SG marketers, here is your salary guide for 2026

Singapore’s job market is set for another year of cautious pay growth, AI-driven workplace change, and flexible workforce models, according to Robert Walters’ salary survey 2026. While companies are offering modest salary increments, talent expectations are outpacing employer plans.

According to the survey, 69% of employers plan to give current staff at least a 3% raise, while 56% are likely to offer new hires at least a 6% increase. Meanwhile, 83% of professionals looking to switch jobs expect more than a 10% bump, with nearly a quarter targeting increases above 20%.

Beyond compensation, employees increasingly value flexible work arrangements, job security, and inspiring colleagues. Employers are responding by leaning on contract and project-based roles, with 55% planning to hire contractors in 2026 to fill short-term or project-specific needs.

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In addition, AI adoption is accelerating across industries and reshaping skills demand. About a third of companies have already introduced AI to optimise headcount, while another 30% are planning to do so. Employers say up to half of their workforce will require reskilling over the next five years, with skills in high demand including critical thinking, fact-checking, data analysis, adaptability, and ethical decision-making.

In response, 46% of professionals have started researching or pursuing AI-related training. Top concerns include job displacement (48%), algorithmic bias (42%), and insufficient training (41%). Moreover, AI tools are being used for research, communication, and content creation, highlighting the shift in daily workflows.

Marketing and communications roles in focus

The sales and marketing sector faces “very high” hiring challenges, with cost-cutting and AI adoption reshaping traditional roles. Companies are prioritising AI-skilled and senior digital specialists, while entry-level executional positions face reduced demand, according to the study. Revenue-generating roles such as sales directors, general managers, and heads of growth are increasingly sought after, alongside CRM, marketing automation, and AI-enabled specialists, often on contract.

Employers value candidates with generalist or hybrid experience, leadership ability, adaptability, cross-functional collaboration, and strong communication skills. Professionals are advised to broaden their portfolios, upskill in AI and marketing technology, and maintain a robust network, as creativity and commercial judgement remain key differentiators.

Salaries in marketing may stagnate for permanent roles, while contract roles could see growth through bonuses, incentives, stock options, and non-monetary benefits such as flexible work and upskilling allowances.

Below, Robert Walters has provided a snapshot of what you should be earning in 2026 in the marketing and communications industry in Singapore. 

Marketing 

Digital and eCommerce

PR and communications

Looking ahead

In 2026, careful wage management, sustained demand for AI, data and cloud talent, and an increased reliance on flexible workforce models are expected to be key drivers. Companies are expected to prioritise skills-based hiring, internal mobility, and talent development to retain staff amid market volatility.

Compared with 2025, when job-switchers saw salary increases of 12–15% (and up to 20% in niche areas) while those remaining in their roles received 2–5% adjustments, the 2026 survey shows slightly higher baseline increments for both new hires and existing employees. Employer caution persists, and the growing gap between talent expectations and company offerings continues to fuel competition for skilled professionals.

“Keen workforce planning and a strong employee value proposition will be critical to attract and retain talent,” said Kirsty Poltock, country manager at Robert Walters Singapore. “Employers will need to stay agile, leverage analytics, invest in skills development, and explore contract and project-based roles to meet evolving business needs.”

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