Many international job seekers underestimate the potential of the Singapore job market, often prioritizing high-paying roles in countries like the US, UK, Europe, and Canada.
Host Country
Singapore
Target Audience
INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS
Program Overview
Many international job seekers underestimate the potential of the Singapore job market, often prioritizing high-paying roles in countries like the US, UK, Europe, and Canada. However, Singapore offers numerous opportunities with higher average salaries of around SGD $7650 per month compared to many other nations. This article explores the Singaporean job market in detail, emphasizing the shortage of skills in various areas and the relatively less intense competition. If your qualifications align, there’s a high chance of securing a permanent position along with a work visa/permit in Singapore.
Singapore’s High Demand Jobs in 2023
Before deciding where to apply for jobs, it’s crucial to identify the most in-demand professions in Singapore and their associated salaries. The following professions are experiencing high demand and are part of the skill shortage occupation list in Singapore for 2023:
Healthcare Sector Shortage Occupations in Singapore 2023
- Dietician
- Physiotherapists
- Clinical audiologist
- Medical social personnel
- Nursing staff
- Medical diagnostic radiographer
- Doctor
- Respiratory therapists
- Dentist
- Anesthesiologist
- Pharmacist
- Medical laboratory technologist
- Pharmacy technician
- Podiatrist
Construction Sector Shortage Occupations in Singapore 2023
- Geotechnical and design engineers
- Quantity Surveyor
- Aircon engineers
- Structural engineers
- Civil engineers
- Architectural engineers
- Resident technical officer
- Soil testing & commissioning engineers
- Building and construction project managers
- Jet grouting personnel
- Hoist operators
- Crane operators
Manufacturing Industries Shortage Occupations in Singapore 2023
- Reservoir engineers
- Automation or process engineers
- Chemist or process development chemist
- Wafer fabrication process engineers
- QA/QC professionals
- Firmware R&D engineers
- Media process engineer
- Environmental (Water) engineer
- Nano engineers
- HDD-related R&D engineer
- Electrical technicians
- Design engineers
- Petroleum engineer
- Well engineers
- Project engineer
- Network storage engineer
IT Sector Shortage Occupations in Singapore 2023
- Animators
- Computer graphics (CG) artists
- Matchmove artist
- Producer (film/TV, animation & games)
- AI project manager
- Character artist
- Riggers
- Director (TV/Film, animation & games)
- Technical artists
- Game designer or level designer
- Analyst programmers
- Production assistant (animation & games)
- Gaffers
- Database/network and computer systems administrators
- Security consultants
- Rotoscope artists
- Game programmer
- Screenwriter and scriptwriter
- Systems analyst
- Lighting and rendering artist
- 2D and 3D artists
- Environment artist
- Chief information officer
- Storyboard artist
- Line producer
- Visual effects (VFX) supervisors
- Modeler and texture artist
- Software engineer
- Game producer
- Visual Effects (VFX) artists
- Character designer
- Concept Artists
- Solution or software architects
In addition to these high-demand jobs, the Singapore Ministry of Manpower (MOM) reports skill shortages in the tourism, finance, digital media, and retail sectors. If you possess qualifications and expertise in any of these sectors, you might find a high-paying job in 2023.
Visa Options for Working in Singapore
Pass for Skilled or Unskilled Workers (S Pass & Others)
- Employment Pass
- Short-term S Pass
- Singapore Training Pass
1. Pass for Skilled or Unskilled Workers
If you plan to undertake a semi-skilled or skilled job role, the S Pass is your go-to option. It comes with several subcategories, including work permits for artists, domestic workers, caregivers, and migrant laborers.
2. Singapore’s Employment Pass
If your job offer involves an executive or managerial position or if you’re venturing into Singapore as an entrepreneur or business owner, you’ll need to apply for the Singaporean Employment Pass. This pass further breaks down into categories like Overseas Expertise Pass, EntrePass, and Personalised Employment Pass.
3. Short-term S Pass
If your employment in Singapore is on a seasonal or temporary basis, consider the Short-term S Pass. Under this miscellaneous work pass, you’re permitted to stay in Singapore for up to six months, participating in public speeches, workshops, research activities, or conferences.
4. Singapore Training Pass
Singapore provides a visa option for those intending to join trainings, graduate programs,
trainee roles, probationary jobs, or work during holiday periods. Upon securing this Training Pass, you can stay in the country for up to six months for the listed activities.
