Singapore Salary
#1
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Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 21
Singapore Salary
I have just interviewed for a School in Singapore and wondered if you would mind helping me out ?
The salary is $6,000 Singapore dollars per month with no housing allowance,medical cover is included. What would be the minimum salary to enjoy a comfy lifestyle and be able to explore the region and save a little.
It seems low to me, I don't want to struggle month to month and not enjoy the benefits of being in such a place.
Thanks in advance, please respond ASAP as I need to make a decision.
The salary is $6,000 Singapore dollars per month with no housing allowance,medical cover is included. What would be the minimum salary to enjoy a comfy lifestyle and be able to explore the region and save a little.
It seems low to me, I don't want to struggle month to month and not enjoy the benefits of being in such a place.
Thanks in advance, please respond ASAP as I need to make a decision.
#2
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,755
Re: Singapore Salary
Is that before or after tax??
Assuming before tax then :
Depending on your lifestyle and where you live you might get by.
You won't save much if anything.
Ideally you'd want an additional S$2000 pm and even then ...
Assuming before tax then :
Depending on your lifestyle and where you live you might get by.
You won't save much if anything.
Ideally you'd want an additional S$2000 pm and even then ...
#3
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Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 21
Re: Singapore Salary
I assume it is before tax, no housing allowance. Is that all I would be able to do on it is get by ?
No saving, no trips away on the weekends diving, hawker stalls for food etc
Would you say no way !
No saving, no trips away on the weekends diving, hawker stalls for food etc
Would you say no way !
#4
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Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 21
Re: Singapore Salary
They have upped it to $7k
#5
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Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 13
Re: Singapore Salary
I have lots of teacher friends and I don't know what their salary is (I assume it's around the same as this) but I know that they ALL receive a housing allowance in addition which is around $3600 pm - essentially means they live rent-free. They have very comfortable lives, travel a lot, save, go out a lot etc etc.
If you're job is at an international school I would definitely say no housing allowance is not the norm. Which school is it?
If you're job is at an international school I would definitely say no housing allowance is not the norm. Which school is it?
#6
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Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 21
Re: Singapore Salary
Its the winstedt school.
So 7k would be a struggle in Singapore ?
So 7k would be a struggle in Singapore ?
#7
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Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 13
Re: Singapore Salary
I don't think you'd necessarily struggle but compared to other teachers at international schools you wouldn't be as well off. Put it this way, your costs are likely to be something like:
Rent: $3.5k
Tax: $700
Utilities: $200
Which would leave you around $2.6k for food, going out, shopping etc. People certainly survive on less but it isn't a huge amount, especially as it doesn't include any kind of savings. As ex reg said, another $1-2k would make you a little more comfortable but that would still be the minimum you'd need to live in one of the most expensive cities in the world.
Rent: $3.5k
Tax: $700
Utilities: $200
Which would leave you around $2.6k for food, going out, shopping etc. People certainly survive on less but it isn't a huge amount, especially as it doesn't include any kind of savings. As ex reg said, another $1-2k would make you a little more comfortable but that would still be the minimum you'd need to live in one of the most expensive cities in the world.
#8
Forum Regular
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 51
Re: Singapore Salary
You really need to find the going rate for international teachers here before you do too much more negotiation. You have made a good start by coming on here.
As other posters have said it is standard to receive an accommodation allowance, medical insurance and paid flights every two years. Get a full written offer and check it through very carefully before signing. Make sure the employer covers all costs of getting a work permit.
If you are at any kind of specialist school and/or teaching a specialised subject then as a foreigner you have skills that are in short supply here. Its best not to get here and then find out that your employer has low-balled you.
As other posters have said it is standard to receive an accommodation allowance, medical insurance and paid flights every two years. Get a full written offer and check it through very carefully before signing. Make sure the employer covers all costs of getting a work permit.
If you are at any kind of specialist school and/or teaching a specialised subject then as a foreigner you have skills that are in short supply here. Its best not to get here and then find out that your employer has low-balled you.
#9
Re: Singapore Salary
While the salary looks good, the package is questionable. Good salary sometimes ‘hide’ your real compensation needs, because that’s what a normal working person always think of first , that is “salary” only. As an expat your real needs is different, you need a “compensation” first and then benefits.The employer will always leave out something. Don’t ever think they list down all your needs. They basically use a “generic” expat package for you. Do you think they will offer an “ideal” expat package for you.
If you really want to know your own personalized cost of living and get a salary analysis get the calculator here
If you really want to know your own personalized cost of living and get a salary analysis get the calculator here