software engineer j2ee/java
 

I'm new to this forum and I'm very glad to have found this as I've already gotten so much information that i was curious about and i still want to get feedback for my own unique situation.

I'm currently in Seattle area, Washington, USA. I'm planning to move to Singapore with my wife and daughter. i used to work as a java developer in a health insurance company for nearly three years.

I have been looking for job openings in Singapore and almost all of them ask for what my previous salary was and my expected salary is. i don't know what the current market pay rate for mid level software engineer (j2ee) in Singapore is so just wanted to find out more about it. i would really appreciate it if you guys could fill me in on as how much would be fair to ask for when applying for this kind of jobs. And also what can i expect in terms of total benefit package, i know it differs from company to company but just in general in regards to holidays, paid time offs, retirement contribution, health insurance/dental/vision benefits, sick days, tuition reimbursement etc.

Thanks in advance.

Senior developer will range from 4K to 5K

With 3 years of experience, I think 4-5k is reasonable.

May I ask why are you moving here? Singapore isn't known for paying good money to software / engineering professionals (different story if they work in finance industry), unlike in the States.

Concur. Amen.

Agree and disagree. :)

Agree: Singapore isn't known for paying good money to software / engineering professionals

Disagree: different story if they work in finance industry - yes, as we all know ... software engineers in finance make more than similar engineers in other industries, BUT still a pittance compared to the bankers.

kg21, software engineers GENERALLY are low in the pecking order in Singapore companies, only meant to execute the decisions of the business "managers".

Having said that, there are a number of US software/systems companies that have operations here, like Oracle, IBM, PayPal... if you can get them to transfer you to Singapore, things might not be too bad. But please note, the operations here are mostly SUPPORT (not development).

Guess I didn't really answer your question ...

I'd suggest for you to talk to more companies and be upfront about your actual current compensation. Don't worry about it seeming too high, and don't be shy to ask for what you want. If you have a skillset that a company desperately needs, they can pay your price.

Typical software engineer salaries range from $3000 at entry level to $8000 for managers/architects (non-banks). I would guess foreign banks or financial services companies range from $4500 at entry level to $10000 for staff engineers/managers.

Packages at foreign companies are generally better than local ones. American companies here generally give you a fixed annual salary (i.e. no bonus, fixed 12 months). Other foreign companies seem to follow the local practice of giving a 13th month and 2-3 months bonus. So be mindful of the gross annual package in your negotiations.

PTO (aka days of annual leave) typically start from 12 days at the low end, with banks giving 21-24 days. American companies are competitive at 14-15 days. Unlike in the US, medical leave/sick days is separate (i.e. not part of your PTO, as long as you are certified unwell by a doctor) and companies generally allocate about 12-14 days for these as well, though i don't hear of people really enforcing this strictly.

Larger MNCs (multi-national corporations) have better health insurance/dental/vision benefits than most local companies, again in general. Some even cover your spouse and children. Local companies typically subsidize you $25 per visit to the doctor, $75-$100 for dental, annually.

If you are a permanent resident, 20% of your salary goes into a retirement account called CPF, which bears interest ranging from 2.5% to 4% annually. Your take home pay is therefore 80% of your monthly salary. If you are on employment pass/work permit, you do not have to contribute to CPF.

Check this out: Singapore Expat Guides - FAQ for Singapore expatriates or new expats

Thank you for your input guys. My spouse works for Microsoft currently and there is a possibility that she might be transferred there so i was just wondering what salary could i expect if i also got a job there. I know reading so many posts throughout this forum that working in financial/banking field definitely pays more.

Thanks again!

4-5K for 3 years experience? you mean 3 years of Senior experience, or 3 years of developer experience? if the latter, then it's way too high... for that salary, i would think u need at least 6 years of developer experience...

Can she do a referral for you to get into MS? Pre-sales is definitely better that software development.

Yup, pre-sales definitely is more lucrative, esp in Singapore. I'm looking to get into pre-sales as well.