Progressive Wage Model (PWM)
Written in plain language for general understanding. This is educational content, not legal advice. Based on Singapore Acts of Parliament, subsidiary legislation, and official government guidance.
What is this right?
Singapore does not have a universal minimum wage. Instead, it uses the Progressive Wage Model (PWM), which sets mandatory minimum pay levels for specific sectors and occupations.
- Cleaning sector: Mandatory wages for general cleaners, rising with skills certification.
- Security sector: Mandatory wages for security officers, tiered by licence grade.
- Landscape sector: Mandatory wages for landscape maintenance workers.
- Lift & escalator sector: Mandatory wages for technicians and engineers.
- Retail sector: Mandatory wages for retail assistants and cashiers.
- Food services sector: Mandatory wages for food-services assistants and cooks.
- Administrators and drivers: Occupational PWM covers admin staff and drivers across all sectors.
Employers in these sectors must pay at least the PWM rate or they cannot renew their business licence or hire foreign workers. Exact rates are published by MOM and updated regularly — check the MOM Progressive Wages page for current figures.
When does it apply?
- You are a Singapore citizen or permanent resident working in a PWM-covered sector or occupation.
- Foreign workers in these sectors are indirectly covered — employers must meet PWM requirements for local workers before they can hire foreigners.
- The PWM applies to both full-time and part-time employees (pro-rated for part-timers).
What should you do?
- Check your sector's PWM schedule on the MOM website — wages are updated regularly and tied to skills training.
- If your employer is paying below the PWM rate, raise it with them first — they may not be aware of the latest update.
- If underpaid, file a claim with the Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management (TADM) at tal.sg/tadm.
- If mediation fails, your claim proceeds to the Employment Claims Tribunals (ECT).
- You can also report non-compliance to MOM — the employer risks losing their foreign worker quota.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't assume you have no minimum wage — if you are in a PWM sector, mandatory minimums apply.
- Don't agree to receive part of your salary in cash off-the-books — this undermines your CPF contributions and legal protections.
- Don't wait too long — salary claims must be filed within 1 year of the underpayment (or 6 months after leaving employment).
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