Life in the Philippines has become expensive. Your purchasing power shrinks every year; what used to give you 3 kilos of meat and 2 cartons of milk now buys maybe 2 kilos of meat and a carton of milk from P1,000. The soaring rate of inflation, unfortunately, hasn’t caught up with your salary. It makes sense to start looking at the best paying jobs in the Philippines.
What are the Highest Paying Jobs in the Philippines?
Some of the highest paying jobs may surprise you, and the data may explain the migration of healthcare professionals to other countries.
According to the Occupational Wage Survey from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), pilots hold one of the highest paying jobs in the Philippines with a monthly salary of P135,363. Software developers come in second with P70,795 followed by mathematicians and actuaries with a salary of P69,654. Production supervisors and foremen receive P63,017 and application programmers get P58,643. What do healthcare professionals in the Philippines receive? Specialists get P57,476 whereas medical doctors receive P51,251.
Of course, you can’t just redo college with an entirely new course, like information technology or aerospace engineering, to get a high paying job. Although these jobs do pay better than other jobs, some career options today pay even better because it’s in a niche industry or the company provides competitive compensation. For example, some content writers and SEO specialists for US-based companies receive over P100,000 per month.
Finding High Paying Jobs in the Philippines
What is a high salary for some may not be high enough for others. How much you earn will depend on what is typical for your field; some industries and professionals do get paid more than others because of their specialties.
Other factors that affect salary are the employer’s financial status (some multinational companies may be able to offer premium salaries), your experience (extensive experience may mean senior roles that come with high salaries), and location (businesses in Makati City pay an average of over P400,000 annually whereas businesses in Baguio pay under that amount in the same period). Another factor that affects your salary is the work condition. If you have to work during a graveyard shift or around hazardous materials, you’re likely to earn more than employees who don’t have to deal with such risks.
Short of starting with a course that leads to a high paying job, you’ll have to follow a strategic approach to finding high salary jobs in the Philippines.
Establish a foundation for growth
Work toward a path to becoming a well-rounded, versatile professional. So cultivate your skills by signing up for relevant training programs. Join webinars that create upskilling opportunities.
Become an expert in your field
Professional development conveys a level of commitment to your job, which could lead to a promotion. The initiative further opens doors to helping you gain experience. When you’ve gained experience, you could focus on your niche and build a reputation as an expert.
Look up companies that offer high salaries
Companies providing premium salaries typically have demanding work conditions. If you feel up to the challenge, take a risk and apply.
Build a professional network
Connect with professionals in your industry by joining professional organizations or networking events. Through a strong professional network, you can create valuable relationships that may benefit your career.
Determining the Future of Careers in the Philippines
To secure the highest paying jobs in the Philippines, it’s crucial to consider the future landscape of various industries. As of 2024, certain fields show promising growth and are likely to offer lucrative career opportunities.
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Technology and Artificial Intelligence
The Philippines is experiencing a digital transformation, with a growing emphasis on technology and artificial intelligence (AI). Careers in data science, machine learning, and AI development are anticipated to be in high demand. To prepare for the future, individuals should acquire skills in coding, data analytics, and AI technologies. Continual learning and staying ahead of technological advancements will be key in this rapidly evolving field.
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Renewable Energy
With a global shift towards sustainability, the renewable energy sector in the Philippines is poised for significant growth. Jobs in solar and wind energy, environmental engineering, and sustainable development are expected to be in demand. Pursuing education and training in renewable energy technologies, coupled with a commitment to environmental sustainability, can lead to high-paying careers in this field.
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Healthcare and Biotechnology
The ongoing global health challenges have underscored the importance of healthcare and biotechnology. As the Philippines invests in healthcare infrastructure and research, careers in medical research, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology are likely to offer substantial opportunities. Individuals interested in these fields should consider pursuing degrees in medicine, biology, or related disciplines, along with staying updated on advancements in healthcare and biotechnology.
What are the Lowest Paid Jobs in the Philippines?
Some of the lowest paid jobs in the Philippines include roles in the agricultural sector, customer service, and manual labor. Although these jobs are crucial to the growth of commerce and, overall, the country, wages have yet to meet the current cost of living.
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Agricultural Sector
Despite being an essential component of the Philippine economy, the agricultural sector often faces challenges, such as low productivity and limited access to resources. As a result, jobs in agriculture, especially those involving manual labor in farming, may offer lower wages compared to other industries. Farmers and other agricultural workers generally earn less than P20,000.
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Customer Service
The Philippines has become a hub for business process outsourcing (BPO), including customer service centers. The wages for entry-level positions in customer service may be relatively lower. Developing additional skills, such as language proficiency, problem-solving, and communication, can help individuals stand out and advance in their careers within the customer service industry.
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Manual Labor
Certain manual labor jobs, particularly in construction and manufacturing, may offer lower wages compared to other sectors. This underscores the importance of skill development and continual education to transition into higher-paying roles within these industries.
Work Your Way Toward a High-Paying Job
The financial necessity of career growth may begin with getting a high paying job. It’s especially crucial when you’ve got a family to look after and have extended responsibilities. But getting paid good money will eventually lead to personal satisfaction over the development of your career. From being a staff member to holding a senior position, the trajectory can open up more than financial rewards.
Work your way toward the highest paying jobs in the Philippines through strategic planning, skill development, selection of good companies, and network building. When you take into consideration future-oriented fields, you’ll also set yourself up for landing a well-paid job.
In search of a better job? Go to our Careers page today for open opportunities that meet your career goals.
