This year's university graduates offered marginally higher starting salaries despite the uncertain global economic outlook

The graduating university cohort this year is being offered marginally higher starting salaries despite the uncertain global economic outlook. 

Global management consulting firm Hay Group said this is due to companies in Singapore continuing to engage in the graduate talent war. 

Its survey found that the average starting monthly pay for general degree holders is just under 2,700 dollars, about two per cent more than last year. 

Those with second upper and higher honours can expect to be paid about 2,900 dollars, one per cent higher. 

Close to 80 companies took part in the survey. 

It showed that jobs in Engineering ranked at the top, commanding the highest average starting salary of almost 2,800 dollars per month for degree holders. 

This is followed by jobs in Research & Development and Merchandize Operations . 

For diploma holders, jobs in Merchandize Operations command the highest average starting salary of some 1,900 dollars per month, with Design/Creative jobs coming in second 
and jobs in Research & Development following suit. 

The average starting pay for diploma holders is about 1,850 dollars per month.