In Singapore, many professionals are drawn to commission-based jobs for their high earning potential and flexibility. While salaried roles offer stability, commission-based roles attract individuals who are confident, driven, and motivated by results.
These roles often reward hard work directly, making them especially appealing for those who prefer a performance-based income structure. Here are some of the best commission-based jobs in Singapore, what they involve, and who they are best suited for.
Job as a Financial Advisor
One of the most popular and established commission-based careers in Singapore is being a financial advisor. Whether working through a bank, tied agency, or an independent financial advisory (IFA) firm, financial advisors earn commissions from selling insurance products, investment-linked plans, and wealth management services. This job offers not just high commissions but also recurring income from renewals and fund management fees. The more experienced advisors can even build a stable base of clients that provide ongoing earnings over the years.
This role suits individuals with strong interpersonal skills, financial literacy, and a desire to help others plan for their future. While it can be challenging to build your client base at the beginning, those who succeed often enjoy both financial rewards and personal fulfillment. Many in the industry eventually move into management, team building, or running their own advisory practices.
Job as a Real Estate Agent
Another top commission-based job in Singapore is being a real estate agent. With a robust and competitive property market, real estate agents can earn sizable commissions by helping clients buy, sell, or rent homes and commercial properties. Depending on the value of the transaction, a single deal can bring in thousands, sometimes tens of thousands, in commission.
However, success in real estate requires more than just passing the CEA licensing exams. Agents need strong networking skills, market knowledge, negotiation ability, and often, a thick skin to handle rejection. They must also stay updated on property regulations, cooling measures, and financing options. This job is well suited for self-starters who enjoy flexible hours and are comfortable working on weekends or after office hours, as client meetings and viewings often take place then.
Job as a Recruitment Consultant
A recruitment consultant earns commissions by successfully placing candidates into job roles for client companies. These commissions can be a percentage of the candidate’s annual salary or a fixed placement fee. In Singapore, many recruitment firms — especially those handling mid- to senior-level roles — operate on a commission or hybrid structure. Consultants are rewarded when they bring in new clients or successfully match candidates with job openings.
This career is ideal for people who are outgoing, persuasive, and enjoy both relationship-building and problem-solving. It also appeals to those who are comfortable with KPIs and working in a sales-oriented environment. A successful recruiter can build a lucrative portfolio over time, especially in high-demand industries like tech, finance, or healthcare.
Job as a Property Wealth Planner / Mortgage Broker
A mortgage broker or property wealth planner helps clients find the best housing loans or refinancing options. They often work with multiple banks and receive referral commissions when a loan is successfully approved. With high property prices in Singapore, loan sizes tend to be large, which means that even a small commission percentage can add up to a significant amount.
This role blends elements of finance and property consulting, and is perfect for individuals who are analytical, yet people-oriented. Some financial advisors expand into this area to offer more holistic services to their clients.
Job in Sales Roles at High-Value Industries
There are many sales positions in industries like luxury goods, software, enterprise IT, education, and B2B services that offer strong commission-based earnings. For example, enterprise software sales or SaaS (Software as a Service) sales roles can pay high commissions when large contracts are closed. Similarly, private education and training institutions may offer commission incentives for enrolling students into high-ticket programs.
These roles are great for professionals who can understand client needs, explain complex products clearly, and close deals. Depending on the industry, some roles may offer a base salary with commission on top, while others are 100% commission-based.
What Makes Commission-Based Careers Appealing?
One of the biggest appeals of commission-based work is the uncapped earning potential. Unlike fixed-salary jobs, your income reflects your effort and results. Many top performers in these roles can out-earn their salaried peers by a significant margin. These roles also often offer greater flexibility — you can choose your own hours, clients, and in some cases, even your products or services.
That said, commission work isn’t for everyone. It requires discipline, resilience, and consistency, especially during slow periods or when starting out. People who thrive in these roles are usually self-motivated, goal-oriented, and unafraid of rejection.
Which Commission-Based Career Is Right for You?
1. Most suitable roles for Mid-Career Switchers
- Financial Advisor
- Real Estate Agent
- Recruitment Consultant
- Mortgage Broker / Property Wealth Planner
Mid-career professionals often bring transferable skills like sales, communication, financial literacy, or industry-specific knowledge. Many are looking for greater flexibility or income potential than their previous salaried roles. Roles like financial advisory and real estate are especially appealing because:
- You can leverage existing networks and contacts
- You have the maturity and life experience to gain clients’ trust
- There’s a clear pathway to building your own business or team
Tip: Look for firms or agencies with strong onboarding, mentorship, and lead-generation support to ease the transition.
2. Most suitable roles for Fresh Graduates
- Recruitment Consultant
- Financial Advisor (with structured training)
- Sales in Education, Tech, or B2B Services
Fresh grads are typically energetic, adaptable, and open to learning. Commission-based roles allow them to build confidence, sharpen people skills, and earn based on performance instead of waiting years for salary increments. Recruitment agencies and tied financial advisory firms often have training bootcamps, which help new hires build product knowledge and sales techniques quickly.
Tip: Choose companies with clear training paths, coaching, and a fun, team-oriented culture — that’s what helps most fresh grads thrive.
3. Most suitable roles Part-Timers or Side Hustlers
- Mortgage Broker
- Property Wealth Planner
- Real Estate (project-based, referrals)
- Freelance Sales in Education or Training Industry
Part-time commission roles should allow for flexible hours, remote work, and project-based commissions. Mortgage brokering and property wealth planning, for example, can often be done during evenings or weekends, and involve advisory or referral-based sales that don’t require full-time commitment. Some tied agencies or FA firms also have “affiliate” or side-hustle tracks for those testing the waters.
Tip: Focus on roles where you can generate income from referrals, networking, or content marketing — without needing to clock a full 9-6.
Commission-based jobs in Singapore are a great fit for ambitious individuals who want to take control of their income and are willing to work hard for results. From financial advisors to real estate agents, recruiters to mortgage brokers, the opportunities are diverse and rewarding. With the right mindset and commitment, these careers can lead not just to financial success, but also to personal growth and independence.
Disclaimer
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, but no liability will be accepted for any loss or inconvenience caused by errors or omissions. The information and opinions presented are offered in good faith and based on sources considered reliable; however, no guarantees are made regarding their accuracy, completeness, or correctness. The author and publisher bear no responsibility for any losses or expenses arising from investment decisions made by the reader.
