According to Robert Half, companies are being pressured by the current job market to raise salaries to attract and retain in-demand and scarce professionals, especially in the IT sector.
Curious about what are the top-paying jobs in 2020?
As expected, many tech jobs are listed as high paying jobs this year and are highly likely to continue to be high paying jobs in 2020.
Marketing, sales and engineering also fall under the list.
Not forgetting HR directors.
“In 2020, HR directors in permanent roles will be able to earn S$220,000 to S$300,000 per annum.”
Human Resources Online
Based on many recent researches, work culture is currently one of the top considerations when choosing a job, followed by career growth opportunities and flexible work options.
And more companies are seeing them as effective recruitment tools, emphasising them in job ads.
Read also: 5 Ways to Recruit Passive Job Seekers
However, a job ad listing a high salary will still without a doubt attract your attention as you scroll through job portals.
The salary an opening offers will always remain a consideration for all job seekers.
Most of you may choose a good company over a good salary. But everyone, including you, will hope to have the best of both worlds.
And may still be in dilemma when accepting a job.
Well, fret not as more companies are realising the importance of a positive work environment, flexible work options and growth opportunities.
More than 80% of HR leaders say positive employer branding is significant to attract talents, reported by Undercover Recruiter statistics.
Furthermore, more organisations including those in the healthcare industry have hopped on the remote work bandwagon.
And many tech companies are actively hiring flexible job positions, states Forbes.
“Job hoppers can expect
up to 15% more pay.”
Channel News Asia (CNA)
Even the negative stigma of job-hopping is almost fading out. Meaning, more companies understand employees needs and are able to satisfy them better.
To feed your curiosity, we have listed high paying jobs (split by department) for you to take note of in Singapore as you enter the new year.
Read also: Career Tips for Youth: Choosing Your Own Path
1. Technology
- Jobs in demand for 2020 include software engineers, automation and robotics engineering, software app developers, IT helpdesk and cybersecurity specialist.
- Data scientists and UI/ UX professionals are also hot professions as competition between businesses increases and more services are becoming online.
- Other than that, cybersecurity specialists will be highly demanded due to the increasing number of data breaches occurring in Singapore.
- Those who are business savvy and tech-savvy are highly demanded by all industries.
- Soft skills are now essential to excel in your IT career.
- Technology department is one of the most active hiring functions in Fast Moving Consumer Goods.
- Internet, Fintech, Healthcare & Medical Devices and Start-Ups are the most active hiring functions in Technology, Media & Telecommunications.
- Environmental-related jobs are in high demand as agritech companies are rushing to find environmentally sustainable solutions and healthier produce.
- For contract roles, full-stack developer ($5k to $12k per month), system engineer with cloud experience ($6k to $15k per month), and business analyst ($7k to $15k per month) are the top three most in-demand roles that companies are seeking.
| JOB ROLE | MEDIAN SALARY PER ANNUM (SGD’000) |
| Chemicals & Engineering | |
| Lead Data Scientist | 155 |
| IT Business Partner | 175 |
| Head of Digital | 220 |
| Technology Lead | 230 |
| Technology, Media & Telecommunications | |
| Cloud Architect | 154 |
| Pre-Sales Manager | 156 |
| ERP Manager | 156 |
| DevOps Manager | 160 |
| Head of Applications / Software Development | 162 |
| Head of Digital Transformation | 162 |
| Head of IT Risk and Compliance | 162 |
| Head of Infrastructure | 162 |
| Product Director | 162 |
| Data Analyst Manager | 165 |
| Head of Service Delivery | 189 |
| Director of Digital Transformation | 192 |
| Head of ERP | 198 |
| Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) | |
| IT Security Manager | 155 |
| Head of IT Security | 180 |
| Infrastructure Director | 195 |
| Head of IT | 240 |
| Financial Services & Fintech – Middle Office | |
| Network Design Lead | 156 |
| Enterprise Architect | 156 |
| Chief Data Scientist | 156 |
| Head of Software Engineering | 156 |
| Head of IT Security | 175 |
| Digital Transformation Specialist | 180 |
| Head of Software Engineering | 200 |
| Healthcare & Life Sciences | |
| Business Intelligence (BI) and Data Analytics Manager | 160 |
| Digital Transformation Specialist | 167 |
| IT Project Director | 190 |
| Solution Partner / Director | 190 |
| Retail | |
| Infrastructure Architect | 150 |
| IT Director | 195 |
| Services | |
| Head of IT Security | 180 |
| IT Business Partner | 190 |
| Vice President of IT Strategy and Architecture | 195 |
| Head of Enterprise Architecture | 200 |
| Head of IT | 240 |
| Others | |
| IT Director – General and Project Management | 228 |
| Head of Enterprise Architecture | 235 |
Source from Michael Page Salary Guide 2020
2. Engineering and Manufacturing
- Jobs in demand for 2020 include civil engineering, electrical engineering, alternative energy engineer and Manufacturing Director. [NewEngineer.com & mycareersfuture.sg]
- Kelly Services report reveals that application engineers, maintenance technicians, as well as health & safety engineers are currently in demand.
- In Singapore, more than 1,000 new engineers will be required every year for public infrastructure projects.
- By 2020, more than 2,000 jobs in this sector will be created.
| JOB ROLE | MEDIAN SALARY PER ANNUM (SGD’000) |
| Chemicals & Engineering | |
| Plant Manager | 195 |
| Project Director | 200 |
| Quality Assurance Director | 208 |
| Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) Director | 220 |
| Operations Director | 220 |
| R&D Director | 234 |
| Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) | |
| Regional Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) Manager | 180 |
| Plant Manager | 195 |
| Quality Assurance (QA) Director | 208 |
| Regional Operations Manager | 220 |
| Healthcare & Life Sciences | |
| Senior Quality Assurance (QA) Manager | 150 |
| Principal Project Manager | 160 |
| Environment, Health & Safety Manager | 162 |
| Head of Product Development | 167 |
| Director Quality Assurance (QA) | 220 |
| Others | |
| Application Manager | 143 |
| Head of Product Development | 143 |
| Mechanical Design Manager | 143 |
| System Architect | 143 |
| Senior Project Manager | 143 |
| Quality Assurance Director | 165 |
| Manufacturing Director | 203 |
Source from Michael Page Salary Guide 2020
Like what you’re reading? Click here to read more articles, career-related tips, and more!
3. Marketing
- Highly sought-after marketing roles are mostly related to e-commerce, big data and digital experiences.
- They include Director of Growth Marketing, digital marketing specialist, marketing data scientist, digital performance marketers, Chief Experience Officer (CXO), President of Brands, brand directors.
- Moving on, skill sets that are currently and will be hot are digital marketing skills, SEO/ SEM, website design and programming, content generation, data science and analytics and basic graphic design skills.
- There is increased investment in headcount in the marketing sector of Healthcare and Life Sciences.
| JOB ROLE | MEDIAN SALARY PER ANNUM (SGD’000) |
| Chemicals & Engineering | |
| Marketing Communications Director | 150 |
| Head of Marketing Insights and Analytics | 165 |
| Senior Product Marketing Manager | 167 |
| Head of Partnerships | 175 |
| Marketing Director | 190 |
| Corporate Communications Director | 250 |
| Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) | |
| Digital Marketing Manager | 128 |
| Head of Marketing | 156 |
| Head of E-commerce | 200 |
| Financial Services & Fintech | |
| Product Director | 155 |
| Director Marketing and Communications | 170 |
| Senior Marketing Director | 175 |
| Head of Marketing | 185 |
| Digital Marketing Director | 200 |
| E-commerce Director | 200 |
| Senior Vice President Solution Sales | 215 |
| Healthcare & Life Sciences | |
| Marketing Manager | 125 |
| Marketing and Communications Manager | 140 |
| Head of Marketing | 250 |
| Retail | |
| Brand Director | 137 |
| Director Digital Marketing | 144 |
| Head of CRM | 160 |
| Marketing Director | 162 |
| Head of Marketing Insights and Analytics | 176 |
| Head of Marketing and Communications | 192 |
| Assistant Vice President E-commerce | 193 |
| Assistant Vice President Digital Marketing | 193 |
| Marketing Insights and Analytics Lead | 195 |
| Head of E-commerce | 200 |
| Marketing and Communications Director | 210 |
| Services | |
| Director Digital Marketing | 144 |
| Marketing Director | 144 |
| Senior Events Director | 165 |
| Senior Strategy and Analytics Manager | 176 |
| Head of Marketing Insights and Analytics | 180 |
| E-commerce Director | 216 |
| Vice President Strategy and Analytics | 250 |
Source from Michael Page Salary Guide 2020
Read also: Biggest HR & Learning Show Asia 2019 Takeaways and Highlights
4. Human Resource
- Jobs in big demand will be HR professionals who are HR Business Partners (HRBP) and are able to acquire talent in tech .
- They also include professionals with extensive experience in the area of HR technologies and talent acquisition, talent management and development.
- Research expect salary increment of up to 20 percent for those with skills and experience in the IT, digital and technology sector.
- With the rise in talent shortage and job market becoming more competitive, HR plays a vital part in sourcing and acquiring the best talent in the market as well as retaining their best employees.
| JOB ROLE | MEDIAN SALARY PER ANNUM (SGD’000) |
| Chemicals & Engineering | |
| Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP) Manager | 135 |
| Director Talent Development | 135 |
| HR Director | 200 |
| Technology, Media & Telecommunications | |
| Talent Capabilities Director | 150 |
| Talent Acquisition Manager | 160 |
| Head of Talent Acquisition | 210 |
| Director HRBP | 210 |
| Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) | |
| Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP) Manager | 135 |
| Director Talent Development | 135 |
| HR Director | 200 |
| Financial Services & Fintech | |
| Senior Talent Acquisition Manager | 150 |
| Compensation & Benefits (C&B) Manager | 150 |
| Senior Talent Development Manager | 157 |
| HRBP Manager | 200 |
| HR Director | 245 |
| Healthcare & Life Sciences | |
| HRBP | 150 |
| Head of Talent Acquisition | 150 |
| Head of HR | 240 |
| Retail | |
| General Manager HR | 275 |
| Head of HR | 275 |
| Services | |
| Talent Development Manager | 144 |
| Head of Talent Acquisition | 150 |
| Senior C&B Manager | 165 |
| HR Director | 250 |
| Head of C&B | 250 |
| Other | |
| Talent Acquisition Director | 180 |
| Learning & Talent Development Director | 185 |
| Talent Management Experts | 200 |
| C&B Directors | 240+ |
| Head of HR – Banking and Financial Service | 260 |
Source from Michael Page Salary Guide 2020
5. Finance & Accounting
- Jobs in demand include accounts assistant, compliance officer, finance executive, client relationship manager, financial analyst and risk analyst.
- Professionals with business controlling/ FP&A, financial controlling skills and transformation strategy are also sought-after.
- In 2020, close to 2,000 jobs may be generated in the accounting sector.
- Approximately 3,000 new positions in this industry and 1,000 in Fintech will be created in 2020 according to Ministry of Manpower.
- Kelly Services says “Concurrently, the sector is focusing on the adoption of technologies including blockchain and AI (artificial intelligence) to strengthen the country’s digital transformation efforts.”
| JOB ROLE | MEDIAN SALARY PER ANNUM (SGD’000) |
| Chemicals & Engineering | |
| Business Controller | 156 |
| Finance Controller | 156 |
| Internal Audit Director | 195 |
| Head of Risk Governance and Compliance | 195 |
| Head of Treasury / Treasury Director | 195 |
| Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) Director | 200 |
| Finance Director | 200 |
| Head of Tax / Tax Director | 210 |
| Head of Finance Operations / Head of Shared Services | 240 |
| Technology, Media & Telecommunications | |
| Business Controller | 156 |
| Finance Controller | 156 |
| Internal Audit Director | 195 |
| Head of Risk Governance and Compliance | 195 |
| Head of Treasury / Treasury Director | 195 |
| Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) Director | 200 |
| Finance Director | 200 |
| Head of Tax / Tax Director | 210 |
| Head of Finance Operations / Head of Shared Services | 240 |
| Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) | |
| Business Controller | 156 |
| Finance Controller | 156 |
| Internal Audit Director | 195 |
| Head of Risk Governance and Compliance | 195 |
| Head of Treasury / Treasury Director | 195 |
| Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) Director | 200 |
| Finance Director | 200 |
| Head of Tax / Tax Director | 210 |
| Head of Finance Operations / Head of Shared Services | 240 |
| Financial Services & Fintech | |
| Vice President Internal Audit | 151 |
| Financial Controller | 165 |
| Vice President Fund Accounting | 165 |
| Fund Controller | 180 |
| Senior Vice President Fund Accounting | 210 |
| Treasury Director | 212 |
| Finance Director | 250 |
| Healthcare & Life Sciences (Only Finance) | |
| Business Controller | 156 |
| Finance Controller | 156 |
| Internal Audit Director | 195 |
| Head of Risk Governance and Compliance | 195 |
| Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) Director | 200 |
| Finance Director | 200 |
| Head of Tax / Tax Director | 210 |
| Head of Finance Operations / Head of Shared Services | 249 |
| Retail | |
| Business Controller | 156 |
| Finance Controller | 156 |
| Internal Audit Director | 195 |
| Head of Risk Governance and Compliance | 195 |
| Head of Treasury / Treasury Director | 195 |
| Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) Director | 200 |
| Finance Director | 200 |
| Head of Tax / Tax Director | 210 |
| Head of Finance Operations / Head of Shared Services | 240 |
| Services | |
| Business Controller | 156 |
| Finance Controller | 156 |
| Internal Audit Director | 195 |
| Head of Risk Governance and Compliance | 195 |
| Head of Treasury / Treasury Director | 195 |
| Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) Director | 200 |
| Finance Director | 200 |
| Head of Tax / Tax Director | 210 |
| Head of Finance Operations / Head of Shared Services | 240 |
| Other | |
| Compliance Directors | 258 |
| Head of International Banking Division | 400 |
Source from Michael Page Salary Guide 2020
6. Sales
- Skill sets such as Customer Relationship Management, customer service etiquette as well as multilingual are expected to boom.
- According to Randstard, sales jobs dominate the top 5 roles in the best sales and marketing jobs for 2019. With sales associates taking the top spot, followed by store manager and sales manager.
- The sales and retail industry is one of the few sectors that focuses on staff retention.
- Sales and marketing professionals skills remain in short supply.
- Jobs that require human touch such as CRM and customer service are and will still grow.
| JOB ROLE | MEDIAN SALARY PER ANNUM (SGD’000) |
| Chemicals & Engineering | |
| Key Account Director | 170 |
| Business Development Director | 175 |
| Product Lead | 175 |
| Head of Sales | 180 |
| Sales Director | 200 |
| Commercial Director | 220 |
| General Manager Sales | 240 |
| Technology, Media & Telecommunications | |
| Head of Product | 151 |
| Associate Sales Director | 180 |
| Business Development Director | 186 |
| Head of Sales | 200 |
| Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) | |
| Business Development Manager | 90 |
| Sales Manager | 94 |
| Export Manager | 94 |
| Financial Services & Fintech | |
| Sales Manager | 100 |
| Sales Director | 167 |
| Head of Sales | 347 |
| Healthcare & Life Sciences | |
| Business Manager | 150 |
| Commercial Manager | 160 |
| Senior Business Development Manager | 175 |
| Product Director | 190 |
| General Manager Sales | 215 |
| Sales Director | 250 |
| Head of Business Development | 250 |
| Director Sales & Marketing | 260 |
| Retail | |
| Business Development Director | 137 |
| Sales Director | 141 |
| Head of Sales | 150 |
| Franchise Director | 150 |
| Services | |
| Head of Product | 144 |
| Head of Sales | 156 |
| Head of Business Development | 160 |
| General Manager Sales | 166 |
Source from Michael Page Salary Guide 2020
Read also: Employee Referral – The Way to More Successful Job Matches
7. Legal
- Most in-demand professionals are those who are tech-savvy and have the ability to speak, read and write in Mandarin.
- Most sought after jobs are legal counsels and compliance-related positions.
- The more years of experience the professional has, the higher the salary he/ she earns.
- Also, in-house earn more than compliance and contract & vendor management.
- According to Human Resource Online, a Human Resource role can go up to SGD$500k per year.
| JOB ROLE | MEDIAN SALARY PER ANNUM (SGD’000) |
| Chemicals & Engineering | |
| Senior Compliance Manager | 155 |
| Senior Legal Counsel | 212 |
| Head of Compliance | 250 |
| General Counsel | 280 |
| Technology, Media & Telecommunications | |
| Senior Legal Counsel | 180 |
| Data Privacy Counsel | 215 |
| Associate General Counsel | 230 |
| General Counsel | 285 |
| Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) | |
| Senior Compliance Manager | 165 |
| Senior Legal Counsel | 212 |
| Head of Compliance | 260 |
| General Counsel | 280 |
| Financial Services & Fintech | |
| Litigation Counsel | 160 |
| Legal Counsel | 170 |
| Senior Legal Counsel | 195 |
| General Counsel | 310 |
| Healthcare & Life Sciences | |
| Senior Legal Counsel | 185 |
| Senior Compliance Manager | 200 |
| Compliance Director | 290 |
| General Counsel | 300 |
| Services | |
| Legal Counsel | 145 |
| Corporate Secretary Manager | 145 |
| Senior Associate – Law Firm | 175 |
| Senior Compliance Manager | 175 |
| Senior Legal Counsel | 195 |
| Partner – Law Firm | 345 |
Source from Michael Page Salary Guide 2020
8. C-Suite
| JOB ROLE | MEDIAN SALARY PER ANNUM (SGD’000) |
| Chemicals & Engineering (w ASEAN responsibilities) | |
| Chief Financial Office | 325 |
| Chief Operating Officer | 350 |
| Chief Executive Officer | 500 |
| Technology, Media & Telecommunications | |
| Chief Information Officer | 240 |
| Chief Product Officer | 275 |
| Chief Technology Officer | 280 |
| Chief Information Officer | 300 |
| Chief Financial Officer | 325 |
| Chief Executive Officer | 500 |
| Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) | |
| Chief Product Officer | 277 |
| Chief Financial Office | 325 |
| Financial Services & Fintech | |
| Chief Information Officer | 270 |
| Chief Strategy Officer | 275 |
| Chief Risk Officer | 300 |
| Chief Financial Officer | 325 |
| Head of Private Banking | 375 |
| Head of Financial Institutions | 375 |
| Head of Private Equity/ Venture Capital | 510 |
| Healthcare & Life Sciences | |
| Chief Operating Officer | 300 |
| Chief Financial | 325 |
| Services | |
| Chief Technology Officer | 160 |
| Chief Operating Officer | 225 |
| Chief Financial Officer | 325 |
| Chief Executive Officer | 340 |
| Others | |
| Chief Human Resource Officer | 275 |
Source from Michael Page Salary Guide 2020
IoTip: Technology professionals are currently hot across all industries but to make yourself stand out from the crowd:
> Have a good understanding of both global and local cultures and mindset.
> Have both hard and soft skills.
If permanent roles ain’t your cup of tea and you would prefer to job hop, contract jobs can be your option!
It is also said that contract roles are getting more popular not only among employees but employers too. And employees on contract can actually earn quite a sum.
After reading the salary guide, we hope you would have a gauge of the job trend in the new year.
Although we, IoTalents aims to do our best to guide you to your ideal job, do take the guide with a pinch of salt as it is just to guide you in your career path.
Looking for a job? Here are some suggestions!
TECHNOLOGY
- Service Desk Analyst
- Application Support Analyst
- Data Analyst
- Business System Analyst
- IT Support Analyst
- Systems Analyst (Functional)
- Desktop Support Engineer (5 days)
- UI/UX Design Lead
- Data Scientist
- Network Engineer (1-year contract)
- IT Executive
- Security Consultant
- ERP Consultant-SAP
- Consultant (Robotic Process Automation)
- Software Engineer
- Web Developer
- Web UX Designer
- Web (Full) Developer
- Mobile Application Developer
- Desktop Support Engineer
- Junior Java / Mobile Developer
- Desktop Support Engineer
- Ecommerce Business Analyst
- Presales Applications Consultant
- IT Support Engineer
- Customer IT Support Representative (Helpdesk)
- Customer IT Support Representative (Desktop Support)
SALES & MARKETING
ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE
HUMAN RESOURCE
If you happen to ponder across a job that suits your friend or family, why not refer to them the job.
“48% of businesses say their high-quality hires come from employee referrals.”, says LinkedIn.
Looking for other jobs? Simply download Jobs007 via Appstore or Playstore to look at the other job roles available!
Like what you’re reading? Click here to read more articles, career-related tips, and more!
IoTalents.com is an integrated platform for online Hirers and IT Workforce (Employees, Contract workers and Virtual Talents) to get intelligently connected and transact. We match companies to awesome talent, through a precise combination of data science and human judgement.
