What is the Progressive Wage Model

Wage progression and training

PWM combines job-level wage floors with required training, skills growth and productivity improvements. Tripartite committees comprising government, employers and unions develop the models. Employees obtain clearer career paths, businesses gain productivity, and customers benefit from improved service standards.

Coverage and implementation

PWM covers Singapore citizens and permanent residents working full-time or part-time under contracts of service. Employers hiring Work Permit, S Pass or EP holders must meet the relevant PWM for covered local employees and LQS for all other local employees to apply for or renew work passes. MOM checks compliance regularly.

Effective dates and regulatory channels
Sector or occupation	Start	Implementation
Cleaning	1 September 2014; in-house extension 1 September 2022	NEA licensing
Security	1 September 2016; in-house extension 1 September 2022	SPF PRD licensing
Landscape	30 June 2016; in-house extension 1 September 2022	Landscape Company Register
Lift and escalator	1 May 2019	BCA contractor registration
Retail	1 September 2022	Work-pass requirements
Food services	1 March 2023	Work-pass requirements
Administrators and drivers	1 March 2023	Work-pass requirements
Waste management	1 July 2023	NEA licensing

Support and checking wages

Employers can use Workfare Skills Support for eligible Singaporean training costs, and the Business Grants Portal for job redesign and productivity support. The Progressive Wage Credit Scheme co-funds eligible wage increases during 2022–2026. Workers should first clarify their wage, occupation and hours with the employer, check the PW Portal, then seek union assistance or email [email protected] where disagreements remain.