Minimum Wage in the Philippines 2025
The minimum wage in the Philippines serves as the legal safeguard for workers, ensuring fair compensation across regions and job types. However, wage rates still fall short of the cost of living for many sectors. This article explains current minimum wage levels, factors affecting wage adjustments, and salary insights for teachers, lawyers, and common job categories, providing a clear view of income realities in 2025.
Minimum Wage Rates by Region (2025)
Minimum wages in the Philippines are set by Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards, reflecting variation in economic activity and living costs. Rates are higher in Metro Manila and lower in rural and less urbanized areas.
| Region | Daily Minimum Wage (PHP) | Monthly Equivalent (PHP, 22 days) |
|---|---|---|
| Metro Manila | 658 – 695 | 14,476 – 15,290 |
| Cordillera Admin Region (CAR) | 470 | 10,340 |
| Ilocos Region (Region I) | 435 – 468 | 9,570 – 10,296 |
| Central Luzon (Region III) | 435 – 550 | 9,570 – 12,100 |
| Western Visayas (Region VI) | 480 – 513 | 10,560 – 11,286 |
| Bangsamoro (BARMM) | 316 – 361 | 6,952 – 7,942 |
Source: National Wages and Productivity Commission, 2025
Key Minimum Wage Facts
Factors Influencing Wage Adjustments
Every year, boards assess:
Wage orders are usually effective from July; review cycles consider economic shocks like pandemic recovery, global trade, and climate disasters.
Also Read: Salary Grades in the Philippines 2025
Wage Reality and Living Wage Gap
Despite consistent increases, many Filipinos earn much less than the “living wage”—sufficient income for food, rent, healthcare, schooling, and other basics. In Metro Manila, the living wage is around ₱1,221/day, over ₱500 more than current minimum rates, highlighting a persistent gap.
Teacher Salaries in the Philippines
Teachers are classified as government workers and use the Salary Grade (SG) system.
| Position | Salary Grade | Monthly Salary (PHP) |
|---|---|---|
| Teacher I | SG 11 | 30,024 – 32,099 |
| Teacher II | SG 12 | 32,375 – 34,400 |
| Teacher III | SG 13 | 34,579 – 36,720 |
| Master Teacher IV | SG 21 | 71,940 – 80,368 |
| School Principal | SG 18–24 | 51,304 – 109,431 |
Source: Salary Grade Table 2025
Teachers benefit from annual salary standardization, but many argue pay still doesn’t reflect the cost and commitment of their work—especially outside major cities.
Lawyer Salaries in the Philippines
Legal professionals enjoy higher salary grades and variable private-sector compensation.
| Type | Monthly Salary (PHP) | Job Type |
|---|---|---|
| Gov’t Attorney III | 51,304 – 57,298 | Public sector (SG 18) |
| Junior Law Associate | 30,000 – 50,000 | Private law firm |
| Senior Counsel | 80,000 – 200,000+ | Corporate/private sector |
| Government Prosecutor | 64,418 – 71,940 | Public Justice Department |
Private sector lawyer salaries reflect experience, firm reputation, and location, with senior levels earning multiples above entry-level public service.
Salary Types and Job Categories in the Philippines
Common Job Categories
| Job Type | Minimum Monthly Salary (PHP) | Typical Range (PHP) |
|---|---|---|
| Sales Clerk | 14,061 (SG 1) | 14,061 – 16,000 |
| Factory Worker | 14,061 (SG 1) | 13,000 – 18,000 |
| Security Guard | 14,061 (SG 1) | 14,000 – 19,000 |
| Medical Technologist | 30,024 (SG 11) | 30,000 – 45,000 |
| Nurse | 36,619 (SG 15) | 36,619 – 50,000 |
| Project Manager | N/A | 45,000 – 90,000 |
| Government Clerk | 14,061 – 15,816 | 14,061 – 17,000 |
Low-Skill Jobs
Low-skill jobs (utility worker, messenger, maintenance) are often paid at minimum wage or lowest SG steps, with very limited career progression unless upskilling or further credentials are obtained. Many Filipinos holding low-skill jobs struggle with cost-of-living pressures and lack additional social benefits.
Wage Gaps and Challenges
| Challenge | Impact |
|---|---|
| Minimum Wage Gap | Minimum wage often below living wage—especially in urban areas |
| Regional Disparities | Wide differences in rates by region, creating mobility issues |
| Skills Premium | Higher wages for skilled/educated jobs than manual labor |
| Upward Mobility | Limited for low-skill jobs without further training |
Improving Wage Prospects
Efforts to improve wage levels include:
Conclusion
Minimum wage in the Philippines provides basic protection but remains insufficient for many, especially among low-skill, entry-level workers. Teachers and lawyers benefit from higher grades and career ladders, yet regional disparities and skill premiums persist. The challenge for policymakers is closing wage gaps, ensuring fair compensation, and boosting upskilling so every Filipino worker can earn enough for a decent standard of living.
