Employment rates among fresh graduates drop, but median salaries show an upward trend in 2024
The latest Joint Autonomous Universities Graduate Employment Survey (JAUGES) reveals a concerning trend for Singaporean fresh graduates in 2024. Employment rates declined for the second consecutive year, with only 87.1% securing jobs within six months of graduation, down from 89.6% in 2023. However, despite the lower employment rate, median gross salaries increased to S$4,500, reflecting a 4.2% rise from the previous year.
The JAUGES survey, conducted among 12,500 graduates from major Singaporean universities—including the National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore Management University (SMU), Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), and Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS)—highlights shifting trends in graduate employment. The ongoing economic uncertainties and global hiring slowdowns have affected job placements, particularly in health sciences and business sectors.
Employment Rates Continue to Decline
The report confirms a consistent drop in employment rates since 2022, when 93.8% of fresh graduates found jobs within six months. In 2023, this figure fell to 89.6%, and by 2024, it had dropped further to 87.1%. Graduates in the health sciences sector saw the most significant decline, with employment falling from 97.6% in 2023 to 91.2% in 2024. This trend aligns with global economic conditions, where many companies have scaled back hiring due to financial pressures and market instability.
Median Salaries Show a Steady Increase
While job placements became more challenging, fresh graduates in Singapore saw a rise in median salaries. In 2024, the median gross salary for full-time permanent roles increased to S$4,500, a 4.2% jump from S$4,317 in 2023. The business sector recorded the most significant increase, with salaries climbing from S$4,150 in 2023 to S$4,400 in 2024. Meanwhile, arts, design, and media graduates saw the smallest increase, with a median salary rise of just S$60, from S$3,740 to S$3,800.
Rise in Temporary and Freelance Employment
Another notable trend is the rise in part-time and freelance employment. In 2024, 6% of graduates reported being in temporary jobs, up from 4% in 2023. Similarly, freelance work accounted for 1.6% of employment cases, slightly higher than 1.5% in the previous year. The shift towards flexible work arrangements and short-term contracts reflects broader changes in global hiring practices.
Long-Term Career Outcomes for Graduates
The survey also included responses from over 700 graduates in fields requiring post-graduate training, such as architecture, law, medicine, and pharmacy. Among these graduates, 97.2% secured jobs following their training period, a figure unchanged from 2023. However, the proportion of full-time employment dropped slightly from 96.2% in 2023 to 94.4% in 2024, signaling challenges even for professionals in traditionally stable sectors.
The employment landscape for Singaporean graduates remains uncertain as companies tighten hiring policies amid global economic challenges. While salaries are increasing, job security appears to be declining, with more graduates relying on temporary or freelance positions. These trends highlight the need for universities and policymakers to focus on future-proofing careers by enhancing job-readiness programs, ensuring skills development, and aligning education with industry demands.
Sources: Mothership (2025), CNA (2025)
Keywords: Singapore Employment, University Graduates, Salary Increase, Job Market, Economic Uncertainty
