Unconventional jobs in Singapore that surprisingly pay up to $15,000/month

Looking for a career switch in Singapore but not into deskbound jobs? While roles in finance or trade brokering are known for high salaries, they’re not your only options. In fact, there are plenty of high-paying jobs in Singapore that don’t follow the typical 9-to-5 desk job format. Think: beauty consultants at aesthetic clinics earning up to $15,000 a month, or even management trainees at Hai Di Lao pulling in around $10,000, according to reports.

To find out more about some of the other unconventional jobs with decent paychecks, keep scrolling. 

Beauty Consultant ($10,000 - $15,000)

According to a listing on MyCareersFuture, a beauty consultant at Mirage Miracle Pte. Ltd. can earn between $10,000 and $15,000 a month. While that might sound too good to be true, the basic salary starts at $3,800—with additional commission and allowances boosting the take-home pay.

Other perks of the job include biannual bonuses, 21 days of annual leave, medical and insurance coverage, and even provided meals.

If you’re wondering, the role typically involves you engaging with customers, promoting products, and conducting in-store demonstrations, just to name a few.

Senior Commercial Diver ($8,000 - $10,000)

While this role may need a bit of experience, it does make for a lucrative job. You’ll be carrying out underwater tasks like hull cleaning, propeller polishing, vessel maintenance, and inspections within Singapore waters. On top of that, you’ll be handling and maintaining diving equipment, doing pre-dive checks, and keeping detailed dive logs. Teamwork, good communication, and sticking to tight schedules are all part of the job—so is staying alert to underwater hazards and following strict safety protocols to keep things running smoothly (and safely).

Private Primary School Tuition Tutor ($4,300 - $8,000)

If you’re confident in subjects like English, Math, or Science, then tutoring might just be the right fit for you. As a tutor, you’ll be teaching primary school students these foundational subjects and helping to develop relevant teaching materials. The best part? It pays well—with salaries ranging from $4,300 to $8,000 a month. 

Waste Management Assistant Manager ($4,500 - $6,000)

This isn’t your typical desk job. As a matter of fact, you’ll be tasked to work on-site where you’ll learn how construction and renovation waste is sorted, managed, and turned into something valuable. You’ll rotate through different functions like sales, logistics, and operations, getting a full 360-degree view of the business. That means everything from liaising with clients in English and Mandarin, dispatching drivers, and managing on-ground crews, to riding along with truck drivers and even trying your hand at excavator work.

Butler ($6,000 - $8,000)

Think butlers don’t earn much? Think again. In this surprisingly well-paying role, you’ll be overseeing everything from the maid, driver, tutor, and security, to managing the director’s family’s daily needs—think schedules, meals, and even their health through diet planning. You’ll also play host to guests, arranging everything from meals and accommodations to special gifts and entertainment. On top of that, you’ll handle admin tasks, household bills, and maintenance issues—and yes, be ready to take on any other duties the director might request. It’s a lot, no doubt—but for the right candidate, the paycheck makes it all worthwhile.

General Manager at Hai Di Lao (~$8,604) 

News about Hai Di Lao’s salaries has been spreading like wildfire, especially after a trainee manager at its Plaza Singapura outlet reportedly earned $10,000 a month. That said, Hai Di Lao has clarified that this was an exception rather than the norm. Still, a quick online search shows that a General Manager at the chain typically earns around $8,604 a month. The role? Pretty much what you’d expect from any GM position—you’ll be overseeing daily restaurant operations, managing staff, ensuring top-notch customer service, and keeping an eye on financial performance.

Govt. Engineer and Technician ($8,000 - $12,000)

Depending on your qualifications and experience, this role can pay up to $12,000 a month. You’ll be working closely with project consultants and key stakeholders—including government agencies—to design facilities that meet both specs and regulatory requirements. On top of that, you’ll be involved in testing and commissioning mechanical, electrical, process, and automation systems, and even get the chance to attend Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs) locally and overseas to make sure everything’s up to standard.

Public Health Nutritionist ($6,500 - $9,500)

Think you’ve got what it takes to be a nutritionist? Good news—the role pays pretty well, and it’s more dynamic than you might think. As a nutritionist, you’d be setting nutritional standards to make sure food products meet public health guidelines without compromising on flavour or quality. You’ll also work with chefs and R&D teams to develop healthier dishes, ensure food safety and compliance with SFA and HACCP standards, and even educate consumers on better eating habits. On the backend, you’ll be sourcing quality ingredients with suppliers, training staff on nutrition and hygiene, and analysing sales data and food trends to fine-tune the menu. It’s a role that mixes science, creativity, and a whole lot of taste.