Singapore Employment Surges in Q3 2025, Despite Global Economic Headwinds
Singapore’s labor market demonstrated significant strength in the third quarter of 2025, with total employment growing by 24,800, according to data released yesterday by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
The increase marks a substantial rise from the 10,400 jobs added in the second quarter of 2025 and the 22,300 added in the same period last year. Growth was driven by both resident and non-resident employment, with particularly strong gains in health & social services and financial services. However, outward-oriented sectors like information & communications and professional services experienced slower growth, while wholesale trade saw a decline in resident employment. This data is crucial as it indicates the resilience of Singapore’s economy amidst ongoing global uncertainties.
Unemployment rates remained low in September 2025, holding steady at 2.0% overall, 2.8% for residents, and 3.0% for citizens. Retrenchments also remained contained at 3,500, or 1.4 retrenched per 1,000 employees, consistent with the previous quarter. While 44.1% of firms anticipate hiring – a slight increase from 43.7% – wage increase plans are decreasing, falling from 22.4% to 19.3%, with the most significant declines in financial & insurance services and information & communications. For more information on Singapore’s economic outlook, visit the Monetary Authority of Singapore.
The MOM report suggests that while employment growth is expected to continue, wage growth may moderate due to cost pressures, and resident employment growth may lag behind non-resident employment. The Ministry urged employers and workers to utilize available support schemes to invest in skills development, referencing resources available on the SkillsFuture Singapore website.
