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SINGAPORE — In 2024, fresh graduates in Singapore can expect starting salaries that range significantly based on their degree. While the median salary for new graduates has surpassed S$4,300, this figure doesn’t capture the entire spectrum.

Graduates can find themselves earning vastly different amounts. Those in the upper echelons of their class may see promising figures, but others may not be as fortunate. One Singaporean remarked that for some, these figures might just be “delulu land.”

The Vulcan Post reported that in 2023, the median salary across all sectors was S$5,197. Yet, certain fresh graduates are beginning their careers with starting salaries exceeding S$6,000 and even S$7,000.

Computer science degrees are at the forefront. Singapore Management University (SMU) Computer Science graduates with honours lead with starting salaries of S$7,752. National University of Singapore’s (NUS) Bachelor of Computing in Computer Science is close behind at S$7,700.

Specializations in information systems or artificial intelligence also command high pay, with SMU’s Information Systems degree offering S$6,666 for top graduates.

Combined degrees similarly yield high starting salaries. Nanyang Technological University’s (NTU) Business and Computer Engineering/Computing double degree offers S$7,000.

Traditional business and law degrees remain lucrative. NUS’s Bachelor of Business Administration graduates can expect S$7,500, while law graduates from NUS and SMU start at S$7,100 and S$7,000, respectively. This underscores the continued high value placed on top-performing graduates in these fields.

Economics and business degrees also fare well, with SMU’s Economics graduates with honours earning S$6,000. This is encouraging news, as business degrees are among the most popular in Singapore, despite a decline in interest in STEM fields.

What Do Singaporeans Think?

On social media, one Singaporean noted that it’s not uncommon to earn over S$6,000 starting salary if you’re in the top 25% of your cohort, highlighting their drive. However, these high-paying jobs often demand grueling hours, with some working 80-hour weeks, explaining the higher pay compared to 40-hour workweeks.

Another pointed out that while high salaries aren’t rare, they aren’t common either, being limited to the top 25% of graduates from select degrees. These include primarily traditional fields like law and business, and newer fields such as computer science, software engineering, AI, and ML. Other industries don’t feature as prominently.

A common sentiment is that without a second upper GPA, such salaries are unlikely, keeping most graduates in “delulu land.”

The Vulcan Post identified 20 degrees from five universities where the top 25% of graduates earn starting salaries meeting or exceeding S$6,000. This is more than double the number of degrees offering such salaries just two years ago.

Degrees with High Starting Salaries

SMU Computer Science (cum laude and above): S$7,752
NUS Bachelor of Computing (Computer Science): S$7,700
NUS Bachelor of Business Administration: S$7,500
NUS Bachelor of Laws: S$7,100
NTU Double Degree in Business and Computer Engineering/Computing: S$7,000
SMU Law: S$7,000
SMU Information Systems (cum laude and above): S$6,666
SIT Bachelor of Science in Computer Science in Real-Time Interactive Simulation: S$6,656
NUS Bachelor of Science (Business Analytics): S$6,600
SUTD Bachelor of Engineering (Computer Science and Design): S$6,600
SMU Computer Science: S$6,500
NTU Double Degree in Engineering and Economics: S$6,500
NUS Bachelor of Engineering (Computer Engineering): S$6,355
SMU Information Systems: S$6,250
NTU Data Science and Artificial Intelligence: S$6,250
NUS Bachelor of Computing (Information Security): S$6,210
NTU Computer Engineering: S$6,200
NUS Bachelor of Computing (Information Systems): S$6,000
SMU Economics (cum laude and above): S$6,000

This data illustrates that while high starting salaries are attainable, they are often reserved for top-tier graduates in specific fields.