Singapore COMPASS C1 Salary Benchmarks 2027: What Employers Need to Know

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关键精华

• 2027 benchmarks released: MOM has introduced new COMPASS C1 salary thresholds for EP applications.
• New effective dates: The updated benchmarks apply to new EP applications from 1 January 2027 and renewals expiring from 1 July 2027.
• Age and sector matter: The salary needed for C1 points depends on both the candidate’s age and the employer’s sector.
• C1 is not EP eligibility: Candidates must still meet the EP qualifying salary separately before COMPASS scoring applies.
• Early planning is essential: Employers should review salary levels and total COMPASS scores before filing to avoid delays or rejection.

MOM has released the 2027 COMPASS C1 salary benchmarks for Singapore Employment Pass applications. The new benchmarks apply to new EP 申请 from 1 January 2027 and EP renewals for passes expiring from 1 July 2027.

The salary required for C1 points varies by the candidate’s sector and age, so employers should check the applicable benchmark before finalising an EP salary package. If you hire foreign professionals or plan to, understanding these updates now can help you avoid costly surprises later.

Here is a clear breakdown of what changed, how the scoring works, and the practical steps you should take before your next application.

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What Changed and When it Takes Effect

MOM published its latest COMPASS C1 salary benchmarks in August 2026. These revised thresholds set the fixed monthly salary levels that EP candidates must earn to score points under the framework.

The new benchmarks apply to:

• New EP applications submitted from 1 January 2027
• EP renewals for passes expiring from 1 July 2027

The previous benchmarks, released in August 2025, still apply to new applications made between 1 January and 31 December 2026, and to renewals of passes expiring between 1 July 2026 and 30 June 2027.

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How Do C1 Salary Points Work?

C1 is the Salary criterion under Singapore’s COMPASS framework. It compares the candidate’s fixed monthly salary with the salaries of local PMETs in the same sector.

Candidates can earn:

• 10点 if their fixed monthly salary meets or exceeds the 65th percentile of local PMET wages for their sector and age group
• 20点 if their salary meets or exceeds the 90％

Does Age Affect COMPASS C1 Salary Requirements?

Yes. C1 salary benchmarks increase progressively with the candidate’s age. This means two candidates in the same sector may need different salaries to earn the same number of C1 points.

Specifically, salary thresholds rise progressively for candidates from age 23 through age 45 and above. Therefore, a salary that scores 20 points for a younger candidate may score fewer points for an older one in the same role.

That is why employers must check two things every time: the correct MOM sector classification 和 candidate’s age. Both directly affect the expected C1 score.

妈妈 updates the C1 salary benchmarks annually based on data from its Comprehensive Labour Force Survey.

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2027 COMPASS C1 Salary Benchmarks by Sector

The following examples are from MOM’s August 2026 C1 benchmark tables. The actual threshold depends on both sector and candidate age.

As the figures shift by both sector and age, it is worth reviewing the full benchmark tables from MOM rather than relying on a single reference point.

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C1 Scoring is Separate From the EP Qualifying Salary

MOM explicitly says the EP qualifying salary is Stage 1, while COMPASS is Stage 2, and failing the qualifying salary means the candidate is not eligible regardless of COMPASS points.

C1 Salary Benchmark vs EP Qualifying Salary

Candidates with fixed monthly salaries of at least S$22,500 are exempt from COMPASS.

What is the EP Qualifying Salary in 2027?

From 1 January 2027, the EP qualifying salary will increase to S$6,000 对于大多数行业和 金融服务费用为 6,600 新元 for new EP applications. Renewals are subject to the revised qualifying salary from 1 January 2028.

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How Does C1 Fit Into the Overall COMPASS Framework?

• C1 – Salary
• C2 – Qualifications
• C3 – Diversity
• C4 – Support for local employment
• C5/C6 – Bonus criteria where applicable

Is C1 Enough to Pass COMPASS?

No. C1 is only one component of COMPASS. Unless exempted, an EP application generally needs to achieve at least 40 COMPASS points overall.

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What Should Employers Do Now?

Getting ahead of these changes protects your hiring plans and reduces the risk of a rejected application. Before you file, take these practical steps:

• Check your organisation’s MOM sector classification before using the benchmark table. Your sector determines which benchmark table applies, so accuracy here is essential.
• Identify the relevant threshold based on the candidate’s age. Remember that requirements increase as candidates get older.
• 检查是否 proposed salary earns 10 or 20 C1 points. Small adjustments can make a meaningful difference.
• Recalculate the candidate’s overall COMPASS score. C1 is just one piece of the wider framework.
• Pay close attention to borderline cases. If a proposed salary sits near a scoring threshold, early planning helps you avoid last-minute changes to your application strategy.
• Check the candidate’s EP qualifying salary separately from C1.

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Plan Your EP Applications With Confidence

Navigating COMPASS benchmarks, sector classifications, and qualifying salary rules can be complex, especially when you’re managing several hires or renewals at once. Getting it right the first time saves you time, cost, and the disruption of a rejected application.

InCorp’s advisory team helps Singapore employers and foreign professionals work through EP applications with clarity and confidence, from checking COMPASS eligibility to preparing and submitting your application. Get in touch with InCorp today to make sure your next EP application is built on solid ground.

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