The gaps have narrowed for 4 of the 6 professions/sectors used in benchmarking ministerial and Civil Service salaries.

Top executives in MNC, lawyers, bankers and accountants each took home more than $4 million last year (Iras Year of Assessment 2007).

Specifically, the median income of the top 8 earners in MNCs made $4.86 million. To calculate the median, we take the average of the top 4th and 5th earners.

For lawyers, the corresponding median is $4.65 million, bankers $4.40 million, and accountants $4.00 million.

Yes, millions. These people are making millions a year. Possibly every year.

The other 2 benchmarked professions are local manufacturers and engineers. The manufacturers earned $2.74 million, while the poor engineers continue to subsist at the bottom of the table with a mere $0.75 million.

See their earnings for the previous year.

It's been said that top doctors and architects also make a lot of money, although they are not used in the benchmarks.

So, which profession or sector is the best? In my opinion, there are a few factors to consider - income, chance of getting to the top and work-life balance.

Here's my unscientific recommendation, in order of preference:
http://www.salary.sg/2007/4-highly-paid-professions/