Singapore Progressive Wage (2026): Sectors, Floors & PW Mark
About this article
Sourced from Singapore Acts of Parliament, subsidiary legislation, and official government guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Singapore's Progressive Wage Model (PWM) sets minimum wages by job level in sectors including cleaning, security, landscaping, lift maintenance, retail, food services, and waste management. It applies to Singapore citizens and permanent residents, both full-time and part-time (pay is pro-rated). Employers must also meet the Local Qualifying Salary — S$1,600 per month, rising to S$1,800 in 2026 — to hire foreign workers. If you are paid less than your sector's PWM rate, you can report it to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and file a claim.
When does it apply?
- You are a Singapore citizen or PR working in a PWM-covered sector and are being paid below the mandatory rate.
- Foreign workers are indirectly protected — employers who pay local workers below the Local Qualifying Salary lose their eligibility to hire foreign workers.
- PWM covers full-time and part-time workers. Pro-rated pay is mandatory for part-time staff.
Emergency Action: What to Do If Your Employer Is Stealing Your Wages Below the PWM Rate in Singapore
- Check your sector's PWM schedule on the MOM website — this sets the legally required minimum pay for your job level.
- Request your correct wage in writing. If you are paid below the PWM rate, put your request in writing so there is a record.
- File a claim with the Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management (TADM) at tal.sg/tadm to recover unpaid wages.
- Escalate to the Employment Claims Tribunals (ECT) if TADM mediation does not resolve the dispute.
- Report non-compliance to MOM — employers who breach PWM rates may have their foreign worker quota reduced.
Generate a formal legal letter to assert your wage rights using our Legal Letter Generator.
What should you NOT do?
- PWM rates are mandatory in covered sectors — an employer cannot opt out or pay below the sector minimum.
- Do not accept cash wages paid off-payroll — this deprives you of CPF contributions and makes it harder to prove underpayment.
- Do not delay. You have 1 year to claim unpaid wages (or 6 months after leaving). Acting promptly protects your claim.
About Workers' Rights in Singapore
Singapore has no universal minimum wage — instead, the Employment Act (Cap. 91) sets the floor for most private-sector workers, the Progressive Wage Model handles sectoral pay, and the Local Qualifying Salary (S$1,600/month) gates foreign worker hiring. CPF takes mandatory contributions for retirement, healthcare, and housing. Safety runs under the Workplace Safety and Health Act (Cap. 354A), and on-the-job injuries are no-fault under the Work Injury Compensation Act 2019. Disputes go to TADM mediation first, then the Employment Claims Tribunals within 1 year. The Workplace Fairness Act 2025 covers discrimination.
Common Questions
Does Singapore have a minimum wage?
Yes, through the Progressive Wage Model, which strictly enforces mandatory minimum pay levels for cleaning, security, landscape, lift and escalator, retail, and food services. Do not let employers lie to you. If they fail to meet PWM rates, they lose their licences and foreign worker quotas.
Who does Singapore's Progressive Wage Model apply to?
PWM covers Singapore citizens and PRs in specified sectors. Foreign workers are indirectly protected: employers must pay locals legally before hiring foreigners. It applies to both full-time and part-time staff. There are no loopholes.
What should I do if my Singapore employer pays below the PWM rate?
Take immediate action. Verify the PWM schedule, confront them, and if they refuse to pay, file a claim with TADM immediately. If mediation fails, escalate to the Employment Claims Tribunals. You have exactly 1 year to file a claim. Do not wait.
What is the progressive wage model (pwm) right in Singapore?
Singapore's Progressive Wage Model (PWM) sets minimum wages by job level in sectors including cleaning, security, landscaping, lift maintenance, retail, food services, and waste management. It applies to Singapore citizens and permanent residents, both full-time and part-time (pay is pro-rated). Employers must also meet the Local Qualifying Salary — S$1,600 per month, rising to S$1,800 in 2026 — to hire foreign workers. If you are paid less than your sector's PWM rate, you can report it to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and file a claim.
When does it apply — progressive wage model (pwm)?
You are a Singapore citizen or PR working in a PWM-covered sector and are being paid below the mandatory rate.Foreign workers are indirectly protected — employers who pay local workers below the Local Qualifying Salary lose their eligibility to hire foreign workers.PWM covers full-time and part-time workers. Pro-rated pay is mandatory for part-time staff.
Emergency: What must I do immediately if I am being paid less than the MOM Progressive Wage rate for my sector?
Check your sector's PWM schedule on the MOM website — this sets the legally required minimum pay for your job level.Request your correct wage in writing. If you are paid below the PWM rate, put your request in writing so there is a record.File a claim with the Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management (TADM) at tal.sg/tadm to recover unpaid wages.Escalate to the Employment Claims Tribunals (ECT) if TADM mediation does not resolve the dispute.Report non-compliance to MOM — employers who breach PWM rates may have their foreign worker quota reduced.Generate a formal legal letter to assert your...
What should you NOT do — progressive wage model (pwm)?
PWM rates are mandatory in covered sectors — an employer cannot opt out or pay below the sector minimum.Do not accept cash wages paid off-payroll — this deprives you of CPF contributions and makes it harder to prove underpayment.Do not delay. You have 1 year to claim unpaid wages (or 6 months after leaving). Acting promptly protects your claim.