The Ultimate Guide to the Security Progressive Wage Model (PWM) in Singapore (2024-2028)

Welcome to ETANN Consultants' comprehensive guide to the Security Progressive Wage Model (PWM). Whether you are a new entrant looking to get your first Security Officer Licence or an experienced professional aiming for a Chief Security Officer role, this guide provides everything you need to know about career progression, mandatory training, and salary increments mandated by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).

What is the Progressive Wage Model (PWM)?

The Progressive Wage Model (PWM) is a five-tiered wage structure developed by the Security Tripartite Cluster (STC) in Singapore [1]. It is designed to uplift the salaries of security officers by mapping clear career pathways tied to skills upgrading and productivity improvements.

Under the PWM, security personnel can look forward to guaranteed, sustained wage increases as they accumulate experience and complete mandatory Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) courses. It is a mandatory licensing condition for all security agencies under the Police Licensing and Regulatory Department (PLRD).

The 5-Level Security Career Ladder

The PWM introduces a structured 5-level career ladder. Each level requires specific training modules, years of experience, and comes with a guaranteed minimum basic salary.

1. Security Officer (SO)

• Role: The entry point for all new security personnel. Duties include screening, patrolling, access control, and basic incident response.

• Experience Required: None (New Entrant)

• Training Requirements (3 Compulsory Modules):

  • Provide Guard and Patrol Services and Operate Basic Security Equipment (PGPS & OBSE)

  • Handle Security Incidents and Services (HSIS)

  • Recognize Terrorist Threats (RTT) - Mandatory for deployment at any site since Jan 2024

2. Senior Security Officer (SSO)

• Role: Handles more complex duties such as operating security systems, regulating traffic, and monitoring command centers.

• Experience Required: At least 6 months as a Security Officer (SO)

• Training Requirements (2 Compulsory Modules):

  • Manage Disorderly Conduct and Threatening Behavior (MDCTB)

  • Perform Remote Surveillance Function (PRSF)

3. Security Supervisor (SS)

• Role: In charge of security command centers (with 3 or fewer personnel), direct supervision, and incident management.

• Experience Required: At least 12 months as a Senior Security Officer (SSO)

• Training Requirements (1 Compulsory + 2 Elective Modules):

  • Compulsory: Supervise Security Officers (SS)

  • Electives (Choose 2): Assess and Address Security Risks, Perform Supervisory Duties within Legal Framework, Induct Security Personnel

4. Senior Security Supervisor (SSS)

• Role: Manages larger teams (more than 3 personnel), conducts security audits, and performs risk assessments

• Experience Required: At least 18 months as a Security Supervisor (SS)

• Training Requirements (1 Compulsory + 3 Elective Modules):

  • Compulsory: Monitor and Review Security Operations

  • Electives (Choose 3): Conduct Operation Briefing, Manage Security Incidents, Supervise Crowd and Traffic Control, etc.

5. Chief Security Officer (CSO)

• Role: The highest rank. Responsible for supervision management, forming security watch groups, and contingency planning for large-scale events.

• Experience Required: At least 24 months as a Senior Security Supervisor (SSS)

• Training Requirements (1 Compulsory + 2 Elective Modules):

  • Compulsory: Manage Security Agency within Legal Framework

  • Electives (Choose 2): Manage Security Operations, Achieve Work Effectiveness, Manage and Resolve Conflict

PWM Salary Schedule (2026 - 2028)

A key benefit of the PWM is the guaranteed year-on-year wage increment. From January 1, 2024, the basic wages of full-time security officers exceed the $2,600 threshold, meaning Part 4 of the Employment Act (which governs overtime pay) no longer applies.

The table below details the MOM-mandated minimum basic monthly wages for full-time outsourced security officers from 2024 to 2028.

Job Level	2026	2027	2028
Security Officer (SO)	≥ $3,090	≥ $3,310	≥ $3,530
Senior Security Officer (SSO)	≥ $3,390	≥ $3,610	≥ $3,830
Security Supervisor (SS)	≥ $3,690	≥ $3,910	≥ $4,130
Senior Security Supervisor (SSS)	≥ $3,990	≥ $4,210	≥ $4,430
Chief Security Officer (CSO)	≥ $3,990*	≥ $4,210*	≥ $4,430*

Note: The MOM schedule explicitly lists wages up to SSS. CSO wages are negotiated based on agency requirements but must exceed the SSS baseline.

From 1 January 2024, the basic wages of full-time security officers will be above $2,600. Part 4 of the Employment Act will no longer apply to full-time security officers, and employers are no longer required to pay security officers for extra hours worked beyond the 44-hour regular work week. — Ministry of Manpower

Course Funding and Subsidies

Upskilling under the PWM is highly affordable for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents thanks to robust government funding. ETANN Consultants is an SSG-Approved Training Organization, meaning our courses are eligible for multiple subsidy schemes.

1. Skills Future Singapore (SSG) Funding

• Base Funding: Singapore Citizens and PRs aged 21 and above can receive up to 70% funding on course fees.

• Mid-Career Enhanced Subsidy (MCES): Singapore Citizens aged 40 and above receive up to 90% funding on course fees.

2. Skills Future Credit (SFC)

Singapore Citizens aged 25 and above can use their Skills Future Credit to offset the remaining out-of-pocket (unfunded) course fees.

3. Union Training Assistance Programme (UTAP)

NTUC members can claim 50% of the unfunded course fee (the amount left after SSG subsidies), capped at $250 per year. For NTUC members aged 40 and above, this cap is increased to $500 per year (valid until Dec 31, 2025).

FAQ

Do I have to work overtime to earn the basic wage stated in the PWM table? 

No. The basic wage stated in the PWM table is for the standard 44-hour work week. Any extra hours worked (capped at 72 hours per month) will be paid in addition to this basic wage

What happens if I don't pass the Recognize Terrorist Threats (RTT) module? 

January 2024, passing the RTT module is mandatory for deployment at any site. If you do not pass, you cannot be deployed

Can I jump straight to a Security Supervisor role if I have prior management experience in another industry? 

No. The PLRD strictly enforces the experience requirements. You must serve the minimum required months at each rank (e.g., 6 months as SO, 12 months as SSO) before you can be promoted, regardless of outside experience

Are ETANN's courses conducted online or in-person? 

Our WSQ security courses involve practical assessments and are conducted in-person at our training center to ensure you get hands-on experience with security equipment.