The latest Progressive Wage Model (PWM) wage revisions have introduced changes across several sectors and occupations in Singapore. Updated wage requirements for the Food Services and Cleaning sectors, alongside Occupational Progressive Wages (OPW) for administrators and drivers, took effect on 1 July 2026. Revised Retail PWM requirements also came into effect on 1 September 2026.
Under the revised requirements, the entry-level monthly gross wage increased from $2,080 to $2,220, with further increases scheduled for July 2027 and July 2028. More than 53,000 full-time and part-time workers are covered by the Food Services PWM.
For employers, however, the change goes beyond updating a few salary figures. Different wage requirements apply depending on an employee’s job level, type of food establishment and working arrangement. This makes accurate employee classification, payroll configuration and ongoing monitoring important parts of managing PWM requirements.
This article highlights selected PWM and OPW updates and is not a complete guide. Employers should refer to the latest Ministry of Manpower (MOM) guidelines for the full requirements applicable to their business.
Table of Contents
Food Services PWM – Effective 1 July 2026
The revised wage schedule applies across two categories of food establishments, with separate monthly and hourly wage requirements for the respective PWM job levels.
Category A: Quick Service (QS) Food Establishments and Supermarkets (with ready-to-eat food stations)
|
PWM Job Level
|
Wage Type
|
From 1 Jul 2026
|
From 1 Jul 2027
|
From 1 Jul 2028
|
|
Food/Drink Stall Assistant
|
Monthly
|
$2,220
|
$2,360
|
$2,500
|
|
Hourly
|
$11.64
|
$12.38
|
$13.11
|
|
Kitchen Assistant (QS) / Food Service Counter Attendant
|
Monthly
|
$2,295
|
$2,435
|
$2,575
|
|
Hourly
|
$12.04
|
$12.77
|
$13.51
|
|
Cook (QS)
|
Monthly
|
$2,470
|
$2,610
|
$2,750
|
|
Hourly
|
$12.95
|
$13.69
|
$14.42
|
Category B: Full Service (FS) Food Establishments, Caterers and Central Kitchens
|
PWM Job Level
|
Wage Type
|
From 1 Jul 2026
|
From 1 Jul 2027
|
From 1 Jul 2028
|
|
Kitchen Assistant (FS) / Waiter
|
Monthly
|
$2,320
|
$2,460
|
$2,600
|
|
Hourly
|
$12.17
|
$12.90
|
$13.64
|
|
Cook (FS)
|
Monthly
|
$2,520
|
$2,660
|
$2,800
|
|
Hourly
|
$13.22
|
$13.95
|
$14.69
|
|
Waiter Supervisor
|
Monthly
|
$2,875
|
$3,020
|
$3,165
|
|
Hourly
|
$15.08
|
$15.84
|
$16.60
|
Monthly gross wages exclude overtime payments. Hourly gross wages apply to part-time workers who work fewer than 35 hours a week.
The revised PWM also expands the range of recognised training options. Workers are required to complete two approved WSQ training modules, while relevant qualifications from Institutes of Higher Learning and Private Education Institutions will also be recognised towards meeting the minimum training requirements.
Cleaning PWM – Effective 1 July 2026
Employers in the Cleaning sector must also account for revised wage requirements effective from 1 July 2026, with further increases scheduled for July 2027 and July 2028.
The Cleaning PWM covers outsourced and in-house cleaners, with different wage requirements based on their job classifications and cleaning environments.
Group 1: Office and Commercial Sites
Examples: Schools, Hospitals, Medical Clinics and Condominiums.
|
PWM Job Level
|
From 1 Jul 2026
|
From 1 Jul 2027
|
From 1 Jul 2028
|
|
Supervisor
|
$2,870
|
$3,040
|
$3,210
|
|
Multi-skilled Cleaner / Machine Operator
|
$2,700
|
$2,870
|
$3,040
|
|
Outdoor Cleaner / Healthcare Cleaner / Restroom Cleaner
|
$2,495
|
$2,665
|
$2,835
|
|
General Cleaner / Indoor Cleaner
|
$2,080
|
$2,250
|
$2,420
|
Group 2: F&B Establishments
Examples: Hawker Centers, Foodcourts and Restaurants.
|
PWM Job Level
|
From 1 Jul 2026
|
From 1 Jul 2027
|
From 1 Jul 2028
|
|
Supervisor
|
$2,870
|
$3,040
|
$3,210
|
|
Multi-skilled Cleaner / Machine Operator
|
$2,700
|
$2,870
|
$3,040
|
|
Dishwasher / Restroom Cleaner / Refuse Collector
|
$2,495
|
$2,665
|
$2,835
|
|
Table-top Cleaner
|
$2,180
|
$2,350
|
$2,520
|
|
General Cleaner
|
$2,080
|
$2,250
|
$2,420
|
Group 3: Conservancy
Examples: Town Councils and Public Cleansing.
|
PWM Job Level
|
From 1 Jul 2026
|
From 1 Jul 2027
|
From 1 Jul 2028
|
|
Truck Driver (Class 4/5)
|
$3,040
|
$3,250
|
$3,460
|
|
Supervisor / Mechanical Driver (Class 3)
|
$2,870
|
$3,040
|
$3,210
|
|
Multi-skilled Cleaner / Machine Operator / Refuse Collector
|
|
|
$2,700
|
$2,870
|
$3,040
|
|
General Cleaner / Restroom Cleaner
|
$2,495
|
$2,665
|
$2,835
|
The tables reflect minimum monthly basic wage requirements for full-time outsourced cleaners working 35–44 hours per week. Part-time wages are pro-rated. Eligible cleaners are also subject to applicable PWM Bonus and training requirements.
In-House Cleaners
The revised wage requirements also apply to covered in-house cleaners employed directly by businesses. While their minimum wage rates follow the same progression as corresponding outsourced cleaning roles, employers should verify the applicable job classifications and training requirements, which differ from those for outsourced cleaners.
Unlike the Food Services PWM, which specifies monthly gross wages, the Cleaning PWM sets monthly basic wage requirements. Employers should therefore ensure their payroll arrangements reflect the correct wage definitions and employee classifications.
Occupational Progressive Wages (OPW) for Administrators and Drivers – Effective 1 July 2026
Beyond sector-specific changes, revised Occupational Progressive Wages (OPW) for administrators and drivers also took effect on 1 July 2026.
These requirements apply across industries to covered Singapore citizens and permanent residents employed in administrative or driving roles by firms that employ foreign workers.
Administrators
The revised minimum monthly gross wage requirements for administrators are:
|
Administrative Job Level
|
From 1 Jul 2026
|
From 1 Jul 2027
|
|
Administrative Supervisor
|
$2,170
|
$2,360
|
|
Administrative Executive
|
$2,760
|
$2,940
|
|
Administrative Assistant
|
$3,340
|
$3,520
|
The revised wage requirements reflect different levels of administrative responsibilities, from basic administrative support to more complex executive and supervisory duties.
Drivers
From 1 July 2026, driving roles were reclassified into two groups based on driving licence requirements and job responsibilities:
- Group A: Drivers with Class 3 or below licences
- Group B: Drivers with Class 4 or above licences
Each group is further divided into Level 1 and Level 2, with Level 2 classifications involving additional responsibilities or specified driving licence requirements.
|
Driver Classification
|
From 1 Jul 2026
|
From 1 Jul 2027
|
|
Group A Level 1 Driver
|
$2,370
|
$2,550
|
|
Group A Level 2 Driver
|
$2,485
|
$2,665
|
|
Group B Level 1 Driver
|
$2,505
|
$2,690
|
|
Group B Level 2 Driver
|
$2,555
|
$2,790
|
The revised minimum monthly gross wage requirements for drivers range from $2,370 to $2,555 from 1 July 2026, depending on the applicable group and job level.
The administrator and driver tables reflect monthly gross wage requirements for covered full-time employees working 35–44 hours per week, excluding overtime payments. Separate hourly wage requirements apply to part-time employees.
Employers should review employees' actual duties, levels of responsibility and, where applicable, driving licence requirements to ensure they are assigned to the correct OPW classification.
Retail PWM - Effective 1 September 2026
Retail businesses must also account for revised PWM wage requirements that took effect on 1 September 2026.
Under the updated schedule, the minimum monthly gross wage for Retail Assistants and Cashiers increased to $2,435, with a further increase to $2,565 scheduled for September 2027.
The revised requirements apply across different retail job levels, with separate monthly and hourly wage rates.
Updated Retail PWM Wage Requirements
|
PWM Job Level
|
Wage Type
|
From 1 Sept 2026
|
From 1 Sept 2027
|
|
Assistant Retail Supervisor
|
Monthly
|
$2,950
|
$3,100
|
|
Hourly
|
$15.47
|
$16.26
|
|
Senior Cashier / Senior Retail Assistant
|
Monthly
|
$2,680
|
$2,820
|
|
Hourly
|
$14.06
|
$14.79
|
|
Retail Assistant / Cashier
|
Monthly
|
$2,435
|
$2,565
|
|
Hourly
|
$12.77
|
$13.45
|
Monthly gross wages exclude overtime payments and apply to full-time workers working 35–44 hours per week. Hourly gross wages apply to part-time workers. Wages for Retail Supervisors and Retail Managers remain market-determined.
With different wage requirements across retail job levels, businesses should review employees' responsibilities, payroll arrangements and workforce costs to ensure the updated rates have been accurately implemented.
Impact on Employers
The revised PWM and OPW requirements will require employers to assess both their payroll arrangements and workforce planning to ensure compliance with the applicable wage schedules.
Next Steps for Employers
To stay aligned with the revised PWM and OPW requirements, businesses should take proactive steps to review their existing payroll and workforce arrangements.
- Review Employee Wage Rates
Employers should check that covered employees are receiving the applicable monthly or hourly wage rates based on their job levels, working arrangements and respective implementation dates.
- Verify Employee Classifications
Businesses should review employees' actual duties and responsibilities to ensure they are assigned to the correct PWM or OPW job level. This includes verifying the relevant establishment category, cleaning classification or driver group and level, where applicable.
- Plan for Upcoming Wage Increases
Employers should account for the scheduled wage increases in 2027 and 2028 when planning manpower costs and future payroll budgets. Preparing early can help businesses manage the financial impact more effectively.
- Maintain Training Records
Employers should keep employees’ recognised qualifications and training records up to date to ensure the applicable PWM or OPW training requirements are met.
- Review Payroll Processes
Businesses should regularly review their payroll systems and processes to ensure wage adjustments, employee classifications and working arrangements are accurately reflected as regulatory requirements evolve.
How Can PayrollServe Help?
Managing wage adjustments across different job levels, employee classifications and working arrangements can add complexity to payroll administration. With further PWM wage increases scheduled for 2027 and 2028, businesses also need payroll processes that can keep pace with changing requirements.
PayrollServe’s Managed Payroll Services can support businesses with their day-to-day payroll administration, helping organisations manage payroll adjustments accurately and efficiently.
For businesses seeking greater visibility into their existing payroll practices, a Payroll Health Check provides an independent review of payroll records and processes to identify potential gaps, inconsistencies and areas for improvement.
By strengthening payroll processes and maintaining up-to-date employee records, businesses can better manage upcoming wage changes while reducing the administrative burden on their internal teams.
Contact us now for more information.
Source: Ministry of Manpower Singapore, Progressive Wage Model, 22 October 2026
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