Singapore ministers set for pay rise with entry-level pay up to US$1.4 million

Singapore’s ministers will receive progressive salary increases, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has announced.

The entry-level ministerial salary benchmark will rise to S$1.8 million (US$1.4 million) from S$1.1 million, while the prime minister’s pay benchmark will increase from S$2.2 million to S$3.6 million, in line with recommendations made by an independent committee.

Wong said during a ministerial statement in parliament on Tuesday that he would donate the increase in his salary to “suitable good causes” but did not expect other political office holders to follow suit.

The review was conducted by an eight-member committee formed in January, after a deferment amid geopolitical uncertainty arising from the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. The review, which is held once every five years, was initially set for 2023.

Wong said the government had accepted the committee’s recommendations, but it did not intend to implement them all at once.

The recommendations will take effect on October 15, starting with a one-off increase of up to 9 per cent, depending on factors such as performance and past adjustments. Subsequent increases will be made based on individual performance and responsibilities.