More Than 53,000 Retail Workers Covered by Retail Progressive Wage Model Recommendations for Sustained Wage Increases
The Government accepts the Tripartite Cluster for Retail (TCR)’s recommendations on the Retail Progressive Wage Model (PWM), released on 11 August 2025. The recommendations set a three-year schedule of sustained PWM wage increases, which will apply to more than 53,000 resident full-time and part-time retail workers, from 1 September 2025 to 31 August 2028. It also outlines an expanded list of training modules and recognition of Institute of Higher Learning (IHL) qualifications to meet the minimum training requirements. The Retail PWM has been in place since 1 September 2022, and offers a balanced and sustainable approach to uplifting lower wage workers, encouraging upskilling and supporting business competitiveness
THREE-YEAR SCHEDULE OF SUSTAINED WAGE INCREASES
2 The TCR has recommended a three-year wage schedule from 1 September 2025 to 31 August 2028, including additional wage requirements for overtime hours. From 1 September 2025, retail workers will earn at least the entry-level PWM wage of $2,305, up from the existing PWM wage of $2,175.
3 From 2025 to 2027, this baseline monthly gross wages will increase from $2,305 to $2,565. Retail workers can expect a year-on-year increase of up to $160 in the next three years. The updated wage schedule is reflected below.
| PWM Job Level |
PWM Baseline Gross Wages |
[Existing]
From 1 Sep 2024 |
[NEW]
From 1 Sep 2025 |
[NEW]
From 1 Sep 2026 |
[NEW]
From 1 Sep 2027^ |
| Retail Assistant /Cashier |
Monthly Gross Wage
(exclude OT) |
$2,175 |
$2,305 |
$2,435 |
$2,565 |
| Year-on-year increase > |
$130 |
$130 |
$130 |
| Hourly Gross Wage+ |
$11.41 |
$12.09 |
$12.77 |
$13.45 |
|
Senior Cashier /
Senior Retail Assistant
|
Monthly Gross Wage
(exclude OT) |
$2,395 |
$2,535 |
$2,680 |
$2,820 |
| Year-on-year increase > |
$140 |
$145 |
$140 |
| Hourly Gross Wage+ |
$12.56 |
$13.30 |
$14.06 |
$14.79 |
|
Assistant Retail Supervisor
|
Monthly Gross Wage
(exclude OT) |
$2,635 |
$2,790 |
$2,950 |
$3,100 |
| Year-on-year increase > |
$155 |
$160 |
$150 |
| Hourly Gross Wage+ |
$13.82 |
$14.63 |
$15.47 |
$16.26 |
+ Hourly Gross Wage is applicable to part-time workers who work less than 35 hours a week
^PWM wage from 1 Sep 2027 is subject to review in 2026. TCR may consider adjusting the PWM gross wage requirements upwards if the economic situation improves.
EXPANDED LIST OF TRAINING MODULES AND RECOGNITION OF INSTITUTES OF HIGHER LEARNING QUALIFICATIONS TO MEET PWM TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
4 The TCR has recommended to expand the list of Workforce Skills Qualification (WSQ) training modules that qualify for meeting the minimum PWM training requirement of completing one WSQ training module for all job roles. Retail workers that hold relevant qualifications from Institutes of Higher Learning (IHL) or have attained the ITE Skills Subject Certificate (ISSC) in Retail & e-Commerce will also be recognised as having met the minimum PWM training requirements (Please refer to Annex A).
CONTINUED SUPPORT FOR EMPLOYERS WITH THE PROGRESSIVE WAGE CREDIT SCHEME IN 2025 AND 2026
5 To provide transitionary support for employers to adjust to the PWM wage increases, eligible employers will automatically receive co-funding support under the Progressive Wage Credit Scheme (PWCS) until 2026. The PWCS will co-fund up to 40% of wage increases given to lower-wage workers in 2025, and 20% in 2026. This will alleviate cost pressures, while enabling businesses to drive transformation efforts to enhance productivity and raise wages sustainably.
6 For more details, please refer to the reports issued by TCR at www.ntuc.org.sg/tripartiteguidelines.