Expat Graphic Design Salary Median

[armchair545]

What is the expat graphic designer salary average in Singapore? (Not a managerial position.) I was offered a job at a company, but I have to get back to them by next week in regards to how much I expect to earn per month.

I heard that designers in Singapore are heavilly underpaid, but does the same case go for a foreign worker?

Also, is it at least over 2500 SGD?

Thank you.

[white trash]

2500 SGD!!!!...................thats a kings ransom.
u can buy a merc for just 1000 SGD. what the hell are u waiting for if u got the offer. come on over and enjoy life in the sun.

[armchair545]

2500 SGD is only $1,586 US dollars.

With the high cost of living in Singapore, will $2500 SGD be sufficient enough to live comfortably and save each month?

[Addadude]

White Trash is being sarcastic. You CAN survive on $2,500 if you live a simple life (share a flat, eat local food, take buses/mrt, don't shop or go partying too often) but you won't save much.

$2,500 - $3,000 is about the average salary for a middleweight to senior graphic designer here.

[DsgnOnMyMind]

Hi, I am a designer too. I guess it depends on your experience and your field in design (Packaging FMCG, Brand/Corporate ID, Environment, Print?). The best thing is to go to an agent and show your portfolio. 2500 is a bit low, but I guess it's fair if you are just coming out from school. I , myself,  am a bit discouraged when I saw that median figure from some singapore site. But don't worry, the more experience you have and a good portfolio means a much higher salary. Good designers with experience are on demand in Singapore. Good Luck!

[Tighten the Belt]

S$2500 would be TIGHT.  The cheapest apartment you could find here would be S$1000/mth before utilities.  Plus food, transport, entertainment...I wouldn't do it.  

Singaporeans live with their parents until they get married (and beyond) so comparing local salaries to a foreigner's is not viable.

Min salary for a single person to live what I consider a decent life here in SG would be S$4500/mth.

[armchair545]

Thanks for all your responses.

In a recent job interview, I was asked to consider to relocate to their Singapore office. I was asked to give them a salary range of what I expect. The $2500 is just a minimum number a foreigner should earn with a Singapore work permit.

Of course, I wouldn't take the offer if the company is only willing to give me just enough to survive and without a compensation package. Doesn't do much for my future.

How is the design scene in Singapore?

[designslave]

don't expect a much higher wage than a local designer.. better start your own company.. i'm also a foreigner (not an expat), don't think there are really 'expat graphic designers' here..  for 2.5k you better have a good portfolio.. not many companies are willing to pay you this much..

besides, you will have a disadvantage over the locals if you do not speak any of the local languages or dialects..

[designslave]

it's not to put you off btw, i'm just sharing my experiences and i must say i am kind of disillusioned how little design is appreciated here..

[ex-ad girl]

been following this for a few days- i think generally the pay for graphic designers as opposed to art-directors in ad agencies isn't very high, but... a friend of mine just started freelancing as a graphic designer and she charges $40 an hour. Which ads up to quite a bit more. Maybe you should look into that if you can. He's only a beginner, maybe with your experience you can charge a bit more and have quite a good life. We live in a gorgeous old black & white walk-up apartment (rented out by United Premas) and we only pay $1500 a month for 120 sq mtrs.

[DsgnOnMyMind]

Again... it depends on what kind of company you are working with in Singapore. If you are working for a local company, then what designslave is saying is true. You will be worked to death and treated like a sweatshop worker. But if you are working for an international agency, things is a lot different. Wages are higher, working hours are okay, projects are better and people are much much nicer and understands a team concept. Design is on the rise, but this is still south-east asia and not europe. Clients tend to play it safe when it comes to approving the final concept. And clients are still clients, they are the same everywhere. And yes... and there are such thing as expat graphic designers. There are quite a number of expat graphic designer but they are mostly on a senior and creative director levels. As far as wages goes, yes you could get a lot more than 2.5K per month as long as you don't work for a local company. If you are a senior and have a great portfolio and experience, you could earn as much as 5K-6K per month. Don't worry about local language or dialects, there are people that is going to help you ie. your team, account directors & managers, they'll be in deep s**t if their project is not run properly. My suggestion is for you to talk to an agent, show them your portfolio, tell them about your experience and based on that they will let you how much to expect or request. Cheers!

[armchair545]

i would just like to say thanks to everyone who has responded. the information has been of tremendous help.

i am meeting with the managing director of the company (for a second interview) who is flying over to see how things are going at the bangkok based office. The company's headquarters is in Hong Kong and they are currently aware that I will not make a decision til I hear more information about the company benefits and compensation package as it will be financially difficult for me in terms of the relocation process.

Did any of you (foreign designer) recieve any good compensation packages?

Thanks.