing specialist roles may need further postgraduate training in internal medicine.

Unlike several other careers on this list, short courses cannot provide the required medical pathway. Prospective physicians should review current education and registration requirements.

7. Cyber Risk Specialist

Median gross monthly wage: S$6,976

Cyber risk specialists identify digital threats that could affect systems, data and business operations. They help organisations understand and manage potential damage.

Their responsibilities may include:

• Reviewing security controls and policies
• Assessing cyber risks
• Supporting audits and compliance reviews
• Evaluating incident response plans
• Reporting risks to management
• Recommending suitable controls

The role combines cybersecurity knowledge with risk assessment and communication skills. Specialists often work with technical, legal, compliance and management teams.

Possible entry routes include cybersecurity operations, technology audit and compliance roles. These positions can build your knowledge of security controls and business risks.

Industry certifications or relevant qualifications may also support your progression. Requirements will depend on the employer and role scope.

Related Article: Cyber Security Salary in Singapore 2026: Pay, Roles, and Career Outlook

8. Training/Staff Development Professional

Median gross monthly wage: S$6,945

Training and staff development professionals help employees build skills for their roles. They connect learning plans with workplace needs and business goals.

Their responsibilities may include:

• Identifying employee skills gaps
• Planning workplace training programmes
• Developing learning materials
• Coordinating trainers and participants
• Measuring training outcomes
• Working with managers and external providers

This role requires communication, programme planning and stakeholder management skills. You also need to understand how employees learn and apply new knowledge.

Possible entry routes include training coordinator, learning support executive and human resources roles.

Experience managing workshops or employee programmes can support your progression. You should also show how your training work improves workplace performance.

Related Article: How Much Does a Fresh Graduate Earn in Singapore? (Digital Career Guide 2026)

Courses That Can Support These Career Paths

Some Vertical Institute courses cover skills used within these careers. Choose a course based on your skills gap, not the salary alone.

Occupation	Supporting Skill Area	Relevant Vertical Institute Course
Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning Engineer	AI systems, automation, data science and machine learning	Generative AI Course, Generative AI Workflow Automation Course, Data Science & AI Course, Advanced Data Science Course
Marketing Manager	Campaign planning, search marketing and performance measurement	Digital Marketing Course, SEO Marketing Course, Mastering Google Analytics 4
Operations Research Analyst	Data analysis and analytical decision-making	Data Analytics Course, Advanced Data Analytics Course
Data Scientist	Data science, machine learning and predictive modelling	Data Science & AI Course, Advanced Data Science Course
ICT Service Manager	Team leadership, communication and workplace relationships	Leading with Clarity: From Strategy to Team Results Course, Effective People and Relationship Management Course
Internal Medicine Physician	Medical education and clinical training	No direct course connection
Cyber Risk Specialist	Cyber risk management, security controls, regulations and incident response	Cybersecurity Course
Training/Staff Development Professional	Leadership, communication and employee relationships	Leading with Clarity: From Strategy to Team Results Course, Effective People and Relationship Management Course

These courses can help you address selected skills gaps. They do not replace degrees, licences or work experience required for certain occupations.

How to Work Towards a High-Paying Career

High-paying roles often require specialised knowledge, relevant experience or professional qualifications.

Before choosing your next step, compare the career requirements with your current background.

Understand the Career Requirements

Each occupation follows a different career pathway.

Career Pathway	Occupations	Common Requirements
Regulated profession	Internal Medicine Physician	Medical degree, clinical training and professional registration
Technical specialist	AI/ML Engineer, Operations Research Analyst, Data Scientist, Cyber Risk Specialist	Technical skills, applied projects and relevant experience
Management	Marketing Manager, ICT Service Manager	Industry experience, leadership skills and commercial knowledge
Workplace learning	Training/Staff Development Professional	Training knowledge, communication and stakeholder management

Check the required pathway before paying for training or applying for roles.

Some skills can come from courses and projects. Regulated careers may require specific qualifications, supervised training and professional registration.

Identify Your Current Skills Gap

Review several job listings for your target role. Look for skills and qualifications that appear repeatedly.

Then follow these steps:

1. Compare the common requirements with your current experience.
2. Identify the main gap blocking your next move.
3. Choose training or projects that address that gap.
4. Build evidence showing how you applied the skill.
5. Consider a stepping-stone role if direct entry remains unrealistic.

For example, an aspiring data scientist might first pursue data analyst roles. This route builds experience in data cleaning, reporting and visualisation.

A future marketing manager could begin by managing campaigns. They can then progress towards strategy, budgets and team leadership.

Focus on one clear gap first. Trying to master every listed skill may slow your progress.

Evaluate the Full Career Path

A higher salary may require years of training, formal qualifications or demanding responsibilities.

Consider how long entry could take and what it may cost. Review the daily work, progression opportunities and demand for the role.

Then ask yourself:

• Does the work suit your strengths?
• Can you meet the entry requirements?
• Does the career offer a realistic next step?
• Would you still pursue it if its salary ranked lower?

The best career target should fit your skills, circumstances and long-term goals.

How AI Skills Helped One VI Alumnus Secure a 33% Pay Rise

Lim Yi Ping built practical AI skills, then demonstrated their value during job interviews.

He showed employers how his Custom GPT could create targeted Google and Facebook advertisements. This proved he could apply AI to real marketing work.

“After taking the Gen AI course with Vertical Institute, I did live AI automation demos during job interviews. As a result, 3 of 4 companies extended their job offers to me,” he told CNA Money Mind.

Yi Ping received three job offers and secured a 33% pay rise.

His experience reflects a key lesson from this ranking. Reaching a higher-paying role requires more than learning new skills. You also need to show employers how those skills improve productivity, solve problems or support business results.

FAQs About the Highest-Paying Jobs in Singapore

Build Skills for Your Next Career Move

The highest-paying jobs in Singapore follow different career paths. Some require technical skills, leadership experience or formal qualifications.

A high salary does not make every role right for you. Consider the daily work, entry requirements and fit with your strengths. Once you choose a direction, identify the main skills gap blocking your next move. Then develop that skill through training, projects or workplace experience.

The experience of VI alumnus Yi Ping shows that learning alone may not secure better opportunities. You must demonstrate how your skills improve productivity or support business results.

Upskill for the role you want, then show employers what you can achieve.