Singapore’s Ministry of Health (MOH) has announced that around 63,000 public healthcare workers will receive salary increments of up to 7% starting July 1, 2025. This move is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to ensure competitive wages, attract new talent, and retain experienced professionals in the healthcare sector.
MOH has highlighted that allied health professionals, pharmacists, administrative staff, and support personnel will receive increases of up to 7%, while nurses will see their pay rise by up to 4%. These adjustments are part of a broader strategy to address workforce challenges and meet the growing demands of Singapore’s healthcare system.
Who Will Benefit from the Salary Increase?
The upcoming salary adjustments will benefit various categories of public healthcare workers.
- Allied Health Professionals & Pharmacists: Approximately 37,000 allied health professionals (AHPs), including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, dietitians, and pharmacists, will see a pay rise of up to 7%.
- Nurses: Around 26,000 public healthcare nurses will receive salary adjustments of up to 4%. This increment builds upon the Award for Nurses’ Grace, Excellence and Loyalty (ANGEL) scheme, introduced in 2024, which aims to enhance career longevity in the nursing field.
- Administrative, Ancillary, and Support Staff: These essential healthcare workers will also see a salary increase of up to 7%, ensuring fair compensation for their contributions.
MOH’s Commitment to Competitive Salaries
MOH regularly reviews healthcare salaries to remain competitive with market rates. The last major salary increment for allied health professionals, pharmacists, and support staff occurred in 2021. This latest increase aims to further close salary gaps, making the sector more attractive to both new and existing professionals.
Beyond financial incentives, MOH is focusing on long-term workforce strategies, including career development programs, job redesign, and skills enhancement initiatives. These efforts ensure that healthcare professionals receive not only fair wages but also opportunities for professional growth.
Addressing Workforce Retention and Market Trends
One of the main goals of the salary adjustment is to address workforce retention issues. With Singapore’s aging population and rising healthcare needs, ensuring a stable and motivated workforce is crucial.
MOH recognizes that salary increments alone are not enough to retain staff. That is why they are also working on policies that improve job satisfaction, including reducing workload pressures, enhancing workplace safety, and creating better career progression pathways.
Community Care Sector Salary Enhancements
MOH has also implemented salary enhancements for workers in Community Care Organisations (CCOs). Funding support was introduced in 2024 to help these organizations increase staff salaries and maintain competitiveness.
Additionally, salary guidelines for the community care sector were published in 2024 for the first time. These guidelines aim to provide greater transparency to job seekers and current employees about career prospects and compensation expectations.
Beyond Salary: Strengthening Singapore’s Healthcare Workforce
While salary increases play a critical role in attracting and retaining healthcare talent, MOH is also investing in other workforce development strategies:
- Encouraging Mid-Career Transitions: Singapore is supporting individuals who wish to transition into healthcare careers by providing training programs and incentives.
- Job Redesign for Efficiency: Improving job roles and restructuring tasks can help reduce burnout and make healthcare jobs more sustainable.
- Zero-Tolerance Policy for Workplace Harassment: MOH is committed to creating a safe and respectful work environment for healthcare workers, ensuring their well-being and job satisfaction.
Conclusion: A Step Forward for Singapore’s Healthcare Sector
Singapore’s commitment to enhancing public healthcare salaries is a vital step toward building a strong and sustainable healthcare workforce. With the implementation of salary increments, career development initiatives, and workplace improvements, healthcare professionals can look forward to better compensation and a more supportive work environment.
By addressing both financial and structural challenges, MOH aims to ensure that Singapore continues to attract and retain top talent in the healthcare sector, ultimately improving patient care and public health outcomes.
For those considering a career in healthcare, now is a promising time to join the industry and contribute to Singapore’s growing medical landscape.
