What are the highest-paying jobs in the Philippines?
The job market in the Philippines is experiencing significant changes. The rise of digital technology, the growth of the BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) industry, and the impact of global events like the COVID-19 pandemic have reshaped the landscape.
As the cost of living in the Philippines continues to rise, it is important to find a job that offers good financial compensation. A high-paying job provides financial security, allowing you to live comfortably and afford life's luxuries.
While you need financial reward, choosing a career that you are passionate about is essential for long-term satisfaction. You become more likely to excel and find personal happiness. However, considering the financial aspects ensures you can support your lifestyle and future goals.
In this article we will look at some of the best-paying jobs in the Philippines. Knowing the various aspects of the jobs can help you decide what career you want.
Here is what we will cover:
Top 10 highest-paying jobs in the Philippines
In the Philippine job market, several careers offer high financial rewards. According to the Occupational Wages Survey (OWS) conducted by the Philippines Statistics Authority (PSA), the following are the top 10 highest-paying occupations in 2022:
- Aircraft pilots and related associate professionals
- Software developers
- Mathematicians and actuaries
- Production supervisors and general foremen
- Applications programmers
- Specialist medical practitioners
- Statisticians
- Generalist medical practitioners
- Geologists
- Accountants and auditors
At the top of the list are aircraft pilots, earning PHP 135,365 per month. Software developers follow in second place with an average monthly salary of PHP 70,595. At the bottom are geologists and accountants with monthly earnings of PHP 49,059 and PHP 48,982, respectively. The most lucrative jobs are in the IT, medical, insurance, and aviation industries.
This list is not exhaustive when it comes to career planning. You must take into consideration your own goals and interests. Look for jobs in industries that motivate and interest you. Research the salary range of the occupation you are targeting to ensure they can provide a successful and lucrative career.
High-paying jobs in the Philippines
Most high-paying jobs come in specialized roles that require years of dedicated study and training. Some careers only offer high compensation packages for more advanced roles that need a lot of prior experience and relevant skills.
If you are still a student, choose an academic path that aligns with your preferred career. Having a relevant educational background is not only an advantage but a necessity in some occupations.
Medical Professionals
Medical professionals are listed as top 6 and 8 in the 2022 OWS results. Specialists have average monthly earnings of PHP 57,476, while general practitioners earn PHP 51,251 per month. Certain specializations have better earning potential than others. Some can go as high as PHP 170,000 or more.
To become a general practitioner, you must first obtain a bachelor’s degree in any pre-medicine course. Then, you need to complete four years of medical school and pass the Physicians Licensure Exam. If you want to become a specialist, you must undergo residency training. This will take another 3 to 6 years depending on the field of specialization.
Pursuing a career in the healthcare industry is long and difficult. It is a life-long commitment, but it can be very rewarding, both financially and professionally.
Lawyers
The typical monthly salary of a lawyer is around PHP 59,000, with entry-level positions earning around PHP 42,000 per month. This can vary greatly depending on your experience, employer, and specialization. Some lawyers can earn more than PHP 200,000 per month.
To become a lawyer, you must first obtain a bachelor's degree for any four-year pre-law course. You then need to complete an additional four years of law school. After that, you will have to pass the Philippine Bar Examinations administered by the Supreme Court of the Philippines.
Data engineer
Data engineers are responsible for building and maintaining data infrastructure. This job is in demand in almost every industry, giving you more flexibility when it comes to choosing your employers.
To become a data engineer, you will need a bachelor’s degree in data science, computer science, data engineering, or a related field. The average salary of a data engineer is around PHP 85,000 per month.
Data scientist
Data scientists collect and analyze data to find problems and offer solutions. They are sometimes referred to as data analysts. Like data engineers, this job is in high demand across a lot of industries.
To pursue this career, you will need to complete a degree in data science, computer science, information technology, or information systems. You can also pursue studies in related fields such as statistics or mathematics. The average monthly salary of a data engineer is approximately PHP73,000 per month.
Insurance broker
An insurance broker helps clients purchase insurance policies that match their lifestyles. This role requires good sales, communication, and analytical skills, as well as patience.
If you want to pursue a job as an insurance broker, you need to acquire any bachelor’s degree and pass the licensing exam issued by the Insurance Commission. The average salary for this job is around PHP 42,000 per month, but there is potential to earn more through commissions.
Software Engineer
At its core, software engineering deals with the development and maintenance of applications and computer systems. The specific roles and responsibilities in the field can be broad. Some software engineers branch out or specialize in web development. Web developers build and maintain websites for clients.
On average, software engineers earn around PHP 65,000 per month. However, depending on the industry and your experience, there is potential to earn more. Employers require a degree in relevant programs such as computer science, computer engineering, or information technology.
Executive Assistant
An executive assistant helps executives with administrative and secretarial tasks. To perform this job well, you will need organization and communication skills, attention to detail, and discretion.
In the Philippines, an executive assistant receives an average monthly salary of PHP 35,000, with entry-level roles at around PHP 20,000 per month. But with the rise of virtual assistant jobs, the average salary of this career increases dramatically. If you have enough experience and a solid client base, you can potentially earn as much as PHP 130,000 per month.
Sales representative
Sales representatives generate sales leads by interacting with customers, answering their questions, and promoting products to them. The basic salary for entry-level positions is around PHP 19,000 per month, but there is potential to earn more through commissions. So, your take-home pay as a sales rep will vary based on your performance.
Project Manager
Project managers ensure operations are on track and deliverables are on time. They are responsible for strategic planning, budgeting, and scheduling. Completing a bachelor’s degree in a related field is an advantage when applying for jobs.
However, what is more important is that you have proven experience managing teams. You can also pursue management certifications to increase your chances of getting hired. Project managers have an average salary of PHP 75,000 per month.
Conclusion
There are plenty of jobs offering competitive salaries in the Philippine job market. But when choosing a career path, money should not be your only consideration. It is essential to consider your interests and goals as well. Getting a good job that aligns with your passion and values can give you a higher level of job satisfaction in the long run.
Choosing a job that matches your passion and values can lead to greater job satisfaction and fulfilment. After landing your ideal position, staying adaptable and responsive to its evolving requirements is important. Keeping abreast of the latest trends in the Philippines job market and committing to continuous learning are key steps to ensuring your career continues to thrive.
FAQs
The following is a list of questions that job seekers frequently ask about the highest-paid jobs in the Philippine job market:
- What are the highest-paying jobs in the Philippines?
The top 10 highest-paying jobs in the Philippines are:
Aircraft pilots and related associate professionals
Software developers
Mathematicians and actuaries
Production supervisors and general foremen
Applications programmers
Specialist medical practitioners
Statisticians
Generalist medical practitioners
Geologists
Accountants and auditors
- How can I find high-paying jobs in the Philippines?
The best way to find a high-paying job is to use Jobstreet's job search tool. Click on “More options” to select your desired salary range before submitting your search request.
- What is the highest-paying job in the world?
Global Immigration Services' list of the top 25 highest-paying jobs in the world ranks CEO first. On average, a CEO earns an annual salary of PHP 10,427,701.
- What do I need for high-paying jobs?
Most of the highest-paying jobs require a bachelor's degree, but there are some that only need professional certifications. - Are there high-paying jobs that don't require a college degree?
You can try exploring virtual assistant and sales rep positions. These jobs have high earning potential even if you do not have a relevant degree or any degree at all.
- How can I develop the skills needed for high-paying jobs?
Once you have decided which high-paying job you want to pursue, find out the types of skills it requires. For example, financial analysis, data analysis, or interpersonal skills can help you excel in your chosen job. You can develop technical skills by taking an online course, joining a professional association, and pursuing continuous education.
