Singapore Workers 2026: CPF, pay rises, more parental leave, and lower childcare fees

If you’re working in Singapore, 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most worker-friendly years in recent memory. From higher CPF contributions and wage increases to longer parental leave and lower childcare fees, the upcoming changes affect almost every stage of your working life.

Honestly speaking, whether you’re a fresh graduate, a mid-career switcher, a parent juggling work and kids, or planning your retirement, there’s something here that will directly impact your wallet or work-life balance.

Before diving into the details, here’s a quick snapshot of what’s changing and who benefits most.

Quick overview of key 2026 work changes in Singapore

Area	What’s Changing in 2026	Who Benefits Most
Training support	S$300/month allowance for part-time courses	Mid-career workers
Paid traineeships	S$1,800–S$2,400/month under GRIT	Fresh graduates
CPF contributions	+1.5% for ages 55–65	Older workers
Retirement age	Raised to 64; re-employment to 69	Seniors
Parental leave	Shared leave increases to 10 weeks	Working parents
Childcare fees	Fees cut to S$610–S$650	Families
Progressive wages	Pay rises up to S$3,100	Lower-wage workers
CDC vouchers	S$300 in Jan 2026	All households

Mid-career workers: New allowance for part-time training

By now, most Singaporeans have heard of the SkillsFuture Level-Up Programme, which offers up to S$3,000 per month for full-time training over 24 months.

What’s new in 2026 is a S$300 monthly training allowance for part-time courses. This is a big deal if you can’t afford to stop working but still want to upgrade your skills.

For many Singaporeans in their 30s and 40s, this removes the usual trade-off between income and learning. You can keep your job, study at night or on weekends, and still receive support.

Singapore jobs outlook 2026: Skills matter more than titles

If you’re planning a job move in 2026, here’s the honest truth: skills will matter more than your job title.

Recruitment firms like Robert Walters are already seeing employers shift towards skills-based hiring and internal mobility. Technical skills in AI, data, cloud computing, and cybersecurity are in strong demand, but don’t underestimate soft skills.

Critical thinking, adaptability, communication, and collaboration are becoming must-haves, especially as companies restructure teams and workflows. No need to overthink — consistent upskilling is your best defence.

Young workers: Paid traineeships under GRIT

Fresh grads, this one’s for you.

The new GRaduate Industry Traineeships (GRIT) programme introduces paid, structured traineeships lasting 3 to 6 months across both public and private sectors.

There are up to 800 positions, each paying between S$1,800 and S$2,400 per month. Compared to unpaid or low-paid internships, this is honestly a solid deal — real income, real experience, and better employability after.

If you know someone struggling to land their first role, this is worth flagging to them early.

Older workers: Higher CPF and later retirement

CPF contribution increases from 1 January 2026

From 1 January 2026, CPF contribution rates for workers aged 55 to 65 will rise by 1.5 percentage points. This boosts long-term retirement savings without requiring extra effort on your part.

Here’s how it breaks down:

• Ages 55–60: CPF rises to 18%
• Ages 60–65: CPF rises to 12.5%

Over time, this adds up meaningfully, especially for those continuing to work past 55.

Retirement and re-employment ages go up

From 1 July 2026, the statutory retirement age increases to 64, up from 63. Re-employment age also shifts to 69, giving seniors more flexibility to stay economically active if they wish.

For many Singaporeans, this isn’t about working forever — it’s about having the option.

Working parents: More leave, lower childcare fees

Shared parental leave increases sharply

Planning another child? Timing-wise, 2026 is very attractive.

From April 2026, shared parental leave increases to 10 weeks, up from 6 weeks. Parents can decide how to split this leave between themselves.

Here’s the maximum leave breakdown:

• Mothers:
  • 16 weeks maternity leave
  • 10 weeks shared parental leave
  • Total: 26 weeks
• Fathers:
  • 4 weeks paternity leave
  • 10 weeks shared parental leave
  • Total: 14 weeks

More time, less stress, and better bonding — hard to argue with that.

Lower childcare fees from 1 January 2026

Childcare costs hit families hard, especially in the early years. From 1 January 2026, monthly fees drop further:

• Anchor operator preschools: S$610
• Partner operator preschools: S$650

Preschool operators like My First Skool continue to expand, making affordable childcare more accessible across both heartland and CBD areas.

Lower-wage workers: Progressive Wage Model updates

Good news if you’re in retail, admin, or driving roles — pay increases are locked in for 2026.

From July 2026:

• Administrative staff: S$2,360
• Admin executives: S$2,940
• Drivers: up to S$2,790

From September 2026:

• Retail assistants / cashiers: S$2,565
• Senior retail assistants: S$2,820
• Assistant retail supervisors: S$3,100

These structured increases provide clearer wage progression and better income stability.

Cost-of-living support: CDC vouchers return

Yes, the CDC vouchers are back again in January 2026, with S$300 per household.

While many will use them for daily essentials, some may choose to spend on work-related items like office supplies or electronics at larger retailers. Either way, it’s practical relief to start the year.

What this all means for Singapore workers

Put together, these measures show a clear direction: better wages, stronger skills, longer careers, and more family support.

It’s an ongoing effort led by unions like NTUC and supported by government policy, and 2026 looks set to continue that momentum. Keep an eye out — more tweaks and enhancements could still be announced.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will CPF contribution increases reduce my take-home pay?

For most workers, the impact is manageable and gradual. The long-term benefit is higher retirement savings, which usually outweighs the short-term reduction.

Can I use the S$300 training allowance while working full-time?

Yes. The S$300 monthly allowance is specifically for part-time courses, allowing you to upskill without leaving your job.

Are the CDC vouchers means-tested?

No. CDC vouchers are given to all Singapore households, regardless of income.