Salary growth slowly rises 1.6% in 2021

The wage situation improved last year but at a slower pace.

Real wage growth went up 1.6% in 2021, compared to 2020 but at a slower pace driven by rising prices, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) said in its latest figures.

With the strong economic recovery in 2021, the proportion of profitable establishments up to 75%.

READ MORE: Which workers saw salary gains in 2021

Other sectors in 2021 also posted wage increase such as information and communications, which was up by 5.1%, financial and insurance services, which was up by 4.1%, and manufacturing, which was up by 4.0%.

Sectors that were hardest-hit by the pandemic also posted wage increases, showing signs of recovery. These include accommodation with 1.7% change, transportation and storage with 2.8% change, and food and beverage services with 2.6% change. 

However, MOM noted that these are still lower compared to their pre-pandemic growth rates.