SINGAPORE: In 2024, fresh Singaporean graduates could earn starting salaries that vary widely depending on their degree. While the median fresh graduate salary has crossed S$4,300, this figure doesn’t tell the whole story.
Many graduates will earn significantly more or less. Salaries can be particularly promising for those in the upper half of their graduating class. But for those who don’t? Well, one Singaporean notes that it will only keep graduates in “delulu land.”
According to the Vulcan Post, the median salary across all sectors was S$5,197 in 2023. However, some fresh graduates are starting their careers with salaries of S$6,000 or more than S$7,000.
Computer science degrees dominate the list. SMU’s Computer Science graduates with honours lead with starting salaries of S$7,752. NUS’s Bachelor of Computing in Computer Science follows closely with S$7,700.
Specialising in information systems or artificial intelligence also pays well, as shown by SMU’s Information Systems degree, which offers S$6,666 for top graduates.
Graduates with combined degrees also see high starting salaries. NTU’s Business and Computer Engineering/Computing double degree offers S$7,000.
Interestingly, traditional business and law degrees still command high salaries. NUS’s Bachelor of Business Administration graduates can expect S$7,500, while law graduates from NUS and SMU start at S$7,100 and S$7,000, respectively.
This shows that top-performing graduates in these fields continue to be highly valued.
Economics and business degrees were also on the list, with SMU’s Economics graduates with honours earning S$6,000. This is good news, as business degrees are among the most popular in Singapore, even as interest in STEM fields has waned.
But what do Singaporeans think?
One Singaporean on social media noted that it’s no longer rare to earn over S$6,000 starting salary if you’re in the top 25% of your cohort. These individuals are just as, if not more, driven.
However, these high-paying jobs often involve the “ungodliest hours of work known to men.” According to him, it’s no surprise that someone working 80 hours a week will earn more than someone working 40 hours.
Another pointed out that “it’s not rare, but it’s not common either.” Only the top 25% of graduates from these 20 specific degrees out of many disciplines earn more than S$6,000.
Among these 20 degrees, it’s primarily the usual suspects: law, business, and the newer fields like computer science, software engineering, AI, and ML. No other industries are spotted.
While one noted that “If your GPA isn’t second upper, that’s not possible,” another agreed that this will only be “keeping most graduates in delulu land.”
The Vulcan Post reports 20 degrees from five universities where the average gross monthly salary for the top 25% of graduates meets or exceeds S$6,000, more than double the number of degrees offering such salaries just two years ago.
- SMU Computer Science (cum laude and above): S$7,752
- NUS Bachelor of Computing (Computer Science): S$7,700
- NUS Bachelor of Business Administration: S$7,500
- NUS Bachelor of Laws: S$7,100
- NTU Double Degree in Business and Computer Engineering/Computing: S$7,000
- SMU Law: S$7,000
- SMU Information Systems (cum laude and above): S$6,666
- SIT Bachelor of Science in Computer Science in Real-Time Interactive Simulation: S$6,656
- NUS Bachelor of Science (Business Analytics): S$6,600
- SUTD Bachelor of Engineering (Computer Science and Design): S$6,600
- SMU Computer Science: S$6,500
- NTU Double Degree in Engineering and Economics: S$6,500
- NUS Bachelor of Engineering (Computer Engineering): S$6,355
- SMU Information Systems: S$6,250
- NTU Data Science and Artificial Intelligence: S$6,250
- NUS Bachelor of Computing (Information Security): S$6,210
- NTU Computer Engineering: S$6,200
- NUS Bachelor of Computing (Information Systems): S$6,000
- SMU Economics (cum laude and above): S$6,000
- NTU Computer Science: S$6,000
/TISG
Read also: Jobstreet Salary Guide 2023: Singapore’s job market and salary trends across industries
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