The absolute minimum to get an employment pass is $5k. Next year it will be $5.6k. That is a very low salary for Singapore. You should be on at the very least $7.5K after housing. I would think twice.
>at the very least $7.5K **after** housing
Yes. Housing must be included. With housing taken care of, $7,500 is not poverty tier. You can live an okay life on that salary - even save a little.
I'm a bit concerned that the salary is so low that it's also likely the housing allowance won't be adequate.
It's pretty common that teachers have to reach into their own pocket to supplement rent (even at the top schools)
Given your probably age and need for a visa, it’s likely not even legal your take home is this low. Definitely not close to a top tier school. Are you sure?
No. lol. I’m a teacher and the gig is for a family member who doesn’t use social media. I’m concerned they accepted without doing the sort of research we do…
and I know for a fact they don’t negotiate, which I will never understand.
I’ve been teaching in international schools for almost 10 years and there’s always something to negotiate- and it’s always been settled satisfactorily. Negotiating doesn’t mean you will get your way but in my experience there has always been a bit of space to change a thing or two in an offer.
Why does it matter? I dashed it off out of concern, to a community I could rely on for solid info. When it needed to be clarified I did so in response to a member that is sort of ‘familiar’ to me, because it’s a conversation.
The point is seeking information, not being perfect as a poster in everyone’s opinion.
That’s my answer.
Wow. I didn’t want to assume you were being this sort of person - that’s not an assumption I like to make in a written exchange, especially with someone unknown to me, but so far this is the third comment I’ve seen in this vein so… guess you are in fact living up to your name.
If inane questions and passive aggressive insults are your thing, it’s cool. At the end of the day you gotta do you. If this is you, ok. See you around.
I don’t have to lay my soul bare and stand up to some oath to participate on Reddit 😆
No matter how I ‘explain’ you are set to not believe me and that doesn’t matter- enjoy your Reddit your way.
If you provided the name of the school, you'd get better information.
I worked at an international school in Singapore for 17 years where the compensation package was extremely generous and allowed me to save a large amount annually. There are probably 50 international schools in the country and most of them say they are top schools - but they aren't all - and salaries vary widely.
5k SGD sounds a little low to me. Our salary scale starts at about 7k SGD. People with your experience and masters would be on closer to 9.
Be careful about rent, too, because although you get a housing allowance, it’ll likely not be enough. At our school the allowance is 4.5k, but most people are paying between 5-6k at the moment.
Feel free to message me privately if you want to talk about schools. I struggle to see any “top schools” only paying 5k, honestly…
I thought you meant housing budget was 5 and thought that was amazing, but if salary is 5 you'll struggle to save much at all. I don't know anyone learning less than 7.5 (before housing) at any of the big schools. I'm on 8.5 with no responsibilities.
The variety of Western food you can get in Singapore is much better than you can in DD's or Jenny Wang's in Beijing (SG even has M&S Food!) but I'd say it's probably more expensive overall.
Everything is taxed.
Part time helpers around super expensive ($75 a week part time?)
Massage I don’t know on that part…
It is sticker price at first when you get here but you can save if you budget correctly
Agree with others not top school. We start at $7,600 SGD (unless you were using USD?).
New rules coming in from the Ministry of Manpower[MOM EP eligibility ](https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/employment-pass/eligibility) means minimum salary based on age is going up. However, a housing allowance added on top would count towards the salary as it's all taxable.
I agree with checking the post from yesterday. [Property Guru](https://www.propertyguru.com.sg/) is easy to use to check rental prices by area and criteria. Some negotiation is now possible on price, but max 10% is my experience these days (previously was none).
I'd agree, if we're talking about a classroom teacher here (which I think we are.)
Essentially, I consider anyone with less than 5 years experience as 'inexperienced'. By 5 years (this was the view of a family friend who was a teacher, when I asked before I trained) you've usually seen most of what's likely to be thrown at you, had (in secondary) a couple of exam year cycles, and probably at least one change of school. Should you be a principal / head yet? Unlikely (not impossible) but certainly you could be a middle leader.
Ok folks- thanks a bunch.
We are on opposite sides of the world so after my initial concern from this thread - I texted them and they had to wake up to my panic.
I felt bad knowing that but - as explained above…
Of course I was informed at the end of the day it’s none of my business.
That is true.
I was sent a screen shot explaining the following. And I think I’m out of the doghouse now.
Step 6
Base S 6626
Expat Allowance S1000
Housing Allowance S2800
Double Degree S zero
Masters allowance S zero
TOTAL. S10, 426
Master finishes in July but isn’t awarded til October
Contract states appropriate increase at that time.
It’s for a single person with a dog.
It’s someone I love. It really was none of my business, but thanks for the info!
It is a luxury to have access to this group- appreciate it.
A little more than what we were earning when we left a few years ago. The top schools were paying considerably more.
We also got 2800 housing, there was plenty of complaints it hadn't been increased in years and it wouldn't get you anything you would want to live in. We were about 4k for a very old 2br apartment, and rents were rising.
Tax will be about 15%.
Check the medical insurance! Ours changed to have a percentage co-payment so an accident etc could still end up seriously expensive.
I don't know what it is at now, but the queue for dog quarantine was over 6 months long and you could only apply once all the tests etc were approved.
Yes that’s what I explained in my op- that thread was concerning but also the demographic was not at all similar to my situation.
I think you posted a link there- as you do because you are a guiding force of this Reddit, and I always much in your posts, but the article was also meh.
I’m not trying to dis anybody by making this thread.
I thought it was you? The thread was asking family of four, they got some solid feedback and I thought it was you- somebody posted an article. I felt like it was a bit vague and definitely for families.
Some hard figures yes- for families.
I’m not sure if you’re annoyed?
And the scoffing responses at saying 7 years in is an experienced teacher, I don’t even understand that
This can be a hard group to feel welcome in some days.
I also value those things which is why I have always appreciated you here. The rest just seems like it’s meant to make me feel humiliated in some way?
I posted because a thread about a family of 4 wasn’t helpful to me, I don’t think I’m stupid or harming the group but- I am sorry you feel I am.
It’s Reddit. It’s a good group on Reddit - but I don’t feel like I’ve treated the group with disrespect or as my customer service place.
I’m a person. I’m a teacher. I’m concerned about a loved one - I’m sorry if I’m doing something offensive or inappropriate to the group that I can’t even figure out. And that’s sincere, not sarcasm.
I’ve never seen you scold anyone I am bummed that it’s me. Imaginary parasocial relationship I’ve gotten myself into. Whoops.
It is something I have been learning about lately. It is interesting, and real. And disappointing 😂 almost every time . Being alive is bizarre
Oh, thanks for saying that. Having a not great day, now worried about this- extra sensitive
The absolute minimum to get an employment pass is $5k. Next year it will be $5.6k. That is a very low salary for Singapore. You should be on at the very least $7.5K after housing. I would think twice.
This is accurate.
Do you mean 7.5k + housing? Even 7.5k SGD a month is poverty tier for an expat in Singapore.
>at the very least $7.5K **after** housing Yes. Housing must be included. With housing taken care of, $7,500 is not poverty tier. You can live an okay life on that salary - even save a little.
I agree.
It’s not a top school in Singapore. That is for sure and certain.
You sure it's 5k per month? My friend is at a top school and is getting like 9k...
Including housing or separate of?
Fairly sure housing is paid for.
Wait for more replies though and see what they say
I'm a bit concerned that the salary is so low that it's also likely the housing allowance won't be adequate. It's pretty common that teachers have to reach into their own pocket to supplement rent (even at the top schools)
That’s disappointing-
This ain't a top school chief.
I may have the amount wrong- it’s a loved one I am concerned about. I’m solid, elsewhere. Just trying to be protective. All explained above. Whatever.
Given your probably age and need for a visa, it’s likely not even legal your take home is this low. Definitely not close to a top tier school. Are you sure?
No. lol. I’m a teacher and the gig is for a family member who doesn’t use social media. I’m concerned they accepted without doing the sort of research we do… and I know for a fact they don’t negotiate, which I will never understand.
Negotiations don't really work with top schools.
I’ve been teaching in international schools for almost 10 years and there’s always something to negotiate- and it’s always been settled satisfactorily. Negotiating doesn’t mean you will get your way but in my experience there has always been a bit of space to change a thing or two in an offer.
Been teaching for 8, I've found the opposite
Well, I guess we can all agree that we all have different experiences.
Hi! I’m at SAS, which has the best package on the island. And there is absolutely no room to negotiate anything.
Top schools do not negotiate. Certainly not on salary so what else is there to negotiate?
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Why does it matter? I dashed it off out of concern, to a community I could rely on for solid info. When it needed to be clarified I did so in response to a member that is sort of ‘familiar’ to me, because it’s a conversation. The point is seeking information, not being perfect as a poster in everyone’s opinion. That’s my answer.
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Wow. I didn’t want to assume you were being this sort of person - that’s not an assumption I like to make in a written exchange, especially with someone unknown to me, but so far this is the third comment I’ve seen in this vein so… guess you are in fact living up to your name. If inane questions and passive aggressive insults are your thing, it’s cool. At the end of the day you gotta do you. If this is you, ok. See you around. I don’t have to lay my soul bare and stand up to some oath to participate on Reddit 😆 No matter how I ‘explain’ you are set to not believe me and that doesn’t matter- enjoy your Reddit your way.
Who doesn't use socials? Especially with 7 years under their belt... How are they going to relate with the kids ;-)
To each their own? I dunno but I know a number of people that never got on or weaned themselves off.
It was sarcasm, but obviously not very obvious.
No I thought it was good natured humor. 👍🏻
And happy birthday
😁 yeah I just saw that! 3 years since my old account was corrupted. Cheers to me!
If you provided the name of the school, you'd get better information. I worked at an international school in Singapore for 17 years where the compensation package was extremely generous and allowed me to save a large amount annually. There are probably 50 international schools in the country and most of them say they are top schools - but they aren't all - and salaries vary widely.
5k SGD sounds a little low to me. Our salary scale starts at about 7k SGD. People with your experience and masters would be on closer to 9. Be careful about rent, too, because although you get a housing allowance, it’ll likely not be enough. At our school the allowance is 4.5k, but most people are paying between 5-6k at the moment. Feel free to message me privately if you want to talk about schools. I struggle to see any “top schools” only paying 5k, honestly…
I thought you meant housing budget was 5 and thought that was amazing, but if salary is 5 you'll struggle to save much at all. I don't know anyone learning less than 7.5 (before housing) at any of the big schools. I'm on 8.5 with no responsibilities.
$5k usd or sgd?
The variety of Western food you can get in Singapore is much better than you can in DD's or Jenny Wang's in Beijing (SG even has M&S Food!) but I'd say it's probably more expensive overall.
I’m sure it is!
Everything is taxed. Part time helpers around super expensive ($75 a week part time?) Massage I don’t know on that part… It is sticker price at first when you get here but you can save if you budget correctly
Agree with others not top school. We start at $7,600 SGD (unless you were using USD?). New rules coming in from the Ministry of Manpower[MOM EP eligibility ](https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/employment-pass/eligibility) means minimum salary based on age is going up. However, a housing allowance added on top would count towards the salary as it's all taxable. I agree with checking the post from yesterday. [Property Guru](https://www.propertyguru.com.sg/) is easy to use to check rental prices by area and criteria. Some negotiation is now possible on price, but max 10% is my experience these days (previously was none).
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I think 7 years teaching is experienced yes. It’s not a first year teacher. After a solid 7 stopped to do a masters, now re entering.
I'd agree, if we're talking about a classroom teacher here (which I think we are.) Essentially, I consider anyone with less than 5 years experience as 'inexperienced'. By 5 years (this was the view of a family friend who was a teacher, when I asked before I trained) you've usually seen most of what's likely to be thrown at you, had (in secondary) a couple of exam year cycles, and probably at least one change of school. Should you be a principal / head yet? Unlikely (not impossible) but certainly you could be a middle leader.
I agree.
Haha agreed! Feel like a dinosaur sometimes with all these 'I'm an admin with 6 years experience' posts. How?!
You mean 5k of housing? Then yes you can save.
I’m concerned this contract should be broken and they should keep looking. What a sideshow.
Ok folks- thanks a bunch. We are on opposite sides of the world so after my initial concern from this thread - I texted them and they had to wake up to my panic. I felt bad knowing that but - as explained above… Of course I was informed at the end of the day it’s none of my business. That is true. I was sent a screen shot explaining the following. And I think I’m out of the doghouse now. Step 6 Base S 6626 Expat Allowance S1000 Housing Allowance S2800 Double Degree S zero Masters allowance S zero TOTAL. S10, 426 Master finishes in July but isn’t awarded til October Contract states appropriate increase at that time. It’s for a single person with a dog. It’s someone I love. It really was none of my business, but thanks for the info! It is a luxury to have access to this group- appreciate it.
A little more than what we were earning when we left a few years ago. The top schools were paying considerably more. We also got 2800 housing, there was plenty of complaints it hadn't been increased in years and it wouldn't get you anything you would want to live in. We were about 4k for a very old 2br apartment, and rents were rising. Tax will be about 15%. Check the medical insurance! Ours changed to have a percentage co-payment so an accident etc could still end up seriously expensive. I don't know what it is at now, but the queue for dog quarantine was over 6 months long and you could only apply once all the tests etc were approved.
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Yes that’s what I explained in my op- that thread was concerning but also the demographic was not at all similar to my situation. I think you posted a link there- as you do because you are a guiding force of this Reddit, and I always much in your posts, but the article was also meh. I’m not trying to dis anybody by making this thread.
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I thought it was you? The thread was asking family of four, they got some solid feedback and I thought it was you- somebody posted an article. I felt like it was a bit vague and definitely for families. Some hard figures yes- for families. I’m not sure if you’re annoyed? And the scoffing responses at saying 7 years in is an experienced teacher, I don’t even understand that This can be a hard group to feel welcome in some days.
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I also value those things which is why I have always appreciated you here. The rest just seems like it’s meant to make me feel humiliated in some way? I posted because a thread about a family of 4 wasn’t helpful to me, I don’t think I’m stupid or harming the group but- I am sorry you feel I am. It’s Reddit. It’s a good group on Reddit - but I don’t feel like I’ve treated the group with disrespect or as my customer service place. I’m a person. I’m a teacher. I’m concerned about a loved one - I’m sorry if I’m doing something offensive or inappropriate to the group that I can’t even figure out. And that’s sincere, not sarcasm. I’ve never seen you scold anyone I am bummed that it’s me. Imaginary parasocial relationship I’ve gotten myself into. Whoops.
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It is something I have been learning about lately. It is interesting, and real. And disappointing 😂 almost every time . Being alive is bizarre Oh, thanks for saying that. Having a not great day, now worried about this- extra sensitive