Full-time permanent employment outcomes for fresh polytechnic graduates in Singapore remained broadly stable in 2025, even as starting salaries continued to rise, according to the latest Graduate Employment Survey released byhe country’s five polytechnics on January 15.
The survey shows that 54.2% of fresh polytechnic graduates secured full-time permanent jobs in 2025, marginally lower than the 54.6% recorded in 2024. Despite the slight dip, pay levels improved, with the median gross monthly salary for those in full-time permanent roles increasing from S$2,900 in 2024 to S$3,000 in 2025. Graduates from humanities and social sciences continued to command the highest median pay at S$3,200, followed by health sciences graduates earning S$3,011.
Overall employability remained strong. About 90% of polytechnic graduates found employment — either full-time or temporary — within six months of graduation or after completing full-time national service, largely unchanged from 90.4% in 2024. The results come amid growing concerns among tertiary graduates over job prospects in a more volatile economic and labour market environment.
This year’s survey also introduced methodological changes. For the first time, it measured whether graduates had “secured employment”, broadening the definition to include those who had accepted job offers but had not yet started work, as well as those preparing to start businesses. Previously, only graduates already working were counted as employed. The survey also provided more granular data on graduates who had not secured jobs, including those who rejected offers, were unsuccessful in applications, or chose not to seek full-time work.
Labour market data from the Ministry of Manpower shows employment growth in 2025 was driven by financial services and health and social services, while information and communications saw slower growth. Entry-level vacancies rose sharply to 39,000 in September 2025, up from 26,000 a year earlier, signalling continued opportunities for new workforce entrants despite economic uncertainty.