Around 22,000 civil servants in Singapore will receive a salary increase ranging from 2% to 9% starting August 1, 2026.
The Public Service Division (PSD) announced on February 20 that these adjustments are part of a periodic review to ensure public sector pay remains competitive with the private market. This update follows the last major salary revision for these specific schemes in 2022.
Who is eligible for the pay rise?
The salary adjustments apply to officers in several key schemes:
- Management Executive Scheme (MXS): Increases of 2% to 9%. Higher adjustments will be given to grades where the gap with market benchmarks is largest. Officers whose salaries are already deemed competitive will see no adjustment.
- Technical Support Scheme (TSS): Increases of 4% to 9%.
- Operations Support Scheme (OSS): Increases of 4% to 8%.
- Management Support Scheme (MSS) & Corporate Support Scheme (CSS): Increases of 4% to 5%.
These officers handle a variety of essential functions, including policy planning, administration, and technical operations.
Keeping pace with the market
The PSD stated that since the last revision four years ago, market salary levels have risen. The current adjustments aim to help the Public Service continue to attract and retain talent in an increasingly complex global environment.
“The Public Service periodically reviews salaries and adjusts them when necessary to broadly keep pace with, but not lead, the market,” the PSD said in its media release.
Support from unions
The Amalgamated Union of Public Employees (AUPE) welcomed the move, noting that the revision is timely. AUPE General Secretary Sanjeev Kumar Tiwari highlighted that the adjustments will particularly benefit lower to middle-income civil servants.
Mr. Tiwari added that the work of public officers has grown in complexity, often requiring them to do more within a lean workforce. He described the pay rise as vital recognition of their contributions.
Focus on performance and growth
Beyond salary increases, the PSD emphasized its commitment to rewarding performance. The division plans to continue enhancing career and growth opportunities to develop a “future-ready” workforce for Singapore.
This news comes as the government also prepares to review the salaries of political office holders, a move recently mentioned by Minister-in-charge of the Public Service Chan Chun Sing.
