Country Guide · Singapore
International school teacher salaries in Singapore
Singapore is one of the most sought-after destinations for international teachers: excellent schools, a safe and efficient city, and strong professional development. It is also one of the most expensive places to live. This guide aims to give a calm, realistic view of what typical packages look like – and what that might mean for your lifestyle and savings.
Currency
Singapore Dollar (SGD)
Typical salary band*
~ SGD 4,000 – 8,500 / month
Mid-career teachers in mainstream international schools.
Contracts
2-year contracts are standard
Renewal and step increases often available.
Income tax
Progressive 0%–24% for residents
Most teachers fall in the lower to mid brackets, taxed on Singapore-earned income only.
Typical salary ranges in Singapore
Salaries vary widely between schools. Well-established international schools and those offering IB or premium British curricula tend to pay at the upper end; newer or more mid-market schools sit lower but may still offer a comfortable lifestyle.
Mainstream international schools
Public data and salary reports suggest many international school teachers earn somewhere between SGD 4,000 and 7,000 per month before tax, depending on experience, qualifications and responsibilities. Some mid-tier schools may sit slightly below this, while more experienced teachers with additional responsibilities may push above it.
Figures are indicative only and will vary by school.
Top-tier schools and leadership roles
At the very top end – especially in long-established schools with competitive recruitment – packages can rise into the SGD 10,000–15,000 per month range once housing or allowances are included. These roles are usually reserved for highly experienced teachers, coordinators and senior leaders.
Always read the full contract carefully, particularly around housing, insurance and school fees for dependants.
*All figures are approximate and based on external salary guides, public job adverts and teacher reports. They are not guarantees or promises from any individual school.
Common benefits in Singapore international school packages
The headline salary is only part of the story. Packages in Singapore can be generous, but there has been a gradual shift away from fully “expat” perks in some schools. It is important to look at the whole offer.
Annual flights: many schools offer a flight allowance or annual return flight for the teacher; some extend this to dependants.
Medical insurance: usually provided, but the level of cover and whether it includes family members varies considerably.
Relocation support: shipping or settling-in allowance, airport pick-up and help with initial accommodation are relatively common.
Housing: full housing is now less common than it once was, but some schools still provide an allowance or subsidised apartment, especially for leadership roles.
School fees discount: families may receive discounted or free places for children, but this policy varies a lot from school to school.
Professional development: many schools invest heavily in training, IB workshops and leadership pathways – a big plus even if it is not a direct financial benefit.
Cost of living and savings potential
Singapore consistently ranks as one of the most expensive cities in the world. The good news is that salaries tend to reflect this. The challenge is making sure your particular package lines up with your goals and responsibilities.
Rough monthly costs
A single teacher might spend roughly SGD 3,500–6,000 per month once rent, utilities, food, transport and some social life are included. A family of four can easily reach SGD 6,000–12,000 or more, depending on housing and schooling choices.
These figures are broad estimates; actual costs vary widely by neighbourhood and lifestyle.
Savings: what teachers often report
Single teachers on solid mid-tier packages who share accommodation and keep an eye on big expenses often report being able to save a healthy chunk of their salary each month. Families can still save, but housing and school fees for children make the equation tighter and more sensitive to offers.
As always, the details of your contract – and your own spending habits – matter more than any headline figure.
Who is Singapore a good fit for?
Singapore can be a wonderful posting for teachers who enjoy city life, value professional challenge and like things to run on time. It is especially attractive if you:
Want strong professional development and well-resourced classrooms.
Are happy in a high-cost, high-convenience city where eating out and travel are tempting but can quickly add up.
Plan to share accommodation or have a package that recognises family commitments if you have dependants.
If your main goal is aggressive savings, a strong package in Singapore can work very well – but similar or better savings can sometimes be found in lower-cost countries with good tax regimes. That’s where comparing offers becomes powerful.
Compare your Singapore offer
If you already have an offer in Singapore (or elsewhere), use our My Offer vs. The World tool to see how it stacks up against anonymous submissions from other teachers.
🎯 My Offer vs. The World
Compare your salary to real submissions for the same country and role (normalised to USD for accuracy).
Explore more on Wondering Staffroom
This country guide is just one part of the picture. Use the rest of the site to build a clearer view of international teaching life.
Head to Browse salaries to see real, anonymous submissions from teachers around the world.
Visit Analytics for more tools and visualisations comparing packages across countries.
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Join the mailing listFrequently asked questions
- What is a typical salary for an international school teacher?
- Most qualified teachers at mainstream international schools can expect somewhere in the region of SGD 4,000–8,500 per month before tax, depending on experience and the school tier.
- Do schools in Singapore still offer housing allowances?
- Some do, especially at the very top tier or for leadership roles. Many mid-tier schools expect teachers to pay their own rent but may support with relocation or a one-off housing allowance.
- How much can a single teacher realistically save?
- On a sensible package and with shared accommodation, a single teacher can often save a meaningful portion of their salary each month. Lifestyle choices, rent and travel habits make the biggest difference.
- Is Singapore good for teaching families?
- Yes – it is safe, organised and very family-friendly. The challenge is cost: housing and school fees for dependants add up quickly, so it’s vital to look at the whole package, not just the headline salary.
- Where does Wondering Staffroom’s data fit in?
- Our salary insights come from anonymous submissions by teachers, combined with public data. Over time, this will help build a clearer picture of what different schools and roles really offer.
