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According to data from the Ministry of Manpower in Singapore, the median hourly wage for cleaners in the city-state is SGD8.50 as of 2021. This is lower than the minimum wages in many other high-income countries.
It is important to note that the minimum wage in Singapore’s cleaning sector is not set by the government, but rather determined through tripartite negotiations between the government, employers, and labour unions. In general, the wages of workers in the cleaning sector in Singapore are lower than those in other high-income advanced economies. However, it is difficult to measure competitively as the minimum wage for the cleaning sector can vary significantly from country to country and can also depend on factors such as the specific region within the country and the type of cleaning work being performed.
In other high-income advanced economies, the minimum wage for the cleaning sector can vary significantly.
Here are some examples:
- United States: the federal minimum wage is currently set at USD7.25 (about SGD9.75) per hour, but many states and cities have enacted their own minimum wage laws that set a higher minimum wage. The minimum wage for workers in the cleaning sector in New York City, for example is USD 15 (about SGD20.19) per hour.
- Canada: the minimum wage varies by province, with the lowest minimum wage currently set at C$14.25 (about SGD14.13) about per hour in Alberta and the highest minimum wage set at C$16.00 (about SGD15.87) per hour in Nunavut.
- Australia: the minimum wage for the cleaning sector in Australia is AUD20.20 (about SGD18.31) per hour.
- United Kingdom: the National Living Wage, which is the minimum wage for workers who are 25 years of age or older, is currently set at £8.91 (about SGD 14.49) per hour.
It is also worth noting that the minimum wage for the cleaning sector in these countries may not necessarily reflect the actual wages earned by cleaning sector workers, as wages can vary depending on a variety of factors such as the worker’s skill level, the type of cleaning work being performed, and the specific region or industry in which the worker is employed.
For workers in the cleaning sector in Singapore who are looking to raise above the median hourly wage, one option is to reskill or upskill yourself. This means learning new skills or improving upon the skills you already have to increase your value as an employee.
Here are a few ways you can reskill or upskill in the cleaning sector:
- Obtain additional certifications: There are many organizations that offer training and certification programs in areas such as cleaning techniques, use of cleaning equipment, and health and safety. These certifications can help demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to the field and may increase your pay.
- Learn new languages or dialects: If you can speak multiple languages or dialects, you may be able to increase your pay by taking on cleaning jobs in areas where those languages or dialects are spoken. This is especially useful in Singapore where there is a diverse population, and many people speak languages other than English.
- Learn new software: Many cleaning companies now use specialized software to schedule and track tasks. If you can demonstrate proficiency in these programs, you may be able to increase your pay.
- Get additional education: You can also consider going back to school to get additional education in a related field, such as facilities management or hospitality management. This can help you gain new skills and increase your value to potential employers.
Overall, the key to increasing your pay in the cleaning sector is to demonstrate your value as an employee by acquiring new skills and knowledge. With the right training and education, you can increase your pay and advance your career in the cleaning industry.