Singapore ministers get first pay raise in 15 years

Singaporean ministers and other political officeholders will receive salary increases for the first time in 15 years, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced in Parliament on Tuesday, September 8, 2026. The adjustments aim to ensure the government can attract top talent and maintain competitive compensation for public service. Under the revised salary framework, the benchmark annual pay for a minister at the entry-grade MR4 level will rise to S$1.8 million from S$1.1 million. The Prime Minister's benchmark salary will increase to S$3.6 million from S$2.2 million. These changes follow recommendations from an independent review committee formed in January 2026. The review was initially scheduled for 2023 but was deferred due to economic uncertainty. However, ministers and other political officeholders will not immediately receive the full benchmark pay. Instead, they will get a one-time adjustment of up to 9 percent, effective October 15, 2026. The exact size of this increment will depend on individual performance and responsibilities. Prime Minister Wong stated that most ministers at the MR4 level are expected to earn approximately S$1.