With inflation steadily rising and the cost of living impacting millions across the country, the Philippine government has implemented new Salary Grade adjustments for 2025 under the Salary Standardization Law (SSL). Whether you’re already in public service or planning to apply, understanding these changes can help you track your income potential and plan your career path more effectively.
Understanding the Salary Grade System in the Philippines
The Salary Grade (SG) system is the backbone of public sector compensation in the Philippines. It assigns a predefined monthly salary to each job classification based on position, qualifications, responsibilities, and tenure.
Here’s how it works:
- 33 Salary Grades exist in total, covering all public positions—from administrative workers to executives.
- Salaries are non-negotiable and governed by the SSL (Salary Standardization Law).
- Each grade can have multiple steps, offering slight increases within a grade depending on years of service and performance.
- Adjustments are made periodically to align salaries with the current economic conditions and inflation trends.
In 2025, a salary increase has been implemented as part of the final tranche of the SSL V law.
Salary Increase for Government Employees in 2025
The 2025 salary hike focuses on rewarding hard work and maintaining parity with private sector wages. It particularly benefits teachers, healthcare workers, armed forces, and administrative roles. Goals of the salary increase include:
- Ensuring financial resilience amid rising costs
- Encouraging talent retention within the public sector
- Providing competitive compensation to reduce public-private sector disparities
Official Salary Grade Table for 2025 (Grades 1 to 11)
| Salary Grade | Monthly Salary (PHP) |
|---|---|
| Grade 1 | 13,000 |
| Grade 2 | 13,819 |
| Grade 3 | 14,678 |
| Grade 4 | 15,586 |
| Grade 5 | 16,543 |
| Grade 6 | 17,553 |
| Grade 7 | 18,620 |
| Grade 8 | 19,744 |
| Grade 9 | 21,211 |
| Grade 10 | 23,176 |
| Grade 11 | 27,000 |
These figures apply to entry-level roles and may increase with seniority, step increments, and specialized assignments.
2025 Salary Range Across Government Sectors
Government pay varies by department and function. Below is a snapshot of salary expectations across various public agencies:
| Sector | Salary Range (PHP) |
|---|---|
| Education | 18,000 – 22,000 |
| Banking | 47,000 – 55,000 |
| Revenue Officers | 27,000 – 31,000 |
| Local Government | 6,000 – 12,000 (Entry-Level) |
| Air Force | 29,000 – 34,000 |
| Immigration | 23,000 – 27,000 |
| AFP (Military) | 21,000 – 24,000 |
| Agriculture | Starts at 17,000 |
Salary amounts are influenced by rank, qualifications, and length of service, and may also include hazard pay, allowances, or bonuses in certain departments.
How to Check Salary Grades and Apply for Government Jobs
Government hiring is transparent and follows clear steps. Here’s how to stay informed:
-
Visit the Official Recruitment Portals
- Most agencies post job openings and SG info at https://csc.gov.ph and agency-specific websites.
-
Review Job Qualification Standards
- Understand the educational, civil service eligibility, and experience requirements for each SG level.
-
Submit Required Exams & Documents
- Prepare for civil service exams, background checks, and interviews. Secure all necessary documents before applying.
-
Stay Updated on Changes
- The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) regularly publishes updates on SG adjustments.
FAQs
1. How often are Salary Grades adjusted in the Philippines?
Salary Grades are usually updated every few years as part of Salary Standardization Laws (SSL) passed by Congress to match inflation and living costs.
2. Can an employee negotiate their Salary Grade?
No. SGs are fixed based on position titles and classification. However, employees may be promoted to a higher SG based on performance, tenure, and qualification upgrades.
3. Are contractual government workers paid the same as permanent ones?
Not always. Contractual workers often receive lower pay and do not have the same benefits, although this varies by agency.
4. Where can I check official SG updates?
Visit the DBM website or your department’s HR page for the latest salary table and step increments.
5. What is the difference between a salary grade and a salary step?
- Salary Grade defines the job level
- Salary Step refers to experience-based incremental pay within that grade (e.g., SG 7, Step 3 earns slightly more than Step 1)
6. Will there be another salary increase in 2026?
As of now, the 2025 hike is the final tranche under the current SSL. Future increases will depend on new legislative proposals and national budget allocations.
7. How can I move to a higher salary grade?
Apply for promotions, attend training seminars, or qualify for advanced positions that require higher education and credentials.
8. Are allowances included in the Salary Grade?
No. Allowances such as PERA, hazard pay, clothing, and rice subsidies are separate from the base SG salary.
Final Thoughts
The Philippines Salary Grade system provides a clear and consistent framework for fair compensation in the public sector. The 2025 updates mark a significant step in supporting government employees across essential departments. Whether you’re a public servant or aspiring to become one, staying informed on SG levels and sector-wise salary trends will help you plan your career and finances confidently.
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Aanchal is a passionate writer with a keen interest in storytelling, content creation, and creative expression. She enjoys exploring diverse topics and crafting engaging narratives that captivate readers.
