Singaporean women earn 14.3% less than men

1 min readUpdated May 27, 2025Mar 15, 20249:34 AM

In this article (5)

The median income difference between women and men working in Singapore was 14.3% last year, down from 16.3% in 2018, according to the Ministry of Manpower’s study.

Differences in occupation between men and women remained the key factor influencing the gender pay gap. Men are overrepresented in higher-paying occupations, according to a study examining the incomes of full-time employees aged 25 to 54, who are either Singaporean or permanent residents.

Women often receive lower pay than men, even when they share the same job title, work in the same industry, and have similar age and education levels.

In 2023, 75% of women were employed in professional, managerial, executive, and technician (PMET) roles, marking an 8.8 percentage point rise from 2018. Meanwhile, the proportion of men in PMET positions climbed by 6.3 percentage points, reaching 79.4% in 2023.

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What this means

The continued gender pay gap in Singapore, while narrowing, highlights an enduring challenge for the retail sector. Women's increasing representation in PMET roles, now at 75%, signals a demographic shift that retailers must acknowledge. This move pressures brands to consider targeted marketing and product development for this evolving consumer segment. Unlike other regional market activities such as Puma's flagship expansion or Tiffany & Co.'s new café in Singapore, this income disparity has broad implications for purchasing power. A failure to address this reality through inclusive product offerings and employment practices risks alienating a significant portion of the market. Retailers should closely monitor women's spending trends in high-income categories.

Maria Santos · Retail News Asia newsroom

Questions & Answers

What was the gender pay gap in Singapore last year?

Last year, the median income difference between women and men working in Singapore was 14.3%. This figure represents a reduction from 16.3% recorded in 2018.

What is the main reason for the difference in earnings between men and women?

Differences in occupation between men and women are the key factor influencing the gender pay gap. Men are overrepresented in higher-paying roles, contributing to the disparity in income.

Are women earning less even when they have similar jobs and qualifications?

Yes, women often receive lower pay than men even when they share the same job title, work in the same industry, and have similar age and education levels.

How has the proportion of women in professional roles changed since 2018?

The proportion of women employed in professional, managerial, executive, and technician (PMET) roles increased by 8.8 percentage points, reaching 75% in 2023. This shows a significant rise in their representation.

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