Recently, Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower released a labour force report that showed findings in relation to career switch outcomes, and for those on the fence when it comes to making decisive job changes, as well as reskilling and upskilling to improve their career health, there was much to take note!
Essentially, the report revealed three key points below.
Career switches can help improve your income
Most Singaporean employees who switched jobs moved into more productive sectors and higher-skilled roles, and consequently experienced increases in their incomes.
Over the longer term, more Singaporean workers have moved into these more productive sectors. Between 2014 and 2024, the proportion of employed residents in these sectors grew.
The majority of full-time resident employees aged 25 to 64 years who transitioned to different industries experienced income increases, as they were generally hired into higher-skilled positions in more productive sectors like Financial & Insurance Services, Information & Communications, and Professional Services.
Brandon Lee, Assistant Chief Executive of the Transformation Support Group at Workforce Singapore (WSG), shared why Singaporeans who switch careers into new sectors often see their incomes increase. He said: “Switching to a new sector can feel risky, but it’s often an opportunity to reset and grow — and many workers see their incomes rise when they do!”
He believes one reason is that people often move into industries that are expanding, like finance, IT, or professional services.
“These sectors tend to pay better because they’re at the forefront of Singapore’s economy and need skilled workers.”
But it’s not just about learning new skills, he added.
“Sometimes it’s about finding a space where your current experience and abilities are more highly valued.”
“For instance, if you’re an operations manager in manufacturing, your problem-solving skills might be worth even more in logistics or technology, where efficiency and process improvements are critical.”
If you’re thinking about a switch, the key question isn’t just “what new skills do I need?” but also “where can my existing strengths shine the most?”
Brandon added: “Recognising that your value may increase in the right environment could be the motivation you need to take that leap.
“Workforce Singapore (WSG) plays a role here by helping mid-career individuals identify and transition into industries where there is market demand. Programmes like the Career Conversion Programme (CCP) offer structured pathways to help workers make such shifts.”
Upskilling and reskilling will help raise your income as well
The report also noted that across all occupational groups, there was a rise in share of those who experienced upward income mobility post-Covid (2021 to 2024) compared to the pre-Covid (2016 to 2019) period.
In general, workers who have acquired specialised knowledge and skills to perform more complex job roles are likely to see larger income increases and move up the income distribution.
Among the higher-paying industries, workers in Financial & Insurance Services, Professional Services and Information & Communications had a higher tendency to see good income outcomes that resulted in upward income mobility.
Higher-paying sectors also have relatively higher productivity, suggesting that firms are better positioned to provide salary increases to retain and attract talent.
Among the remaining industries, these other industries also had markedly higher numbers of Singaporean workers who possibly benefitted from reskilling and upskilling by way of higher incomes:
- Wholesale trade
- Manufacturing
- Construction
- Food and Beverage
- Community, Social and Personal Services
- Transportation and Storage
- Administrative and Support Services
- Health and Social Services
- Real Estate Services
- Accommodation
- Arts, Entertainment and Recreation
- Retail Trade
Some may be wondering if this is part of a larger trend where workers are paying more for workers who reskill and upskill.
Brandon shared: “Yes, but there’s more to it. Employers are paying more for the skills they need — that’s the bottom line. Sometimes that means hiring workers who’ve gone through reskilling or upskilling, but other times, it’s about finding people who already have the right expertise.”
“Globally, we’re seeing this across industries that are evolving rapidly. Cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and green energy are great examples. Companies in these fields are willing to pay a premium for talent that can hit the ground running.”
For mid-career PMETs, this means you don’t always have to start from scratch. Employers value practical experience, industry know-how, and soft skills like leadership and communication just as much as technical skills.
“WSG’s workshops and resources for career planning and job search strategies can be invaluable for packaging your existing skills to meet employers’ needs. The key is to position yourself as someone who can address their immediate challenges — whether through reskilling or simply by highlighting your current capabilities,” Brandon added.
Lower income workers have not been left out
MOM’s report also revealed for lower-income workers also saw better income progression in the post-Covid period, compared to pre-Covid.
Post-COVID, three in five workers saw good income outcomes with an income growth of at least 5% annually, up from two in five during the pre-Covid period. At the lower income bands, there was a larger share of workers who saw income rise by at least 5% annually, with the highest share among those earning below $2,000.
Why career health matters
There are also aspects of reskilling, upskilling and career switches that Singaporean people may not realise.
Brandon shared: “Reskilling or upskilling often promises better pay and job stability, but it’s not just about learning something new.”
“There are two big factors that people might overlook: time and uncertainty.”
“First, reskilling takes time. If you’re thinking of switching careers, you’ll need to invest in learning new skills — and that can mean months or even years before you’re ready for a new role. If you don’t plan ahead, you might miss opportunities that pop up along the way.”
“Second, there’s the question of how long those new skills will stay relevant. Take ‘prompt engineering’, for example — a hot skill in generative AI just a year ago.
“Today, tools are evolving so fast that the demand for this skill is already levelling off. Even programming, once considered a solid career choice, is being disrupted by no-code platforms and automation. This is where career health comes in.”
“Planning your next steps — whether it’s through exploring WSG’s career guidance or leveraging platforms like MyCareersFuture or MySkillsFuture — helps you make informed decisions about where to focus your efforts. You don’t need to have all the answers, but staying adaptable and preparing for future trends are crucial.”
He concluded: “The good news is that you’re not starting from zero. Your experience, network, and industry knowledge are huge assets.”
“Use them as your foundation, but stay curious, stay open, and be ready to learn. That’s how you can keep your career not just alive, but thriving, even as the world around you keeps changing!”
