Home > Salary > Singapore > Principal Scientist
The occupation of a principal scientist is a highly specialized and senior-level position within the scientific field. Principal scientists are responsible for leading and managing research projects, developing innovative scientific strategies, and providing technical expertise to solve complex problems. They are often involved in designing experiments, analyzing data, and interpreting results. Principal scientists also play a crucial role in mentoring junior scientists, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and presenting findings to stakeholders.
Estimated Yearly Salary: 334,898 SGD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 27,908 SGD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 6,440 SGD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 161 SGD per hour
Values are pre-tax
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Estimated Monthly Salary: 26,980 SGD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 6,226 SGD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 156 SGD per hour
Last revision of data: 2024-01-06
Estimated Yearly Salary: 167,316 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 13,943 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 3,218 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 80 USD per hour
Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately
3 %
Data confidence is - relatively high
Data fetched from dabase: 14 submissions.
Results are anonymized. Amounts indicated are pre-tax, meaning no deductionts yet have been made to the basic salary. Salaries where there are less than 3 entries are not displayed.
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Estimated Yearly Salary: 334,898 SGD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 27,908 SGD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 6,440 SGD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 161 SGD per hour
By working as Principal Scientist a person can save up to 11,255 USD per month or 135,060 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.
NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.
For more information regarding expenses in Singapore, see costs of living in Singapore.
Estimated Yearly Salary for Principal Scientist
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Data as of 2025
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Principal Scientist salary in Singapore
Average Yearly Salary of Principal Scientist in Singapore is approximately 334,898 SGD (167,316 USD). Data is for 2025 and indicates a pre-tax value. The salary itself depends on multiple factors such as seniority, job performance, certifications, experience or any other bonuses. The value indicated is an average amount based on records we have in database. Real values may vary. The data is for orientational purposes.
What does Principal Scientist do?

Skills: Principal Scientist, Research Projects, Scientific Strategies, Technical Expertise, Data Analysis, Problem Solving
Job industry: Research and development
Job industry: Research and development
How much does Principal Scientist make?
Salary details
How much does Principal Scientist make?Estimated Yearly Salary: 334,898 SGD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 27,908 SGD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 6,440 SGD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 161 SGD per hour
Comparing salary to last year:
Estimated Yearly Salary: 323,756 SGDEstimated Monthly Salary: 26,980 SGD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 6,226 SGD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 156 SGD per hour
Principal Scientist estimated salary in USD
For easier comparison here is an estimated salary in USD:Estimated Yearly Salary: 167,316 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 13,943 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 3,218 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 80 USD per hour
Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately
About these results
Data confidence is - relatively high Data fetched from dabase: 14 submissions.
Results are anonymized. Amounts indicated are pre-tax, meaning no deductionts yet have been made to the basic salary. Salaries where there are less than 3 entries are not displayed.
Want to check how your salary compares? Submit your own salary here
Compare salary to other countries
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Country:
Salary comparison to National average
Singapore is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city-state located in Southeast Asia. With a population of approximately 5.7 million people, it is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. Despite its small size, measuring only 719 square kilometers, Singapore has become a global hub for trade, finance, and tourism.
Estimated national average yearly salary is 95,377 SGD (67,200 USD). Value indicated is pre-tax. Below graph shows estimated Principal Scientist job salary compared to average salary in Singapore.
Comparison shows that a person working as Principal Scientist in Singapore earns on average:
3.51 times the average salary (or 351% of average salary).
Estimated national average yearly salary is 95,377 SGD (67,200 USD). Value indicated is pre-tax. Below graph shows estimated Principal Scientist job salary compared to average salary in Singapore.
Comparison shows that a person working as Principal Scientist in Singapore earns on average:
3.51 times the average salary (or 351% of average salary).
Is Principal Scientist a well paid job?
Yes, our data show that Principal Scientist is a very well paid job. With years and experience the salary might increase even further, resulting in higher satisfaction.What is considered a high salary for Principal Scientist?
High salary for Principal Scientist would be somewhere between 368,388 SGD and 485,602 SGD. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.How much can you save working as Principal Scientist in Singapore?
Living in Singapore the approximate monthly expenses are: 2,688 USD. This amount covers basic needs such as food, housing, clothing, healthcare and education costs for a single person. No luxury expenses such as traveling, leisure, hobbies are included in the estimation.Estimated Yearly Salary: 334,898 SGD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 27,908 SGD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 6,440 SGD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 161 SGD per hour
By working as Principal Scientist a person can save up to 11,255 USD per month or 135,060 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.
NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.
For more information regarding expenses in Singapore, see costs of living in Singapore.
Salary comparison to region and neighbouring coutries
Country's neighbours are: Malaysia, Indonesia. To make it easier for comparison a conversion from local currency to USD has been made (conversion rates may vary).Estimated Yearly Salary for Principal Scientist
Salary increase per years of experience
Based on data available the salary increase per years of experience is as following- 0 years (beginner) equals base salary
- 1 to 5 years of experience yields
- 6 to 10 years of experience yields
- 11 to 15 years of experience yields
- 16 to 25 years of experience yields
- more than 25 years of experience yields
Top 10 highest salaries in Singapore
(1,400,313 SGD per year, pre-tax.)
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5. Neurosurgeon
(1,091,467 SGD per year, pre-tax.)
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7. Oncologist
(1,067,130 SGD per year, pre-tax.)
(1,066,002 SGD per year, pre-tax.)
(1,063,823 SGD per year, pre-tax.)
(1,063,241 SGD per year, pre-tax.)
Random salary:
Drilling engineering manager (176,978 SGD per year, pre-tax.)
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