From my observations, numerous international job seekers tend to underestimate the potential of the Singapore job market. Instead, they prioritize high-paying roles in countries such as the US, UK, Europe, and Canada.
This focus elsewhere leads to lesser competition in Singapore, where the average salary is around SGD $7650 per month, significantly higher compared to many other nations.
That’s why I emphatically encourage those seeking jobs to consider the Singaporean job market, which is experiencing a shortage of skills in numerous areas.
Competition here is relatively less intense, and if your qualifications align, there’s a high chance of securing a permanent position along with a work visa/permit in Singapore.
This article delves into these facets in detail, so let’s unravel these aspects together.
Singapore’s High Demand Jobs in 2024
Before deciding whether to apply for jobs in Singapore or elsewhere, it’s crucial to identify the most in-demand professions in the city-state and the salaries they command.
My research indicates that the following professions are experiencing high demand and are part of the skill shortage occupation list in Singapore for 2024, attracting a fast-tracked visa immigration process:
Healthcare Sector Shortage Occupations in Singapore 2024
- 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 2024
- 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 2024
- 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 2024
- 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 as well. So, if you possess qualifications and expertise in any of these sectors, you might find a high-paying job in Singapore in 2024.
Understanding the Singapore Work VISA / Work Pass 2024
When you secure a job offer from Singapore, the next step involves applying for a work visa, commonly known as the ‘S pass‘ in Singapore. There are four main categories of this pass, and it’s crucial to identify the one that best aligns with your employment scenario. In this section, we’ll guide you through these categories.
• 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 in Singapore, 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
In the event 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
Suppose your employment in Singapore is on a seasonal or temporary basis. In that case, you should 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
Lastly, Singapore provides another visa option for those intending to join trainings, graduate programmes, trainee roles, probationary jobs, or even work during holiday periods. Upon securing this Training Pass, you can stay in the country for up to six months for the above-listed activities.
