Being a teacher in Singapore is far from an easy job, and while many understand the challenges they face, not everyone is aware of the compensation they receive for their efforts.
A recent revelation by a former Ministry of Education (MOE) scholar has sparked discussions among netizens regarding the pay scale for teachers.
The disclosure came through TikTok, where content creator Mak shared his final salary as an MOE teacher. This revelation was in response to comments on a previous video that discussed the payment of MOE teachers.
Mak’s viral video in April showcased his impressive nine-property portfolio, achieved three years after leaving the teaching profession.
In Mak’s latest post, he disclosed that he was previously a MOE teaching scholar but decided to leave the industry in 2020.
To support his claim, he displayed a screenshot of his last-drawn payslip as a secondary school teacher. According to the payslip, Mak’s gross salary was S$5,133, before CPF deductions. After these deductions and other fund contributions, his take-home pay amounted to approximately S$4,093.
The revelation has ignited debates on social media platforms, with netizens expressing divergent opinions about whether the pay is commensurate with the responsibilities of teaching.
@g.y.mak Replying to @Laikuasimi Is MOE teacher salary that high that I can buy 9 properties? I used to be a teacher back in the days and many of you were wondering if the pay was high so here’s my answer 🆙 #propertyinvesting #fyp #moeteachers #propertyinvestment ♬ original sound – Mak
Netizens’ comments
- 5k is crazily low for the amount of work teachers do. Meanwhile some random tech person anyhow also 4-6k starting pay
- Teacher not easy. If you have kids you will know. 5k is too low for the long hours+cca+admin+ child care for students.
- 5k comparing to 1.8-2.3k preschl teachers ok la
- Wow thats good! Meanwhile, many early childhood teachers get paid 1/2 of that salary
- 5k as a new teacher la. Those in moe for about 5 years already 8-9k
- omg I can’t believe my friend still get the same basic as u did last time as a new hired lecturer… and she is a master graduate…
How is the Compensation Structured for MOE Teachers?
The compensation structure for MOE teachers is based on several factors, including qualifications, years of experience, and additional roles or responsibilities. Teachers who have specialized skills or serve in leadership positions may receive higher salaries.
Factors Influencing Teachers’ Salaries
- Qualifications: Teachers with higher academic qualifications may be eligible for higher starting salaries.
- Years of Experience: As teachers gain more experience, their salaries are likely to increase.
- Subject Specialization: Certain subject areas may have higher demand, leading to additional compensation for teachers in those fields.
- Leadership Roles: Teachers who take up administrative or leadership roles within the school may receive higher pay.
How do MOE Teacher Salaries Compare to Other Professions?
The salary scales of MOE teachers are generally competitive when compared to many other professions in Singapore. However, it is essential to consider factors like working hours, workload, and job satisfaction when evaluating the overall attractiveness of a teaching career.