What is the PWM for the security sector?
The Progressive Wage Model (PWM) sets minimum wages, training requirements and a clear career ladder for security officers in Singapore. It applies to Singapore Citizen and PR security officers employed by:
- licensed security agencies, where PWM is a licensing condition under the Police Regulatory Department (PRD), and
- in-house employers who hire foreign workers.
Employers of foreign security officers are encouraged to follow the PWM too.
Why is the PWM introduced?
This is to support the government’s Security Industry Transformation Map (ITM), to develop a more vibrant, technologically advanced and competitive security industry in Singapore. The goal is to provide better security standards and services while providing better career progression for all security personnel.
What are the PWM wages for 2026 to 2028?
Security officers employed by security agencies (outsourced), full-time minimum basic monthly wage:
| Job level | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Senior Security Supervisor (SSS) | $3,990 | $4,210 | $4,430 |
| Security Supervisor (SS) | $3,690 | $3,910 | $4,130 |
| Senior Security Officer (SSO) | $3,390 | $3,610 | $3,830 |
| Security Officer (SO) | $3,090 | $3,310 | $3,530 |
Outsourced, part-time minimum basic hourly wage:
| Job level | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSS | $15.25 | $16.05 | $16.90 |
| SS | $14.10 | $14.90 | $15.75 |
| SSO | $12.95 | $13.80 | $14.60 |
| SO | $11.80 | $12.65 | $13.45 |
In-house security officers, full-time minimum gross monthly wage (excluding overtime):
| Job level | 2026 | 2027 | 2028* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security Supervisor (SS) | $2,905 | $3,065 | $3,225 |
| Senior Security Officer (SSO) | $2,675 | $2,835 | $2,995 |
| Security Officer (SO) | $2,475 | $2,635 | $2,795 |
*2028 in-house wages are subject to review. Senior Security Supervisor wages for in-house officers are left to market forces. Figures are from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) as at September 2026. Always check the MOM website for the latest requirements.
Training requirements:
Each PWM job level requires a set number of training modules, plus time spent at the level below:
- Security Officer (SO): 4 modules
- Senior Security Officer (SSO): 2 modules and at least 6 months as an SO
- Security Supervisor (SS): 3 modules and at least 12 months as an SSO
- Senior Security Supervisor (SSS): 4 modules and at least 18 months as an SS
- Chief Security Officer (CSO): 3 modules and at least 24 months as an SSS
Ascendo Academy runs WSQ security courses to help officers gain the skills they need on the job and progress in their careers.
Why is the PWM important for security agencies?
Meeting the PWM is required for security agencies to get or renew their licence. Since March 2023, government agencies only buy security services from companies accredited with the Progressive Wage Mark (PW Mark), which helps buyers identify firms that pay their workers fairly.
Well-trained officers also deliver better service and have a clearer path to grow in the industry.
Useful Resources:
Learn more about the PWM for the security sector: