What are Singapore's 5 fastest-growing jobs in 2026?

Roles gaining the most traction in Singapore span both technical and strategic positions, such as AI engineers and machine learning researchers, according to global recruitment platform LinkedIn’s "Jobs on the Rise" report released earlier this week.

A person works on a laptop. Photo by Unsplash/wocintechchat

1. AI engineer

Topping the list are AI engineers, who develop and refine AI models capable of generating text, images, audio or code, and integrate these systems into products.

They are most commonly employed in technology, information and Internet, IT services and consulting, as well as media and telecommunications.

Key skills associated with the role include large language models and retrieval augmented generation.

The median years of prior experience are 2.9, and almost 30% of jobs allow hybrid work. Male candidates will have a higher chance of landing a job, as 67% of recruitment posts are allocated to them.

2. Head of AI

Ranking second is the Head of AI role, typically found in the tech, information and Internet, IT services and consulting, and business consulting and services sectors.

Professionals in this position are responsible for leading a company’s AI strategy and overseeing research, model development, platforms and talent.

The senior-level job requires more than seven years of experience, and 77% of posts are allocated to men.

3. Machine learning researcher

In third place are machine learning researchers, who design and test algorithms to advance machine learning, conduct experiments and publish research findings.

These roles are most prevalent in higher education, research services, technology, and information and Internet industries.

The typical requirements are 2.4 years of experience, with preferred prior roles being data scientist, algorithm engineer and research instructor.

These jobs offer little flexibility as only 22% of posts allow hybrid work.

4. Payment operations specialist

As e-commerce and digital platforms rise, more payment operations specialists are needed to manage electronic and card payments, reconcile transactions and resolve discrepancies.

Skills often linked to the job include Swift Payments, electronic payments and payment gateway systems.

More than 5 years of experience are typically required. Former business operations specialists, business analysts, and accounting analysts will have higher chances of securing a job.

5. Fundraising manager

Fundraising managers plan campaigns, write grant proposals and cultivate relationships to secure donations in support of charitable causes.

Such positions are most often found in non-profit organizations, civic and social groups, and higher education institutions, with key skills including fundraising campaign management, donor engagement and grant writing.

This is the only job in the top five where female candidates have a higher opportunity, as 61% of jobs are allocated to them.

Candidates should have close to 4 years of experience, preferably in positions such as office associate, program manager, marketing specialist. More than 44% of jobs offer hybrid work.