Singapore’s latest Q4 2026 manpower survey shows a surprising surge in tech hiring, with the IT and software sector accounting for 32% of new roles. See the official report on the Ministry of Manpower website.
In the four‑month period ending December 31, recruiters posted 120,000 openings, up 15% from Q3 and the highest since 2019.
“The tech sector remains the backbone of our growth,” says Tan Wei Li, Singapore’s Chief Workforce Officer, in a statement released by the Ministry of Manpower.
(It’s the most optimistic line I’ve heard in weeks.)
Healthcare and fintech followed closely, each contributing around 18% of total hiring, while logistics and renewable energy rose by 12% and 9% respectively.
But why the spike? The government’s new AI‑in‑Education grant, announced in March, has accelerated digital transformation across hospitals, and the rollout of 5G across the island has opened new data‑driven services.
I tested a few recruitment sites this morning at 3 AM in my kitchen, and the influx of tech gigs was obvious—over 200 postings for senior data scientists alone.
And the numbers aren’t just for show. The Ministry’s data indicates that salaries in the tech sector now average $85,000 per year, up 7% from the previous quarter.
— Which is impressive at that price — before the cost of living rises catch up.
Because of these trends, start‑ups are pivoting faster than ever, and established firms are hiring more remote talent to tap into global talent pools.
And if you’re thinking of moving to Singapore for work, the visa process has been streamlined, with the new Tech Talent Pass allowing companies to bring in specialists within 30 days.
To dive deeper into the hiring boom across media, check out Digital Marketing, Ad‑Tech & OTT Revive Media Hiring Boom.
Key takeaway
- IT and software lead hiring with 32% of new roles.
- 120,000 openings reported, a 15% increase from Q3.
- Average tech salary now $85,000 per year.
- Government AI grants and 5G rollout are key drivers.
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