SAF Pay: Regular Starting Salary and Recruitment Bonus Schemes By SAF Ranks (Army, Airforce & Navy)

“And if all else fails, you can always sign on.”

As Singaporeans, we often joke about signing on as a backup plan if our results are cui (Hokkien for lousy), or if our first choice of career doesn’t work out.

But to give credit where credit is due, there are brilliant individuals who have chosen to dedicate their lives to the service of our nation.

So it’s NOT a dumping ground for those who “run out of options”. It’s a legitimate career for those who wish to answer a higher calling.

Since National Service (NS) is a statutory requirement for all male Singaporeans and the defence and security sectors are always short of manpower…

Putting your signature on that contract is a straightforward way to secure your career.

If you’re serious about signing on with the Singapore Armed Forces and dedicating your life to the service of our nation, then good for you!

But if you think that signing on just to get that recruitment bonus before you zao (Hokkien: abscond) is a good idea…

Then you might want to rethink your decision.

In this article, we’ll be looking at the starting salary and recruitment benefits for signing on with the Singapore Armed Forces.

Do note that the information is accurate as of 27 Feb 2024. If you’re not interested in the SAF, the Home Team is also another potential career path to consider.

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TL;DR: SAF Pay — Regular Starting Salary and Recruitment Bonus Schemes By Singapore Army Ranks (Army, Air Force & Navy)

While the recruitment bonus certainly looks attractive, that shouldn’t be the ONLY reason why you’re deciding to sign on.

Instead, you should be thinking of ways to use that money to grow your retirement fund or invest that money for your future.

So while you serve your country, your money can grow and serve you better in your retirement.

Don’t know where to start?

How about something simple like putting that money in a high-interest savings account?

That way, you’re not just getting a paltry 0.05% interest in your regular bank savings account.

Click to Teleport:

• Singapore Army
• Republic of Singapore Air Force
• Republic of Singapore Navy

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SAF Regular Pay, SAF Pay Scale and Salary and Benefits of Signing on with The Singapore Army

The Singapore Army offers five different career progression schemes.

They are:

• The Officers Scheme
• The Warrant Officers and Specialists Scheme
• The Military Experts Scheme
• The Army Deployment Force
• Contract Service (EOS/EWOS)

Singapore Army Officer Pay According to SAF Ranks: The Officers Scheme

A typical Singapore Army Officer receives a one-time Recruitment Bonus of $20,000 (not applicable for sponsorship recipients)

The average starting salary of a Singapore Army Officer depends on their military and academic standings. The nature of their vocation (combat or service) affects their starting salary too.

Officers with strong military and academic standings would be accorded an additional top-up to their starting salary.

Singapore Army Officer Benefits

Savings And Employee Retirement Plan (SAVER)

The Singapore Army makes contributions of up to 17% of the Officer’s salary into SAVER accounts. This helps provide financial security by helping officers build up a retirement nest egg.

SAVER Bonus
One month of SAVER Bonus is equivalent to one month of the last drawn salary. They will receive up to a 6-month SAVER Bonus at the end of their 6th SAVER year. On the 10th SAVER year, officers will receive up to a 5-month SAVER Bonus.

Flexible Benefits System (FLEX)

SAF Officers will be given credit points (1 point = $1) that they can use for Personal development, vacations, children’s daycare services, children’s education, medical claims, and personal insurance:

• First six years of service: $600 per year
• Seven to 12 years of service: $800 per year
• 13 years of service onwards: $1,000 per year

Leave

In addition, they are entitled to up to 21 days of annual leave, other leave and childcare leave:

1. Full-pay Childcare Leave
   • 5 days per child below 12 years old;
     max of 15 days annually
   • 6 days per child below 7 years old;
     max of 42 days over a 7-year period
2. Unpaid Infant Care Leave: 6 days per year for child below 2 years old

Other benefits include:

Singapore Army Warrant Officers and Specialists Pay: The Warrant Officers and Specialists Scheme

A typical Army Warrant Officer receives a one-time Recruitment Bonus of $35,000 (not applicable for sponsorship recipients).

The average starting salary of a Specialist or Warrant Officer depends on their military and academic standings. The nature of their vocation (combat or service) affects their starting salary too.

They will kick start their journey as a Specialist Cadet Trainee (SCT) in the Singapore Army.

Singapore Army Warrant Officer Benefits

Career And Retirement Endowment Account (CARE)

Upon attainment of 3WO rank, a monthly contribution amounting to 10% of a Warrant Officer’s monthly salary will go to their CARE account.

Premium Bonus (PrB)
One month of PrB is equivalent to one month of the last drawn salary.

Warrant officers receive PrB payouts upon completing their 3rd, 6th, and 12th year of service.

• 3 years = Up to 10 months PrB
• 6 years = Up to 6 months PrB
• 12 years = Up to 22 months PrB

Flexible Benefits System (FLEX)

SAF Warrant Officers will be given credit points (1 point = $1) that they can use for Personal development, vacations, children’s daycare services, children’s education, medical claims, and personal insurance:

• First six years of service: $600 per year
• Seven to 12 years of service: $800 per year
• 13 years of service onwards: $1,000 per year

Leave

In addition, they are entitled to up to 21 days of annual leave, other leave and childcare leave:

1. Full-pay Childcare Leave
   • 5 days per child below 12 years old;
     max of 15 days annually
   • 6 days per child below 7 years old;
     max of 42 days over a 7-year period
2. Unpaid Infant Care Leave: 6 days per year for child below 2 years old

Other benefits include:

Singapore Army ME Pay: The Military Experts Scheme and Military Experts Rank Pay

A typical Military Expert receives a one-time recruitment bonus of $15,000 to $25,000 (Not applicable for Sponsorship Recipients and ME4 & above).

The average starting salary of a Military Expert depends on his/her military and academic standings.

Singapore Army Military Expert Benefits

MDES Experts Continuous Engagement And Learning (EXCEL) Bonuses

Military Experts with the Singapore Armed Forces are given an EXCEL bonus throughout their careers.

They will receive EXCEL Bonuses at ages 28, 32, 40 and 50.

The bonus is pegged to their age (1 year of service translates to 1 month of bonus):

• At 28 years old, a Military Domain Expert receives up to 4 months’ bonus
• At 32 years old, a Military Domain Expert receives up to 8 months’ bonus
• At 40 years old, a Military Domain Expert receives up to 8 months’ bonus
• At 50 years old, a Military Domain Expert receives up to 8 months’ bonus

Flexible Benefits System (FLEX)

SAF Military Experts will be given credit points (1 point = $1) that they can use for Personal development, vacations, children’s daycare services, children’s education, medical claims, and personal insurance:

• First six years of service: $600 per year
• Seven to 12 years of service: $800 per year
• 13 years of service onwards: $1,000 per year

Leave

In addition, they are entitled to up to 21 days of annual leave, other leave and childcare leave:

1. Full-pay Childcare Leave
   • 5 days per child below 12 years old;
     max of 15 days annually
   • 6 days per child below 7 years old;
     max of 42 days over a 7-year period
2. Unpaid Infant Care Leave: 6 days per year for child below 2 years old

Other benefits include:

Singapore Army ADF Pay: Army Deployment Force (ADF) Scheme

One will receive a one-time recruitment Bonus of $20,000 – $30,000 when he signs on with the Army Deployment Force (ADF).

The Army Deployment Force offers two options depending on his qualifications.

Do note that the salaries above are not inclusive of:

• Additional monthly allowance of $200 for combat vocations and $100 for supply and transport vocations.
• Mid-year and end-year bonuses
• Performance Bonus based on individual military performance for the work year
• Yearly Merit Increments based on individual military performance for the last work year

Singapore Army ADF Benefits: How Much Extra Is Combat Pay?

Flexible Benefits System (FLEX)

ADF soldiers will be given credit points (1 point = $1) that they can use for Personal development, vacations, children’s daycare services, children’s education, medical claims, and personal insurance:

• First six years of service: $600 per year
• Seven to 12 years of service: $800 per year
• 13 years of service onwards: $1,000 per year

Leave

Singapore Army Contract Service: EOS / EWOS Scheme

In addition, there is also this new contract service where you can sign a short-term contract with the SAF to try things out first.

Under this scheme, you get to choose from 2- and 3-year contracts, and you will enjoy flexibility while having your long-term options open.

Singapore Army Contract Service Officer (EOS) Starting Salary

Source: SAF

Singapore Army Contract Service Warrant Officer (EWOS) Starting Salary & Recruitment Bonus

Source: SAF

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Salary and Benefits of Signing on with The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF)

The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) offers three different career progression schemes.

They are:

• Enhanced Officers Scheme (EOS)
• Enhanced Warrant Officers Scheme (EWOS)
• Military Domain Experts Scheme (MDES)

RSAF Officer Pay According to RSAF Ranks: The Enhanced Officers Scheme (EOS)

The average starting salary of an RSAF officer depends on their vocation and academic standing.

RSAF Officer Benefits

RSAF Warrant Officer Pay: The Enhanced Warrant Officers Scheme (EWOS)

A typical RSAF Warrant Officer receives a one-time recruitment Bonus of $20,000 – $35,000 (not applicable for award holders who are starting on or undergoing sponsored studies).

The average starting salary of a Specialist or Warrant Officer depends on their military and academic standings. The nature of their vocation (combat or service) affects their starting salary too.

Their average starting salary depends on their vocation and academic qualifications.

RSAF Warrant Officer Benefits

As an RSAF Warrant Officer, you are eligible to receive an attractive package of benefits:

RSAF ME Pay: The Military Domain Experts Scheme (MDES)

A typical Military Expert receives a one-time recruitment bonus of up to $25,000 (if you have signed up for the Junior MDES vocations and are not starting on or undergoing sponsored studies).

The average starting salary of a Military Domain Expert depends on his/her military and academic standings.

RSAF Military Domain Expert Benefits

As a Military Domain Expert, you are eligible to receive an attractive package of benefits:

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Salary and Benefits of Signing on with The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN)

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) offers six different career progression schemes.

They are:

• The Naval Officers Scheme
• The Naval Warfare System Engineers Scheme
• The Naval Warfare System Experts Scheme
• The Naval Divers Scheme
• The Military Medical Experts (Underwater) Scheme
• The Naval Chefs Scheme

RSN Officer Pay According to Singapore Navy Rank: The Naval Officer Scheme

The average starting salary of an officer Naval Officer depends on the vocation and the candidate’s academic standing.

*Includes shipboard allowance of $350.

Additional allowances:

• Shipboard: $350 – $450
• Submarine: $750 – $850
• Diving allowance: $700 – $1,000

Naval Officer Benefits

Also, as Officers with the Singapore Armed Forces, naval officers are given a Savings and Employee Retirement (SAVER) Plan throughout their careers under the Officers Scheme.

• Central Provident Fund (CPF) top-up account: Lower employee’s contribution compared to the private sector, allowing more take-home pay. Employer’s contribution matches that of the private sector.
• Savings account: Funds will be deposited monthly for the first 10 years of service. Withdrawals can be made from the 7th year of service onwards.
• Retirement account: Contributions start from the 7th year of service.
• Service Bonuses:  Distributed from ages 45-50.

Naval Officer Flex Benefits

Not to mention that naval officers will be given credit points (1 point = $1) that they can use for Personal development, vacations, children’s daycare services, children’s education, medical claims, and personal insurance:

• First six years of service: $600 per year
• Seven to 12 years of service: $800 per year
• 13 years of service onwards: $1,000 per year

RSN ME Pay: The Military Domain Experts Scheme (MDES)

A typical Military Expert receives a one-time recruitment bonus of $15,000 (non-Diploma) to $25,000 (Diploma).

The average starting salary of a Military Domain Expert depends on his/her military and academic standings.

RSN System Engineer Pay: The Naval Warfare System Engineer Scheme

A typical Naval Warfare System Engineer does not receive a one-time recruitment bonus directly.

The average starting salary of a Specialist or Warrant Officer depends on their military and academic standings. The nature of their vocation (combat or service) affects their starting salary too.

Their average starting salary depends on their vocation and academic qualifications.

System engineers will also get the opportunity to receive professional accreditation as an Incorporated or Chartered Engineer from the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST).

Naval Warfare System Engineer Benefits

Also, as Military Domain Experts with the Singapore Armed Forces, system engineers are given three bonuses throughout their careers under the Military Domain Experts Scheme.

The bonus is pegged to their age (1 year of service translates to 1 month of bonus):

• At 32 years old, a Military Domain Expert receives up to 12 months’ bonus
• At 40 years old, a Military Domain Expert receives up to 8 months’ bonus
• At 50 years old, a Military Domain Expert receives up to 8 months’ bonus

Naval Warfare System Engineer Flex Benefits 

Not to mention that system engineers will be given credit points (1 point = $1) that they can use for Personal development, vacations, children’s daycare services, children’s education, medical claims, and personal insurance:

• First six years of service: $600 per year
• Seven to 12 years of service: $800 per year
• 13 years of service onwards: $1,000 per year
  

RSN System Expert Pay: The Naval Warfare System Experts Scheme

A typical Naval Warfare System Expert receives a lump sum bonus of $36,000 (Diploma) or $26,000 (non-Diploma) upon joining.

The average starting salary of a Naval Warfare System Expert depends on his military and academic standings.

*Inclusive of shipboard allowance of $350 and Military Domain Experts Scheme (MDES) Sea Assignment allowance of $320.

Naval Warfare System Expert Benefits

Also, as Military Domain Experts with the Singapore Armed Forces, system experts are given bonuses throughout their careers under the Military Domain Experts Scheme.

The bonus is pegged to their age (1 year of service translates to 1 month of bonus):

• At 28 years old, a Military Domain Expert receives up to 4 months’ bonus
• At 32 years old, a Military Domain Expert receives up to 8 months’ bonus
• At 40 years old, a Military Domain Expert receives up to 8 months’ bonus
• At 50 years old, a Military Domain Expert receives up to 8 months’ bonus

Naval Warfare System Experts Flex Benefits 

Not to mention that system experts will be given credit points (1 point = $1) that they can use for Personal development, vacations, children’s daycare services, children’s education, medical claims, and personal insurance:

• First six years of service: $600 per year
• Seven to 12 years of service: $800 per year
• 13 years of service onwards: $1,000 per year

RSN NDU Pay: The Naval Divers Scheme

One can choose to sign on as a Naval Diver on the Warrant Officer/Specialist career path.

The average starting salary of a Naval Diver Warrant Officer/ Specialist depends on his military and academic standings.

*Inclusive of diving allowance of $700.

Naval Diver Recruitment Bonus And Other Bonuses (Warrant Officer/Specialist Scheme)

• A typical Naval Diver Warrant Officer/Specialist receives a one-time Recruitment Bonus of up to $46,000 upon joining as a Naval Diver (Not Applicable for Award Holders).
• Career and Retirement Endowment (CARE) and Naval Diver CARE Accounts:
  Upon promotion to 3WO by the 12th year of service, monthly contributions will be made into CARE (10% of gross salary) and Naval Diver CARE (8% of gross salary) accounts to prepare them for their retirement.
• Premium Bonus: Receive payouts at third, sixth and 12 years of service.
• Monthly bounty and Special Forces Engagement Bonus: Divers are eligible for monthly bounty and special forces engagement bonuses.
• Further Studies: Divers can pursue higher education through in-service sponsorships.

*Additional terms and conditions apply. Please contact Navy Recruitment Centre for more details.

Naval Divers Flex Benefits

Not to mention that Naval Divers will be given credit points (1 point = $1) that they can use for Personal development, vacations, children’s daycare services, children’s education, medical claims, and personal insurance:

• First six years of service: $600 per year
• Seven to 12 years of service: $800 per year
• 13 years of service onwards: $1,000 per year.

RSN Medical Expert Pay: Naval Military Medical Experts (Underwater) Scheme

A typical Naval Military Medical Expert will receive a lump sum bonus of $36,000 (Diploma) upon joining*.

*Additional terms and conditions apply.

The average starting salary of a Military Domain Expert depends on his military and academic standings.

Naval Military Medical Expert Benefits

Also, as Military Domain Experts with the Singapore Armed Forces, medical experts are given bonuses throughout their careers under the Military Domain Experts Scheme.

The bonus is pegged to their age (1 year of service translates to 1 month of bonus):

• At 28 years old, a Military Domain Expert receives up to 4 months’ bonus
• At 32 years old, a Military Domain Expert receives up to 8 months’ bonus
• At 40 years old, a Military Domain Expert receives up to 8 months’ bonus
• At 50 years old, a Military Domain Expert receives up to 8 months’ bonus

Naval Military Medical Experts (Underwater) Flex Benefits

Not to mention that medical experts will be given credit points (1 point = $1) that they can use for Personal development, vacations, children’s daycare services, children’s education, medical claims, and personal insurance:

• First six years of service: $600 per year
• Seven to 12 years of service: $800 per year
• 13 years of service onwards: $1,000 per year.

RSN Chef Pay: The Naval Chefs Scheme

A typical Naval Chef receives a lump sum bonus of $25,000 (Diploma) or $15,000 (non-Diploma) upon joining.

The average starting salary of a Military Domain Expert depends on his military and academic standings.

Also, as Military Domain Experts with the Singapore Armed Forces, naval chefs are given four bonuses throughout their careers under the Military Domain Experts Scheme.

The bonus is pegged to their age (1 year of service translates to 1 month of bonus):

• At 28 years old, a Military Domain Expert receives up to 4 months’ bonus
• At 32 years old, a Military Domain Expert receives up to 8 months’ bonus
• At 40 years old, a Military Domain Expert receives up to 8 months’ bonus
• At 50 years old, a Military Domain Expert receives up to 8 months’ bonus

Naval Chefs Flex Benefits Flex Benefits

Not to mention that naval chefs will be given credit points (1 point = $1) that they can use for Personal development, vacations, children’s daycare services, children’s education, medical claims, and personal insurance:

• First six years of service: $600 per year
• Seven to 12 years of service: $800 per year
• 13 years of service onwards: $1,000 per year.

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Does SAF Have a Mid-Year And Year-End Bonus?

Similar to the Civil Service, SAF regulars do receive mid-year and year-end bonuses. This is on top of the 13-month pay (or AWS) that they will be receiving.

The mid-year bonus and year-end bonus are computed based on the substantive salary as of 30 Jun and 31 Dec respectively, and the number of days served till 30 Jun / 31 Dec, and are usually paid together with the July and Dec salaries respectively.

Army vs. Private Sector

Each job comes with pros and cons and signing on too.

If you’re on the fence, here are some considerations to help you think through:

Would You Sign-On?

Whether you have just received your A-Level results, are waiting to go to polytechnic or are currently serving your National Service.

Signing on is a serious decision that goes beyond the immediate monetary gains or (potential) financial returns.

It IS a stable job — we’ll always need a strong and well-equipped military to defend our rights — but it also comes with unlimited liability.

Beyond the smart uniform and cool tech which you will get to operate, you need to remember that when push comes to shove, it is you who will pick up arms to defend our nation and our sovereignty.

And if regimentation and discipline aren’t your strong suits, you’ll want to seriously reflect on whether this is the life you wish to lead.

To those who have decided, we hope you can use this guide to help you figure out where you might be since you chose to embark on a military career.

And we at Seedly salute and thank you for your service!

But if you are undecided and are at a crossroads, we hope you can use this guide to get a sense of where you might potentially be if you choose to sign on.

And if you have questions or need advice, you can always turn to our friendly community on Seedly for help!

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