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<TABLE border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%"><TBODY><TR class=msghead><TD><TABLE border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0><TBODY><TR class=msghead vAlign=top><TD class=msgF width="1%" noWrap align=right>From: </TD><TD class=msgFname width="68%" noWrap>INCREDULOU5 <NOBR></NOBR> </TD><TD class=msgDate width="30%" noWrap align=right>5:56 am </TD></TR><TR class=msghead><TD class=msgT height=20 width="1%" noWrap align=right>To: </TD><TD class=msgTname width="68%" noWrap>ALL <NOBR></NOBR></TD><TD class=msgNum noWrap align=right> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR><TD class=msgleft rowSpan=4 width="1%"> </TD><TD class=wintiny noWrap align=right>38616.1 </TD></TR><TR><TD height=8></TD></TR><TR><TD class=msgtxt>Much has being written about the pathetic salary earns by our rank and file workers. It is estimated that around 30% of our local workforce earns a salary that is below $1800. While researching for this article, I could not locate any median salary range for the ordinary rank and file jobs from our MOM website. I have thus compiled my own list here according to the salaries advertised on the newspapers by employers looking for such staff.
Shockingly, when I did a salary comparison for similar jobs earned ten years ago, a majority of the salary range has stayed stagnant effectively reducing the disposable income of the average worker in Singapore due to the inflation factor. If there is any salary adjustment for some jobs, its also marginal. Most of such jobs are also performed by foreign workers automatically pushing down salaries as employers will not want to pay more since there is a cheaper alternative from foreigners. Note that the figures quoted are for starting salaries only and may fluctuate from employer to employer.
1. General drivers (delivery)
2000 – $1300 – $1500
2010 – $1300 – $1500
NB: Generally performed by local workers but foreigners are seen encroaching into this area now. Drivers are expected to also load and unload goods at the customer places. A 6-day work week is the norm for such work. Not for the middle-aged and feeble.
2. Security officer (full time 8-hour shift)
2000 – $1000
2010 – $1300
NB: A job that is still predominantly performed by locals as foreigners are barred from such work. Security officers need to clear a certification exam after a 5-day course. This industry can benefit from a more professional image and improved work benefits. Many security officers have no leave or medical benefits and only have two off days in a month. However, recently, pay has improved slightly for such jobs and has attracted some grads who are affected by the recent downturn. Security officer who aspires to be security supervisor can take the supervisory courses which last around three months.
3. Waiters (full time)
2000 – $1200 – $1300
2010 – $1200 – $1300
NB: Job that is now performed mostly by foreigners (Filipinos, Chinese, Indians) due to the low salary and the tough split-shift work system. An industry that is seen as low end and has no prospects. There is also no scope for advancement. Many leave this industry when they find better work elsewhere. Pay has remain flat for the past decade and does not seem like improving in the near future. A better pay structure and all-out drive to attract locals may spice up this foreigner-dominated industry.
4. Clerk (junior)
2000 – $800
2010 – $900 – $1000
NB: Job that is still mostly carried out by locals but Filipinos are now seen performing such job scope. Starting pay has also remain flat all these years. Many junior clerks move on to become administrators after a few years of work experience and upgrading.
5. Administrator
2000 – $1500
2010 – $1600
NB: Such work is still dominated by the locals for the time being but Filipinos with their strong command of English is slowly taking over such jobs. An industry that also suffers from a stagnanted pay struture that does no justice to these office generals who often become the office manager as well.
6. Cafe assistant (full time)
2000 – $1000
2010 – $1100
NB: Such work is split between the locals and foreigners. Of course, foreigners who are younger and fitter, are the preferred choice of most employers. It is actually a no-brainer who the employer will employ if given a choice between the two. Pay has remain flat for the past decade and people job hop alot here. Has no job prospect and will soon be dominated by foreigners in the near future as employers continue to rely on cheap labour to run their operation. Can benefit alot from mechanisation and better productivity.
7. Cleaner
2000 – $700
2010 – $700 – $800
NB: The cleaner job has not evolve much all these years as employers continue to rely on labour to do such work instead of mechanisation. Many uncles and aunties are shoved aside by the foreign cleaning brigade who is also seen as faster and cheaper. Pay has remain flat for the past decade and workers become serial job hoppers in this industry. Employers have to rely on foreign workers to stem the high turnover among the local workers. An industry that badly needs an overhaul.
8. Factory operator
2000 – $1000 – $1200
2010 – $1000 – $1200
NB: Mainly perform by foreigners all this while due to the cost factor but many manufacturing companies have recently pull out of Singapore to countries like China. Malaysia and Vietnam due to the cheaper labour cost. Such work may not stay with us for very long. A sunset industry that we may want to forget.
9. Garage assistant (junior)
2000 – $1200
2010 – $1300
NB: An industry that is dominated by the oldies as our youngsters shun away from such jobs. Malaysians have also dominate such industry. Seen as a sunset industry.
10. Sales/retail assistant
2000 – $1400
2010 – $1500
NB: An industry ithat s increasingly taken over by the Chinese foreigners as employers prefer younger workers but have refuse to increase the wages. The long working hours and weekend hours also deter many locals from such jobs. Pay can increase however due to the commission factor tied to the quantity of products sold. Professionalism needs to be improved and with better pay locals may be attracted. Most work carried out by sales assistants abroad are performed by its own local people. There is no reason to believe that this can’t be done in Singapore.
11. SBS bus driver
2000 – $1500
2010 – $1800
NB: At least 35% of our SBS bus drivers are foreigners hail mainly from Malaysia, China and India. Recruitment drive for bus drivers is also very active abroad. The reasonably good pay has attracted some local workers in their 30s to try out this industry. Its still better than cab driving as you have a stable income and work benefits. SBS has done well to improve pay and work conditions to attract our locals into such jobs.
12. Mover
2000 – $1200
2010 – $1200
NB: An industry that is performed mainly by people looking for a part time job or in betwwen jobs. Pay around $50 for a a hard day of back-breaking work. Not for the middle-aged and feeble. Another labour-intensive job that has not much prospect.
13. Secretary (junior)
2000 – $1300
2010 – $1500
NB: Used to be a favourite job for school-leavers who have just finish school. A secretarial certificate is often required now for candidates keen on such job. Many junior secretaries move on to MNCs after acquiring a few years of work experience as the pay is higher and there are better work benefits.
14. Accounts assistant
2000 – $1300
2010 – $1400
NB: A position that is a favourite for those who have passs out from the NTC accounting course. Reserved mainly for locals and there is always a demand for such positions. Pay can increase as the person chalks up work experience to become the senior accounts assistant. Starting pay has however remain flat all these years.
15. Cashier (NTUC, Cold Storage, etc)
2000 – $1100
2010 – $1200
NB: Another job that is reserved mainly for our local aunties. However, foreign Chinese workers are now seen manning cashiers in our supermarkets. A hot favourite for those who want to work part time for a few hours daily and be a housewife as well. Pay will remain flat even after several years of work experience in this industry. A hot favourite job for retireess as well.
16. Forklift driver
2000 – $1400
2010 – $1600
NB: Another industry that always has vacancies due to our solid warehousing and shipping industries. Need to go for a few weeks training and pass the forklift driver certificaton. An industry that has seen many foreigners coming in as many employers could not find local workers. Tough working environment as well. Pay can be good after a few years of work experience.
17. Shipping clerk
2000 – $1600
2010 – $1700
NB: The shipping clerk is always thought of as someone who will work at least 10 hours in the office and will not see the light of day as she is forever cooped up in the office. Turnover is also high due to the stressful nature of the job. Pay can be high ($2500) after several years of work experience as there is a demand for such esteemed positions.
18. Nurse
2000 – $1000
2010 – $1200
NB: Many locals are attracted by such work even though the starting pay is relatively low. Junior nurses have to pass a one-year course sponsored by the government and have to sign a bond after that. I feel that people who turn to such industry may be eyeing immigration as countries such as Australia, Britain and USA have all along welcome immigrants with nursing experience. However, if the nurse decides to stay on, the salary at private hospitals is known to be much better. A experienced nurse can command salary of around $2500 if she works in a private hospital. Those with a nursing degree can even be the nursing manager of a hospital commanding at least $4000 in salary.
Source: http://www.transitioning.org/2010/09/09/salary-range-of-our-rank-and-file-workers/
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Shockingly, when I did a salary comparison for similar jobs earned ten years ago, a majority of the salary range has stayed stagnant effectively reducing the disposable income of the average worker in Singapore due to the inflation factor. If there is any salary adjustment for some jobs, its also marginal. Most of such jobs are also performed by foreign workers automatically pushing down salaries as employers will not want to pay more since there is a cheaper alternative from foreigners. Note that the figures quoted are for starting salaries only and may fluctuate from employer to employer.
1. General drivers (delivery)
2000 – $1300 – $1500
2010 – $1300 – $1500
NB: Generally performed by local workers but foreigners are seen encroaching into this area now. Drivers are expected to also load and unload goods at the customer places. A 6-day work week is the norm for such work. Not for the middle-aged and feeble.
2. Security officer (full time 8-hour shift)
2000 – $1000
2010 – $1300
NB: A job that is still predominantly performed by locals as foreigners are barred from such work. Security officers need to clear a certification exam after a 5-day course. This industry can benefit from a more professional image and improved work benefits. Many security officers have no leave or medical benefits and only have two off days in a month. However, recently, pay has improved slightly for such jobs and has attracted some grads who are affected by the recent downturn. Security officer who aspires to be security supervisor can take the supervisory courses which last around three months.
3. Waiters (full time)
2000 – $1200 – $1300
2010 – $1200 – $1300
NB: Job that is now performed mostly by foreigners (Filipinos, Chinese, Indians) due to the low salary and the tough split-shift work system. An industry that is seen as low end and has no prospects. There is also no scope for advancement. Many leave this industry when they find better work elsewhere. Pay has remain flat for the past decade and does not seem like improving in the near future. A better pay structure and all-out drive to attract locals may spice up this foreigner-dominated industry.
4. Clerk (junior)
2000 – $800
2010 – $900 – $1000
NB: Job that is still mostly carried out by locals but Filipinos are now seen performing such job scope. Starting pay has also remain flat all these years. Many junior clerks move on to become administrators after a few years of work experience and upgrading.
5. Administrator
2000 – $1500
2010 – $1600
NB: Such work is still dominated by the locals for the time being but Filipinos with their strong command of English is slowly taking over such jobs. An industry that also suffers from a stagnanted pay struture that does no justice to these office generals who often become the office manager as well.
6. Cafe assistant (full time)
2000 – $1000
2010 – $1100
NB: Such work is split between the locals and foreigners. Of course, foreigners who are younger and fitter, are the preferred choice of most employers. It is actually a no-brainer who the employer will employ if given a choice between the two. Pay has remain flat for the past decade and people job hop alot here. Has no job prospect and will soon be dominated by foreigners in the near future as employers continue to rely on cheap labour to run their operation. Can benefit alot from mechanisation and better productivity.
7. Cleaner
2000 – $700
2010 – $700 – $800
NB: The cleaner job has not evolve much all these years as employers continue to rely on labour to do such work instead of mechanisation. Many uncles and aunties are shoved aside by the foreign cleaning brigade who is also seen as faster and cheaper. Pay has remain flat for the past decade and workers become serial job hoppers in this industry. Employers have to rely on foreign workers to stem the high turnover among the local workers. An industry that badly needs an overhaul.
8. Factory operator
2000 – $1000 – $1200
2010 – $1000 – $1200
NB: Mainly perform by foreigners all this while due to the cost factor but many manufacturing companies have recently pull out of Singapore to countries like China. Malaysia and Vietnam due to the cheaper labour cost. Such work may not stay with us for very long. A sunset industry that we may want to forget.
9. Garage assistant (junior)
2000 – $1200
2010 – $1300
NB: An industry that is dominated by the oldies as our youngsters shun away from such jobs. Malaysians have also dominate such industry. Seen as a sunset industry.
10. Sales/retail assistant
2000 – $1400
2010 – $1500
NB: An industry ithat s increasingly taken over by the Chinese foreigners as employers prefer younger workers but have refuse to increase the wages. The long working hours and weekend hours also deter many locals from such jobs. Pay can increase however due to the commission factor tied to the quantity of products sold. Professionalism needs to be improved and with better pay locals may be attracted. Most work carried out by sales assistants abroad are performed by its own local people. There is no reason to believe that this can’t be done in Singapore.
11. SBS bus driver
2000 – $1500
2010 – $1800
NB: At least 35% of our SBS bus drivers are foreigners hail mainly from Malaysia, China and India. Recruitment drive for bus drivers is also very active abroad. The reasonably good pay has attracted some local workers in their 30s to try out this industry. Its still better than cab driving as you have a stable income and work benefits. SBS has done well to improve pay and work conditions to attract our locals into such jobs.
12. Mover
2000 – $1200
2010 – $1200
NB: An industry that is performed mainly by people looking for a part time job or in betwwen jobs. Pay around $50 for a a hard day of back-breaking work. Not for the middle-aged and feeble. Another labour-intensive job that has not much prospect.
13. Secretary (junior)
2000 – $1300
2010 – $1500
NB: Used to be a favourite job for school-leavers who have just finish school. A secretarial certificate is often required now for candidates keen on such job. Many junior secretaries move on to MNCs after acquiring a few years of work experience as the pay is higher and there are better work benefits.
14. Accounts assistant
2000 – $1300
2010 – $1400
NB: A position that is a favourite for those who have passs out from the NTC accounting course. Reserved mainly for locals and there is always a demand for such positions. Pay can increase as the person chalks up work experience to become the senior accounts assistant. Starting pay has however remain flat all these years.
15. Cashier (NTUC, Cold Storage, etc)
2000 – $1100
2010 – $1200
NB: Another job that is reserved mainly for our local aunties. However, foreign Chinese workers are now seen manning cashiers in our supermarkets. A hot favourite for those who want to work part time for a few hours daily and be a housewife as well. Pay will remain flat even after several years of work experience in this industry. A hot favourite job for retireess as well.
16. Forklift driver
2000 – $1400
2010 – $1600
NB: Another industry that always has vacancies due to our solid warehousing and shipping industries. Need to go for a few weeks training and pass the forklift driver certificaton. An industry that has seen many foreigners coming in as many employers could not find local workers. Tough working environment as well. Pay can be good after a few years of work experience.
17. Shipping clerk
2000 – $1600
2010 – $1700
NB: The shipping clerk is always thought of as someone who will work at least 10 hours in the office and will not see the light of day as she is forever cooped up in the office. Turnover is also high due to the stressful nature of the job. Pay can be high ($2500) after several years of work experience as there is a demand for such esteemed positions.
18. Nurse
2000 – $1000
2010 – $1200
NB: Many locals are attracted by such work even though the starting pay is relatively low. Junior nurses have to pass a one-year course sponsored by the government and have to sign a bond after that. I feel that people who turn to such industry may be eyeing immigration as countries such as Australia, Britain and USA have all along welcome immigrants with nursing experience. However, if the nurse decides to stay on, the salary at private hospitals is known to be much better. A experienced nurse can command salary of around $2500 if she works in a private hospital. Those with a nursing degree can even be the nursing manager of a hospital commanding at least $4000 in salary.
Source: http://www.transitioning.org/2010/09/09/salary-range-of-our-rank-and-file-workers/
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