Singapore holds nearly 40,000 PMET vacancies as hiring slows

SINGAPORE, 22 SEPTEMBER 2026 —

Singapore employers posted close to 40,000 vacancies for professionals, managers, executives and technicians in the second quarter, even as overall hiring softened and retrenchments rose, according to Ministry of Manpower data released on Sept 21.

The MOM report shows total job openings near 70,000, down 8.6% from the first quarter. PMET roles — which paid a median S$7,600 a month for residents last year, compared with S$5,755 across all resident workers — accounted for the bulk of skilled demand.

Government agencies led hiring with more than 8,000 openings, a 20% increase from the previous quarter. Financial services and information technology followed, together concentrating 40% of all vacancies in the top three sectors.

The figures reveal a disconnect: GDP grew close to 6% year-on-year, yet the labour market shows caution. Retrenchments climbed last quarter and re-entry into employment grew tougher, MOM noted. Still, PMET vacancies remain roughly 50% above pre-pandemic levels.

For founders and hiring managers, the data signals where talent pipelines are deepest. Public sector expansion reflects ongoing digitalisation and healthcare push. Banks and fintechs continue recruiting compliance, risk and engineering talent despite AI displacement fears. Tech firms still seek developers, data scientists and cybersecurity specialists.

Vulcan Post analysis of the MOM breakdown shows vacancies spread across all industries, but the concentration in three sectors means competition for specialised hires remains intense. Median PMET pay at S$7,600 sets a benchmark for startup compensation planning.

The Q2 report covers the period ending June. MOM's next release will show whether the government hiring surge sustains and if finance and tech demand holds through year-end.

Related: Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) · Singapore