F&B Minimum Wage Rising to $2,500 by 2028

Food Services Progressive Wage Model (PWM) updates and wage schedules announced by Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower.

Overview of Food Services PWM

The Food Services Progressive Wage Model (PWM) aims to support sustainable wage growth for food services workers while encouraging skills upgrading and career progression.

Key facts:

  • Introduced on 1 March 2023
  • Covers more than 53,000 food service workers
  • Applies to both full-time and part-time employees
  • Combines minimum wages, training requirements, and career progression

From 1 July 2026, the PWM will introduce a three-year wage schedule covering 2026 to 2028.

Key PWM Changes From 1 July 2026:

Three-Year Schedule

Comprehensive wage increase schedule covering 2026 – 2028

Annual Increases

Regular wage increases of $140 – $145 each year

Entry-Level Floor

Minimum $2,220 from 2026, rising to $2,500 from 2028

These scheduled increments provide both employers and workers with clear wage progression visibility.

Example Worker Wage Growth

Mr Chen, 40 years old, Food Stall Assistant

✔ Eligible for Workfare Skills Support

✔ Monthly wage increases every year

✔ Completes a minimum of two WSQ training modules

Example Worker Wage Growth
Overall increase: $420 (20.2%)

Two Food Services PWM Categories

Food service establishments fall into two distinct groups based on service type and operational complexity.

Category A: Quick Service (QS) Food Establishments & Supermarkets

With ready-to-eat food stations

  • Food / Drink Stall Assistant
  • Kitchen Assistant (QS)
  • Food Service Counter Attendant
  • Cook (QS)

Category B: Full-Service (FS) Food Establishments, Caterers and Central Kitchens

  • Kitchen Assistant (FS) / Waiter
  • Cook (FS)
  • Waiter Supervisor

Training Requirements

To qualify for PWM wage progression, workers must complete training requirements that enhance their skills and career prospects.

Minimum Training

Complete minimum two Workforce Skills Qualification (WSQ) modules

Skills Upgrading

Participate in skills upgrading programmes approved by relevant authorities

Additional Support

Access Workfare Skills Support for financial assistance

Relevant qualifications from Institutes of Higher Learning (IHL) or Private Education Institutions (PEI) may count towards training requirements

Let Kanry Help You Build Your Team

The Food Services Progressive Wage Model creates a structured pathway linking Wages + Skills + Career Progression.

By 2028, entry-level food services workers will earn at least $2,500 monthly, while businesses benefit from a more skilled and stable workforce.

Kanry Search supports food & beverage businesses with:

✔ Food services recruitment

✔ Kitchen & operations hiring

✔ Local manpower sourcing

✔ Fast placement for frontline roles

We help businesses find reliable staff while staying compliant with PWM requirements.

If your business needs food services staff, kitchen assistants, cooks, or supervisors, our team is ready to help.

Contact Kanry Search today and build a stronger workforce.

Resources:

Official reference: Progressive Wage Model for the food services sector

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