The education sector in Singapore is renowned for its qualities, including excellence, a commitment to academic quality, and innovation, which make it one of the most respected education systems globally. Right now, there is a high demand for skilled educators in Singapore. This is because the country is focusing on areas like digital learning and global competition.
These are also the reasons why professionals such as professors earn SGD 200,000 to SGD 300,000 a year here. These job roles also offer professionals excellent opportunities for professional growth.
This blog will focus on the highest-paying jobs in the education sector in Singapore. It will also talk about the emerging trends that are shaping its educational landscape.
Source: Glassdoor, as of October 19, 2025
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Top 5 Highest-Paying Jobs in Education (Including Salaries)
In the Singapore education sector, the highest-paid professionals possess excellent leadership skills and in-depth domain expertise. This is why they can make the right impact in their work as well. Thanks to these factors, they are able to earn a high income in Singapore’s competitive job market.
1. Professor
Professors are among the most well-compensated and respected professionals in Singapore’s education system. They typically work in higher education institutions and universities, where they conduct original research in their respective domains and lead academic departments.
Their primary responsibilities are:
- Developing Course Content
- Lecturing
- Mentoring Students
- Publishing Scholarly Work
- Contributing to Institutional Development through Leadership Roles and Committees
2. Educational Technology (EdTech) Product Manager
Among the highest-paying jobs in Singapore’s education industry, EdTech Product Managers have become vital in bridging the gap between innovation and learning. They collaborate with developers, designers, and educators to create digital tools, including electronic learning (e-learning) platforms, online resources, and apps, that enhance student engagement and teacher proficiency.
Their primary roles include market analysis, product lifecycle management, and product design and testing, all aimed at meeting the evolving needs of institutions and learners.
Also read: Will an Online Degree in Education Open Doors to EdTech Careers in Singapore?
3. Principal
Principals serve as both academic and administrative leaders in schools, overseeing key areas such as faculty performance, student outcomes, and curriculum implementation. They are responsible for maintaining educational standards, handling disciplinary matters, managing budgets, and building relationships with the community, including the parents
4. Academic Dean
Academic deans are among the highest-paying jobs in the education industry of Singapore. They primarily manage the academic operations of college and university faculties. They oversee curriculum development, accreditation processes, faculty recruitment, and research initiatives.
5. Childcare Center Director
Childcare center directors oversee the daily performance of early childhood education centers, maintain a nurturing learning environment, and ensure regulatory compliance. They also manage staff, communicate with parents, handle enrollment, and design programs to support holistic child development.
The following table highlights the salaries of the highest-paid professionals in the education sector of Singapore:
| Job Role | Annual Average Salary |
| Professor | SGD 200,000 – SGD 300,000 |
| EdTech Product Manager | SGD 72,000 – SGD 108,000 |
| Principal | SGD 60,000 – SGD 96,000 |
| Academic Dean | SGD 86,000 – SGD 93,000 |
| Childcare Center Director | SGD 60,000 – SGD 72,000 |
Source: Glassdoor, as of April 7, 2024, September 15, 2025, October 13, 2025, October 19, 2025, and October 21, 2025
Emerging Trends Shaping the Education Sector
The following are the most prominent emerging trends shaping the education sector in Singapore now:
1. Innovation and Technology
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Virtual and Augmented Reality
- Digital Platforms
2. Curriculum and Pedagogy
- Subject-Based Banding
- Project-Based Learning
- Lifelong Learning
3. Core Competencies and Skills
- Social-Emotional Learning
- Cultural and Global Competence
- Adaptability
These trends impact the highest-paying teaching jobs in Singapore in different ways. For example, teachers are using AI actively to develop lesson plans, augment student work, and generate feedback.
Singapore has now moved away from the system of academic streaming, allowing students to select their preferred subjects at the appropriate level.
Essential Skills for High-Paying Education Careers
If you wish to secure the high-paying online teaching jobs in Singapore, you will need the following skills for sure:
1. Core Soft and Pedagogical Skills
- Effective Communication
- Collaboration and Leadership
- Flexibility and Adaptability
- Critical Thinking and Creativity
- Empathy and Patience
- Time and Organizational Management
2. In-Demand Specialized and Technical Skills
- Technological Proficiency
- Machine Learning and AI Integration
- Analytics and Data Literacy
- Project Management
These skills benefit you in various ways as an educational professional in Singapore. For instance, the ability to convey complex concepts clearly to students, engage stakeholders and parents, and collaborate with colleagues is of paramount importance here.
Qualifications and Certifications to Boost Your Career in Education
- If you wish to work in the best-paying jobs for teachers in Singapore, you will need the best certifications and qualifications for the level you are working at to boost your career. For example, at the general education level, which ranges from kindergarten to higher secondary, a bachelor’s degree is required at the very least.
- If you want to work in the adult education sector in Singapore, you will need the likes of the Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) Advanced Certificate in Learning and Performance.
Also read: Top Career Paths After an EdD in Educational Technology & Innovation
Challenges and Rewards of Working in Education
Working in the highest-paid jobs in the education sector of Singapore comes with its challenges and rewards.
1. Challenges
- High Stress and Pressure
- Workload
- Parental Involvement
- Classroom Management
- Systemic Challenges
- High Costs of Living
2. Rewards
- Professional Development
- Comprehensive Benefits
- Impactful Work
- Respected Profession
- Enriching Environment
Teachers in Singapore often face high-stakes academic pressure and this can lead to burnout both outside and inside their school hours. Workload can also be an issue here with work demands like planning, meeting curriculum goals, and paperwork that extend beyond school days.
However, the system also provides them with ample opportunities for professional growth and career advancement.
Advance Your Education Career through upGrad in Singapore
The education courses available through upGrad Singapore can help you advance your career in this sector in Singapore with industry-relevant skills, career support, and expert mentorship tailored for the Singapore job market. The platform also offers additional benefits, including expert-led content and practical experience.
- Dual Degree Master of Education (M.Ed.) and Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) Degree Program, Edgewood University
- Master of Education (M.Ed.), Northeastern University
- Master of Education (M.Ed.), University of Massachusetts, Lowell
- Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Edgewood University
- Master of Education (M.Ed.), Edgewood University
Must read articles:
- M.Ed Jobs in Singapore
- EdD or PhD in Education: What’s Better for Advancing Your Career
- Top Career Paths After an EdD
- How to Pursue an Online EdD in Singapore
- Top 10 Reasons Online Education in Singapore Is a Smart Choice
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FAQs on Highest-Paying Jobs in Education
The best-paying jobs in the education domain in Singapore right now are:
1. Professor
2. EdTech Product Manager
3. Principal
4. Academic Dean
5. Childcare Center Director
A University Professor earns between SGD 200,000 and SGD 300,000 a year in Singapore. Apart from this, they earn additional salaries ranging from SGD 20,000 to SGD 88,000 per year.
Source: Glassdoor, as of October 19, 2025
In Singapore, the earning potential of online educators is generally lower than the traditional university professors.
To secure high-paying jobs in the education sector in Singapore you need advanced academic qualifications, significant experience, relevant teaching certification, and a strong command of English.
To transition to education consulting from teaching in Singapore you must leverage your teacher experience and develop specialized expertise. You must also enhance your project and business management skills, and network actively in the education sector.
Sources:
- https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/singapore-singapore-professor-salary-SRCH_IL.0,19_IM1123_KO20,29.htm
- https://www.glassdoor.sg/Salaries/singapore-product-manager-salary-SRCH_IL.0,9_IM1123_KO10,25.htm
- https://www.glassdoor.sg/Salaries/singapore-principal-salary-SRCH_IL.0,9_IM1123_KO10,19.htm
- https://www.glassdoor.sg/Salaries/academic-deans-salary-SRCH_KO0,14.htm
- https://www.glassdoor.sg/Salaries/centre-director-childcare-salary-SRCH_KO0,15_KE16,25.htm?clickSource=searchBtn
