The Philippines is often called the “BPO Capital of the World” due to its cost-effective labor and skilled workforce. Employers considering hiring in the area may wonder, “What is the average salary in the Philippines?” This information will help them create a competitive job offer. 

The average monthly salary in the Philippines is PHP 44,800, about USD 780. However, you must also consider how wages are affected by education, experience, location, position, and industry. Comparing wages in the country to earnings worldwide will provide additional insight. 

This guide will explore all aspects of Philippine salaries to prepare you for your hiring journey. 

What is the Average Salary in the Philippines?

The average salary in the Philippines is PHP 44,800, about $780. Wages in the country are low due to a large young population of job seekers, which increases competition. A low cost of living and a limited industrial base are also contributing factors. 

Median Income

The Philippines’ median monthly income is PHP 30,000, about $522. Half the population earns higher salaries; the other half earns lower wages. When comparing average vs. median salary, the median salary is much lower, likely due to wage inequalities in the country. 

Salary Range

The salary range spans from the lowest to the highest in the country. In the Philippines, low earners make around PHP 14,000 (about $244), while high earners make closer to PHP 125,000 monthly (about $2178).

Salary Comparisons in the Philippines

Average salary provides insight into Philippine wages, but you must also consider how earnings are impacted by education, experience, location, position, and industry. The following sections will explore those factors and their impact on salaries. 

Salary by Profession

Position Average Monthly Wages (PHP)
IT Director 129,350
Chief Executive Officer 128,741
Call Center Director 113,743
Lead Developer 104,067
Senior Project Manager 100,875
IT Architect 100,383
Managing Director 95,827
Head of Product Development 94,598
Financial Manager 94,485
Logistics Director 88,331
Fabric Cutter 23,992
Clothing Technologist 23,888
Banking Cashier 23,766
General Laborer 23,744
Packer 23,397
Seamstress 22,338
Porter 21,582
Medical Records Clerk 21,518
Tailor 21,352

Average Wage in the Philippines by Education

Education plays a huge role in wage determination in the Philippines, accounting for much of the country’s wage inequality. Workers with minimal education are often employed in the low-paying agricultural sector. Tertiary education is a critical prerequisite for most high-paying jobs. 

Studies show education accounts for a 30% difference in wages, with a high percentage among female workers (37%) and a somewhat lower percentage among male workers (24%).

Salary Comparison by Experience

Experience is also considered when determining salaries in the Philippines. The following statistics reveal the range of salaries based on experience. 

Position Level Salary Range (Monthly)
Entry Level (0–2 years) PHP 15,000 – 30,000
Mid-Level (3–5 years) PHP 30,000 – 60,000
Senior Roles PHP 60,000 – 150,000
Executive and C-Level PHP 150,000+

Salary by Location

Location is another factor impacting salaries. Workers in urban areas tend to earn more than workers in rural areas due to a higher cost of living and proximity to large companies offering high-paying salaries. This situation especially rings true in the Philippines, where various regions have different minimum wages.

What is the Minimum Wage in the Philippines?

Here is a breakdown of the minimum wages in the Philippines by region. 

Region Daily Minimum Wage (PHP)
National Capital Region 645
Cordillera Administrative Region 470
Region I (Ilocos Region) 435 – 468
Region II (Cagayan Region) 460 – 480
Region III (Central Luzon) 410 – 435
Region IV-A (CALABARZON) 420 – 560
Region IV-B (MIMAROPA) 404 – 430
Region V (Bicol) 395
Region VI (Western Visayas) 480 – 513
Region VII (Central Visayas) 453 – 501
Region VIII (Eastern Visayas) 390 – 420
Region IX (Zamboanga Peninsula) 401 – 414

The discrepancies in wages apply to skilled and unskilled labor. Each local government sets its salaries and determines when increases are necessary. 

Average Salary in the Philippines vs. the Rest of the World

The following charts compare wages in the Philippines to salaries in developed, developing, and undeveloped countries to provide more insight. 

Philippines vs. Developed Countries

Country Average Salary Comparison to Average Philippines Salary
United Kingdom 3000 euros (approx. $3116) – 297%
United States $5677 – 630%
Norway 50,790 kroner (approx. $4700) – 502%
Germany 4300 euros (approx. $4467) – 476%
Austria 3500 euros (approx. $3636) – 361%

Philippines vs. Developing Countries

CountryAverage SalaryComparison to Average Philippines Salary
Romania4000 RON (approx. $835)– 7%
Russia73,709 Rubles (approx. $700)11%
Albania1500 Euros (approx. $1550)– 98%
Kazakhstan342,082 Tenge (approx. $645)20%
Ukraine18,000 Hryvnia (approx. $500)56%

Philippines vs. Undeveloped Countries

CountryAverage SalaryComparison to Average Philippines Salary
Thailand97,500 Baht (approx. $2772)– 259%
Philippines18,423 PHP (approx. $875) 
Vietnam8.5 million dong (approx. $360)116%
Egypt13,244 EGP (approx. $263)200%
Pakistan45,000 PKR (approx. $150)420%

The Philippines is a developing country with a lower-middle-income economy. It offers a rapidly emerging market with a dominant service sector. The government has also seen notable growth in business process outsourcing, real estate, and the finance and insurance industries. 

The country is often called the BPO Capital of the World due to its cost-effective labor, strong English proficiency, and cultural affinity with Western countries. The government supports outsourcing through policies and initiatives, supporting a business-friendly environment. Its time zone allows for 24/7 operations for many organizations.

Top 3 Industries Outsourced to the Philippines

Companies that wish to outsource to the Philippines will see the most significant benefits when focusing on the following BPO industries: 

IT Services

The Philippines’ thriving IT industry focuses on software development, data science, and cybersecurity. The government actively supports the industry through initiatives that improve infrastructure, support skills development, and attract investments. 

IT workers in the country earn salaries that range from PHP 25,000 (about $435) to PHP 150,000 (about $2614).  Meanwhile, workers in the United States make starting salaries close to $5000, leading to significant savings for outsourcing companies. 

Customer Support

Filipinos are hospitable, which translates well in the customer service sector. Their large talent pool of skilled workers has a high level of English proficiency.  They are known for their strong work ethic and dedication. 

Customer service reps in the Philippines typically earn between PHP 15,000 (about $261) and PHP 26,000 (about $453) monthly. Workers in America earn closer to $3,000 monthly, meaning outsourcing can lead to significant cost savings. 

Finance

The Philippines’ banking sector is a key driver of its economy, and the country provides financial services to millions of individuals and businesses. The industry is transforming digitally based on the growing demand for online transactions and mobile banking. Fintech is playing an increasingly important role in the country’s financial landscape. 

Financial advisors in the country typically earn between PHP 22,000 (about $383) and PHP 60,000 (around $1045) monthly, while their American counterparts earn between $5833 and $125,000.

Conclusion

The low average salary in the Philippines, combined with the skilled workforce and time zone benefits, makes it a prime outsourcing destination. Employers partnering with the country for remote opportunities can see significant cost savings while taking advantage of quality products and services and helping the country overcome poverty.