The top five hot tech roles for 2019: Robert Half Salary Guide

Recruiting within the fields of AI, digital and data strategy is becoming increasingly competitive within Singapore’s IT sector. Read more here.

  • The top five most in-demand technology roles in Singapore for 2019: Cyber-security Analyst, Technology Risk Manager, Data Scientist, Project Manager and Software Developer.  

Recruiting within the fields of AI, digital and data strategy is becoming increasingly competitive within Singapore’s IT sector as more companies are competing for a limited pool of professionals who are equipped to lead their company into the digital future. According to the newly-released 2019 Robert Half Salary Guide, digitisation, automation and technology disruption are placing mounting pressure on companies to attract sought-after IT professionals. 

Matthieu Imbert-Bouchard, Managing Director of Robert Half Singapore says: “Singapore’s accelerating IT sector, combined with the city-state’s aspiration to become a global and regional technology hub, is placing increasing pressure on employers contending with the limited supply of available IT candidates. The growing disconnect between the jobs required and the skills available means IT employers need to focus on becoming more responsive to economic and digital transformation – which can be achieved through hiring staff with the right skillsets.”

“And while the true strength of any organisation lies with its people – top talent deserves to be well compensated. Offering a competitive salary is a tangible way for employers to demonstrate their commitment to their staff, and proactive employers should adjust their remuneration policies to ensure their offers match or exceed what their competitors are offering.” 

“IT professionals across functional areas who are in a favourable position when negotiating starting salaries are those with the most wide-ranging experiences, up-to-date skills, an aptitude for new technologies and a high degree of emotional intelligence for managing and working with different personalities.”

The newly-released Robert Half Salary Guide has identified the top five technology positions in demand in Singapore for 2019 and their respective salaries [1]:

1.    Cyber-security Analyst 

  Salary range      
Percentiles 25th 50th 75th 95th 
  $90,000 $110,000 $130,000  $150,000

Source: Robert Half Salary Guide 

As awareness of cyber-security threats continues to rise throughout 2019 alongside the introduction of new regulatory processes to combat these threats, there is a growing trend towards enhancing Singapore’s ‘cyber-hygiene’, with demand surging for cyber-security professionals. Indeed, according to LinkedIn, cyber-security specialists are one of the top five emerging jobs in Singapore across all industries [2].

2.    Technology Risk Manager

  Salary range      
Percentiles 25th 50th 75th 95th 
  $84,000  $120,000 $180,000 $240,000

Source: Robert Half Salary Guide 

As a result of increasing cyber-attacks, the Cyber-Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) and the Financial Services Information Sharing and Analysis Center (FS-ISAC) are working together to advance security threat intelligence sharing while conducting joint initiatives to protect the financial services sector [3]. This has resulted in greater demand in the fields of technology risk and RegTech (Regulatory Technology) to comply with regulations and safeguard organisations against external risks. 

3.    Data Scientist

  Salary range      
Percentiles 25th 50th 75th 95th 
  $90,000  $120,000  $160,000 $200,000

Source: Robert Half Salary Guide 

The growth of big data has led many organisations to categorise data scientists as a crucial role within their technology department, hence why data scientists who can aptly apply mathematical and analytical skills, as well as business acumen, are highly sought-after in today’s market. 

4.    Project Manager 

  Salary range      
Percentiles 25th 50th 75th 95th 
  $120,000   $150,000 $180,000  $250,000

Source: Robert Half Salary Guide 

Many Singaporean employers seek to benefit from the gig economy by gaining immediate access to high-demand skillsets, filling skills gaps and managing unique projects, resulting in continuous demand for project managers to lead and implement short to medium-term IT projects. 

5.    Software Developer

  Salary range      
Percentiles 25th 50th 75th 95th 
  $90,000  $120,000 $144,000 $180,000

Source: Robert Half Salary Guide 

Software development is a key staple of any organisation’s future-proofing as businesses adapt their software to the changing needs of their customers and clients, increasing demand for skilled professionals who can develop and implement consumer-facing technology and improve internal processes. 

[1] In the 2019 Robert Half Salary Guide the salary ranges are presented in percentiles. These percentiles are determined by a candidate’s skillset and experience level, as well as the complexity of their role – the higher the percentile the more complex the role and the greater skillset and experience level required.

[2] https://business.linkedin.com/talent-solutions/talent-intelligence/emerging-jobs/sg-emerging-jobs-report#

[3] https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/government-economy/protecting-financial-services-sector-from-security-threats-gets-boost-from-public

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About the Robert Half Salary Guide
The 2019 Robert Half Salary Guide is the most comprehensive and authoritative resource on starting salaries and recruitment trends in finance and accounting, financial services and information technology in Singapore.

It offers a comprehensive overview of the current salary ranges, industry trends, and specific job and remuneration trends for finance and accounting, financial services and technology professionals. The results and insights of the 2019 Robert Half Salary Guide are based on comprehensive analyses, local job placements, local expertise and independent research of industry executives.

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