Answer
Monthly CPF Contribution Rate — How Much Goes In?
Your CPF contribution determines how fast your OA builds for housing. Here's the exact breakdown — how much goes in, where it goes, and the ceiling that caps it.
Answer: 37% of salary (20% employee + 17% employer) for age 55 and below. Of this, 23% goes to OA (housing). Capped at $6,800/month ordinary wage ceiling.
CPF Contribution Breakdown (Age 55 and Below)
| Account | Allocation (% of wage) | At $6,000 salary | At $6,800 (ceiling) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ordinary Account (OA) | 23% | $1,380 | $1,564 |
| Special Account (SA) | 6% | $360 | $408 |
| MediSave Account (MA) | 8% | $480 | $544 |
| Total | 37% | $2,220 | $2,516 |
Employee pays 20%, employer pays 17%. Total 37% goes into your CPF accounts. Allocation shown is the combined split.
The CPF Wage Ceiling
CPF contributions don't keep scaling with your salary. There's a cap:
| Ceiling | Amount | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary Wage ceiling | $6,800/month | No CPF on monthly wages above $6,800 |
| Annual Wage ceiling | $102,000/year | Caps total CPF-attracting income (incl. bonuses) |
If you earn $10,000/month, CPF is still calculated on $6,800. The extra $3,200 does not attract CPF contributions.
CPF Rates by Age Group
Contribution rates drop after 55. Here's how it changes:
| Age | Employee | Employer | Total | OA Allocation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55 and below | 20% | 17% | 37% | 23% |
| 55–60 | 15% | 16% | 31% | 11.5% |
| 60–65 | 10.5% | 11.5% | 22% | 3.5% |
| 65–70 | 7.5% | 9% | 16.5% | 1% |
| Above 70 | 5% | 7.5% | 12.5% | 1% |
OA allocation drops sharply after 55 as more goes to RA/MA. This affects how fast CPF builds for housing.
What This Means for Property Planning
Your OA contribution is the engine behind your CPF housing fund. Here's how to think about it:
- • At $6,000 salary: $1,380/month goes to OA — that's $16,560/year towards housing
- • At $6,800 salary (ceiling): $1,564/month to OA — max at $18,768/year
- • Dual income ($6,000 + $5,000): Combined $2,530/month to OA — $30,360/year
- • For mortgage: Monthly OA inflow can offset mortgage payments if you use CPF for servicing
- • Employer contribution is invisible but real — it boosts your CPF without reducing take-home
Impact on Take-Home Pay
| Gross Salary | CPF Deduction (20%) | Take-Home | Total CPF (37%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $4,000 | $800 | $3,200 | $1,480 |
| $5,000 | $1,000 | $4,000 | $1,850 |
| $6,000 | $1,200 | $4,800 | $2,220 |
| $6,800 | $1,360 | $5,440 | $2,516 |
| $10,000 | $1,360* | $8,640 | $2,516* |
*Capped at $6,800 ordinary wage ceiling. Excess wages above $6,800 do not attract CPF.
Want to see how your CPF stacks up against your target property?
The affordability calculator factors in your CPF OA for downpayment and monthly mortgage servicing. See if your numbers work.
FAQ
What is the total CPF contribution rate for employees aged 55 and below?
37% of your monthly wages — 20% from you (employee) and 17% from your employer. This is the rate for Singapore Citizens earning more than $750/month.
What is the CPF ordinary wage ceiling?
The ordinary wage (OW) ceiling is $6,800 per month. CPF contributions are only calculated on wages up to this amount. If you earn $10,000/month, CPF is still calculated on $6,800. The annual wage ceiling is $102,000.
How much of my CPF goes to OA for housing?
For employees aged 55 and below, 23% of your wages (out of the 37% total) goes to your Ordinary Account. At the $6,800 wage ceiling, that’s $1,564/month into OA.
Is the employer’s CPF contribution part of my salary?
No. The employer’s 17% is on top of your gross salary — you don’t see it deducted from your payslip. It goes straight into your CPF. Your take-home pay is your gross minus 20% (your employee share).
Do CPF contribution rates change with age?
Yes. After age 55, both employee and employer rates decrease gradually. At 55-60: 31% total (15% + 16%). At 60-65: 22% total (10.5% + 11.5%). At 65-70: 16.5% total (7.5% + 9%). The OA allocation also drops significantly after 55.
Related
- CPF OA Interest Rate — how much your OA earns (and why it matters at sale)
- Buying Property with CPF — full guide on using CPF for housing
- How Much CPF Can I Use for HDB? — limits and rules
- HDB to Condo Affordability Calculator
Last updated Feb 2026. CPF contribution rates per CPF Board guidelines for Singapore Citizens. This is informational, not financial advice.