Nurse Salary in Singapore: Experts Complete Pay Guide 2025

Written by

Mynaz Altaf

Fact check by

Divyansh Chaudhari

Updated on

Feb 22,2025

Nurse Salary in Singapore: Benefits, Growth And Retention Schemes - TerraTern

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The healthcare workforce of Singapore has received substantial government investment because nursing stands as an essential and respected profession. Competitive nurse salaries along with attractive benefits continue to serve Singapore's nursing industry as demand increases for skilled healthcare professionals in 2025 and Singapore is an amazing country to immigrate and provide a high nurse salary in Singapore.

Public health institutions together with the national government are pursuing generous incentives to draw nursing professionals from both national and foreign sources because of nationwide staff shortages. The full guide provides comprehensive information about nurse salary in Singapore while presenting information about benefits, career advancement paths, and Singapore-specific earning characteristics.

 

Understanding Nurse Salary Structure in Singapore

The Singaporean salary system balances competitive advantages with extensive coverage while acknowledging nursing responsibilities' significance. Salaries typically include the following components:

  • Base Salary: Nurses receive their central wage based on their professional position alongside their educational level and length of work experience.

  • Allowances: Additional compensation exists for nurses who choose to work night shifts public holidays or weekends while eligible nurses may access housing support along with subsidised transport.

  • Bonuses: Public sector nurses receive three forms of additional compensation including performance bonuses and annual wage supplements alongside the exclusive Nurse Special Payment (NSP).

Singapore's pay structures maintain both fairness and augmentable income through workplace conditions and work contributions.

Base Salary for Nurses in Singapore for Indians

The payout for nursing care starts from basic wage levels adjusted for professional positions together with training background and career extent. Here’s a closer look at the nurse salary in Singapore across various roles:

  • Enrolled Nurse: Nurses holding enrolled status help physicians with fundamental patient care yet only receive S$2,000 - S$2,800 each month.

  • Registered Nurse: Through patient management activities registered nurses with diplomas or degrees bring home monthly earnings between S$3,000 and S$4,200.

  • Specialist Nurse: Registered nurses and skilled nurses in intensive care or oncology earn a monthly salary ranging from S$4,500 to S$7,000.

  • Nurse Managers: As leaders who oversee departments and teams, nurse managers make between S$6,000 and S$8,500 per month.

The multiple career paths in nursing enable wage levels in Singapore to vary with job expertise and roles of responsibility.

Allowances and Benefits for Nurses in Singapore

In addition to base salaries, nurse jobs in Singapore include various allowances and benefits, enhancing overall compensation packages:

  • Shift Allowances: Staff nurses automatically receive a pay raise of between S$100 to S$300 every month when they support night and weekend shifts.

  • Housing Allowances: Foreign and separated nurses get housing subsidies from S$500 up to $1000 per month to support their accommodation expenses in Singapore.

  • Retention Bonuses: Through the ANGEL retention bonus scheme, foreign nurses can access S$100,000 in retention funds to become part of the workforce for at least four years.

  • Transport Benefits: Subsidised or free transportation for nurses travelling to and from their workplaces.

These benefits significantly contribute to the overall nurse salary in Singapore, making the profession financially rewarding.

Also Read: Male Nurse Vacancy in Abroad: Updated International Opportunities

Nurse Salary in Singapore Per Month: A Complete Breakdown 2025

The nurse salary in singapore per month includes their base pay along with allowances and bonuses, but deductions for taxes and other contributions affect their take-home pay. Take a look at these and plan your immigration to Singapore accordingly

For example:

Registered Nurse Monthly Breakdown:

  • Base Salary: S$3,600

  • Shift Allowances: S$200

  • Bonuses (averaged per month): S$300

  • Take-Home Pay (after deductions): S$3,700 – S$3,900

This breakdown highlights how various components contribute to the nurse salary in singapore per month and the overall earning potential for nurses.

Factors Affecting Monthly Nurse Salaries in Singapore

Several factors influence how much a nurse salary in singapore per month amounts:

  1. Experience: Nurses with more years of experience command higher salaries. A nurse with ten or more years of experience brings in pay that is 30 per cent higher than what new nursing graduates receive.

  2. Qualifications: Advanced nursing qualifications, including a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and specialized training like critical care nursing, will increase your earning potential. Studying abroad and gaining important certifications can boost your chances at a higher salary

  3. Specialisation: Nurses who specialize in highly specialised areas, including intensive care units, paediatrics, or oncology, tend to receive higher compensation.

  4. Employer: Private hospitals assuming patients typically pay registered nurses better compensation than their public hospital counterparts.

Each of these factors contributes to the diversity of nurse salary in singapore per month, ensuring that professionals are rewarded for their skills, experience, and dedication.

Nursing Jobs in Singapore: Salary Expectations by Role

Singapore’s healthcare system offers diverse nursing roles, each with distinct salary expectations.

Role

Monthly Salary (S$)

Description

Enrolled Nurse

2,000 – 2,800

Supports patient care under supervision.

Registered Nurse

3,000 – 4,200

Manages patient care and clinical tasks.

ICU Nurse

4,000 – 5,500

Provides critical care for ICU patients.

Nurse Manager

6,000 – 8,000

Oversees nursing teams and operations.

Home Care Nurse

2,500 – 3,500

Offers healthcare in patients’ homes.

Career Progression and Salary Growth for Nurses in Singapore

Career opportunities available in the nursing field of Singapore are noteworthy. Career progression is directly linked to higher earning potential, ensuring an increase in nurse salary in Singapore as professionals gain experience and qualifications:

  • Entry-Level: Registered or enrolled nurses kick off their nursing careers by delivering basic healthcare services and receiving salaries that match regional market rates in Singapore.

  • Mid-Level: Because specialised healthcare fields such as ICU along with oncology face increasing recruitment demands senior staff nurse positions along with specialised roles give access to salary improvements.

  • Leadership Roles: Singapore's highest nursing pay goes to nurse managers and directors who lead operational departments and teams and earn it alongside their training and specialisation credentials.

Career advancement not only increases the nurse salary in Singapore but also provides long-term job satisfaction and professional growth.

Also Read: BSc Nursing Job Vacancy: Latest Experts Job Guide

Foreign Nurse Salary in Singapore: What to Expect?

The Singapore healthcare system exists because of foreign nurses and the country rewards them through nursing jobs in Singapore salary benefits that match local nurses' pay. The nurse salary in Singapore for foreign professionals is generally aligned with local nurses but comes with added benefits:

  • Relocation Allowances: Singapore supports foreign professional nurses when they relocate to improve the attractiveness of their nurse salary package.

  • Housing Subsidies: International healthcare professionals who work in Singapore often obtain housing support in addition to their total nurse salary.

  • Retention Bonuses: Foreign nurses benefit from ANGEL schemes and other retention incentives which improve the overall appeal of their nurse salary in Singapore.

  • Visa Sponsorships: Work visa support gives job security and residency status to foreign nurses making Singapore an attractive top choice for nursing professionals.

The alignment of salaries and additional perks makes the nurse salary in Singapore highly competitive for international talent.

Retention Schemes and Bonuses for Foreign Nurses in Singapore

Retention initiatives both reduce healthcare staffing shortages and help the system maintain foreign nursing professionals. These schemes significantly impact the nurse salary in Singapore:

  • ANGEL Scheme: Through the ANGEL scheme, foreign nurses can access up to S$100,000 over four years, which substantially raises the Singaporean nurse salary.

  • Performance Bonuses: The base nurse salary in Singapore gets increased through bonus payments generated through annual performance reviews and merit assessment systems.

Foreign employment schemes paired with retention rewards have created Singaporean nursing wages to be globally top-tier among other countries.

BSc Nursing Salary in Singapore: Is It Worth the Investment?

Academic nurses benefit from earning more money through their decision to achieve a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Nursing degree. Singaporean BSc nursing professionals earn better pay scales compared to other professionals yet this pay increases substantially when working in specialized nursing or leadership roles.

  • Public Sector: Public healthcare institutions in Singapore offer registered nurses holding BSc degrees salaries between S$3,800 and S$4,800 each month.

  • Private Sector: Nurses who hold a BSc degree receive monthly salaries between S$4,500 and S$6,000 because their educational attainment brings a higher market value.

The financial benefits make pursuing a BSc a worthwhile investment, as it significantly boosts the nurse salary in Singapore.

Comparing BSc Nursing Salaries Across Healthcare Sectors

The sector where nurses work influences the nurse salary in Singapore for BSc graduates:

Sector

Monthly Salary (S$)

Public Hospitals

3,800 – 4,800

Private Hospitals

4,500 – 6,000

Specialised Clinics

5,000 – 6,500

Different specialised roles in Singapore healthcare create disparities in nurse compensation levels, as shown in this table.

Average Salary of Nurses in Singapore: Public vs. Private Sector

The choice between public and private healthcare institutions in Singapore involves evaluating differences in compensation and job stability.

Public Sector

  • Salary Range: The nurse salary in Singapore in public hospitals is S$3,000 – S$5,000 per month.

  • Job Stability: Public sector nurses enjoy secure employment and additional benefits.

  • Workload: The patient load is generally higher due to the focus on affordability and accessibility.

Private Sector

  • Higher Salaries: The nurse salary in private hospitals in Singapore ranges from S$4,000 to S$6,500 per month.

  • Work Expectations: Premium care delivery often comes with higher performance expectations.

  • Additional Perks: Bonuses and flexible schedules enhance the total nurse salary in Singapore for private sector nurses.

Both sectors offer unique benefits, but the nurse salary in Singapore tends to be higher in private institutions.

Overtime and Shift Work: Impact on Average Nurse Salaries in Singapore

Overtime and shift differentials are significant factors that boost the nurse salary in Singapore:

  • Overtime Pay: Rates of 1.5x to 2x the hourly rate can substantially increase earnings, especially in the public sector.

  • Night Shift Differential: Adds S$100 – S$300 per month to the nurse's salary in Singapore, depending on the number of night shifts worked.

Nurses willing to work additional hours or non-standard shifts can significantly increase their nurse salary in Singapore through these avenues.

Future Outlook: Projected Nurse Salary Trends in Singapore

The demand for nurses with better average salary of nurse in Singapore is expected to rise, driving growth in the nurse salary in Singapore over the coming years.

Factors Driving Salary Growth

  • Government Funding: Increased healthcare budgets will raise public sector salaries.

  • Specialised Roles: High-demand specialisations will command higher salaries, boosting the average nurse salary in Singapore.

  • Global Competition: To retain talent, Singapore may further enhance the nurse salary in Singapore.

Predictions for 2025 and Beyond

  • Salaries are projected to grow by 5% to 10% annually.

  • Specialised nurses could see increments of 15% or more in their nurse salary in Singapore.

Also Read: Do We Need Passport for Andaman? Latest Guide

Government Initiatives Affecting Nurse Salaries in Singapore

Government policies and incentives directly influence the nurse salary in Singapore:

  • Nurse Special Payment (NSP): Public sector nurses receive an annual bonus equivalent to 1.2–1.6 months of their base salary.

  • Retention Incentives: Programs like the ANGEL scheme offer substantial financial rewards, enhancing the nurse salary in Singapore.

  • Training Subsidies: Support for advanced training increases earning potential and ensures growth in the nurse salary in Singapore.

These initiatives underscore Singapore’s commitment to maintaining a competitive and supportive healthcare workforce.

 

Conclusion

Nursing in Singapore provides a fulfilling career path with competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and numerous opportunities for advancement. The nurse salary in Singapore reflects the importance of the profession and continues to grow alongside the country’s healthcare needs. Whether starting as a fresh graduate or advancing as a specialized nurse, the nurse salary in Singapore offers both financial stability and career satisfaction.

The scope for employment in nursing will improve due to the ever-changing face of health care; hence, more opportunities are on the horizon. Becoming an advanced nurse practitioner, pursuing a doctorate, or starting a business in health-related areas will enable nurses to soar high in their careers and leave a remarkable imprint on global health care. To know more, visit Terra Tern. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for a fresh graduate nurse in Singapore?

The starting salary for a fresh graduate nurse in Singapore typically ranges between SGD 2,500 to SGD 3,200 per month, depending on the healthcare institution and nursing specialty. Nurses working in government hospitals or public healthcare organizations may receive slightly higher starting salaries.

How does the cost of living in Singapore affect nurse salaries?

The cost of living in Singapore is high, particularly for housing and transportation, which makes nurses' salaries relatively competitive to meet these expenses. However, nurses are generally able to manage a comfortable standard of living with their salaries, especially when factoring in allowances and bonuses.

Are there any tax benefits for nurses working in Singapore?

Nurses in Singapore benefit from personal income tax reliefs, including deductions for training expenses and CPF (Central Provident Fund) contributions. These reliefs help reduce the overall tax burden, making salaries more advantageous in comparison to other countries.

How often do nurses in Singapore receive salary increments?

Nurses in Singapore typically receive annual salary increments, which are based on their performance and tenure. The increment can range from 2% to 5% annually, with higher increases possible for those who undertake additional responsibilities or achieve advanced qualifications.

What additional qualifications can help increase a nurse's salary in Singapore?

Advanced qualifications, such as specialist certifications, Master's degrees in nursing, or nurse practitioner roles, can significantly boost a nurse's earning potential. Nurses who specialise in high-demand areas like anaesthesia or critical care can also see salary increases due to the expertise required in these fields.