Singapore’s labour market continues to grow, but the latest employment data shows why local job seekers must stay competitive, upskill, and target sectors with stronger resident hiring demand.
Singapore’s Job Market Continued to Grow in 2025
Singapore’s labour market remained resilient in 2025, with total employment increasing by 55,500 jobs, excluding migrant domestic workers. This was higher than the 44,500 jobs added in 2024, showing that businesses continued to hire despite global economic uncertainty.
However, the employment growth was not evenly distributed between residents and non-residents.
According to the Ministry of Manpower’s Labour Market Report for Q4 2025, resident employment grew by 11,600, while non-resident employment increased by 43,900. This means that close to 80% of the new jobs added in 2025 went to non-residents.
For Singaporean and PR job seekers, this does not mean that opportunities are disappearing. Instead, it shows that the job market is becoming more competitive and more skills-driven.
Why More New Jobs Went to Non-Residents
One key reason is the structure of Singapore’s economy. MOM noted that resident employment growth in 2025 was mainly supported by sectors such as financial services and health and social services. Non-resident employment growth, on the other hand, was largely driven by continued hiring of Work Permit holders in construction.
This reflects a long-standing manpower reality in Singapore. Some industries depend heavily on foreign workers because there are not enough local workers available or willing to take up these roles.
Singapore also already has a high resident labour force participation rate. This means many residents who are able and willing to work are already employed, leaving less room for resident employment to grow sharply each year.
What This Means for Singapore Job Seekers
For local job seekers, the latest data is a reminder that competition is not just about finding any available job. It is about building the right skills for sectors where resident hiring demand is stronger.
Roles in finance, healthcare, social services, technology, digital operations, customer experience, logistics, and business support functions are likely to remain important areas to watch.
Job seekers should focus on improving employability through practical skills such as digital literacy, AI tools, data analysis, communication, customer service, project coordination, sales, and industry-specific technical capabilities.
Singapore’s unemployment rate also remained low in December 2025, with overall unemployment at 2.0%, resident unemployment at 2.9%, and citizen unemployment at 3.0%. This suggests that the labour market is still relatively healthy, even though competition for better roles remains strong.
Job Vacancies Are Still Available
The good news is that labour demand remained firm. Job vacancies increased from 69,600 in September 2025 to 77,700 in December 2025. MOM also reported that the number of vacancies continued to exceed the number of unemployed persons.
This means employers are still hiring, but job seekers need to be more targeted in how they apply.
Instead of sending the same resume to every company, candidates should tailor their applications based on the role, highlight relevant skills clearly, and show how they can contribute from day one.
What Employers Should Take Away
For employers in Singapore, the data shows that hiring remains competitive. Companies that want to attract local talent need to go beyond posting job ads and waiting for applications.
Clear job descriptions, competitive salary ranges, flexible work arrangements, career progression opportunities, and training support can make a major difference in attracting stronger candidates.
Employers should also consider job redesign and upskilling existing staff instead of relying only on external hiring. MOM highlighted government support schemes such as Career Conversion Programmes and the SkillsFuture Workforce Development Grant to help employers transform their workforce.
Outlook for Singapore’s Job Market in 2026
Looking ahead, Singapore’s labour market is expected to continue expanding in 2026, supported by a more positive economic outlook. However, employers may still take a cautious approach to hiring due to global uncertainty.
For job seekers, this means preparation is key. The best opportunities will likely go to candidates who can show adaptability, relevant skills, and a willingness to keep learning.
For employers, the challenge will be to hire smarter, retain better, and build a workforce that can keep up with business and technology changes.
Final Thoughts
Singapore’s 2025 employment numbers show a labour market that is still growing, but also changing. While most new jobs went to non-residents, there are still strong opportunities for local job seekers who are prepared to upgrade their skills and move into growing sectors.
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