You must have heard about the viral video in which several NUS undergraduates were asked by a Hong Kong-based YouTuber about their expected starting salaries. Ranging from $5,000 all the way to $10,000, their replies took netizens by surprise, with many commenting that these students had wildly unrealistic expectations.

So, how much can fresh graduates in Singapore expect to earn? Let’s look at some data furnished by the Ministry of Education (MOE).

Fresh Graduate Salary in Singapore

Six universities were represented in the MOE 2022 Joint Autonomous Universities Graduate Employment Survey (GES): National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore Management University (SMU), Singapore University of Technology & Design (SUTD), Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), and Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS). A total of 10,700 fresh graduates who had just entered the workforce were surveyed.

According to the GES, the median gross monthly salary among fresh graduates in full-time permanent employment has increased from S$3,800 in 2021 to S$4,200 in 2022. This indicates that 50% of fresh graduates from the Class of 2022 earn above S$4,200, with the other 50% earning below that median figure.

With a median gross monthly salary of S$4,500, SMU fresh graduates continued to be at the forefront. NUS fresh graduates were a close second—their median gross monthly salary stood at S$4,300. Moreover, across all six universities, Law graduates had the highest median gross monthly salary of S$6,375. This is followed by graduates from the Information & Digital Technologies cluster with a median gross monthly salary of S$5,625.

Should you negotiate for a higher starting salary?

The truth is that it’s rather difficult for a fresh graduate to command a starting salary significantly higher than the industry average. This is by virtue of the fact that you’ve just entered the workforce; you have minimal work experience to substantiate your case.

Yet you should not just give up negotiating altogether! Negotiation does not only occur at the point which the hiring manager asks about your expected remuneration. It begins even before the interview—when your CV and customised cover letter is placed before him or her.

Position yourself as a worthy candidate by articulating your core competences and how you can contribute to the company. Highlight relevant skills you have picked up from university projects or past internships. This will help you to present a strong and consistent personal brand to the hiring manager.

After doing all of the above, don’t hesitate to state your expected salary with conviction. While it is good for you to be confident, take care not to come across as overly rigid. If you’re asked whether the amount is negotiable, reply that it is, depending on the overall remuneration package.

Consider your long term career prospects

Ultimately, even as you seek to secure a high starting salary, remember to consider other factors which have bearing on your long term career prospects. As a fresh graduate, you still have many decades in the workforce—your entire career lies ahead of you! Thus, it is in your best interests to be forward-looking and evaluate the job offer in a holistic manner.

For instance, does the company you’re planning to join conduct mentorship and cross-departmental training programs? Does it offer an abundance of educational or overseas travel opportunities? Your first job should allow you to grow professionally and develop your capabilities at work to the fullest.

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