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If you are curious about how government workers in the Philippines get paid, one important thing to understand is the salary grade system. This system gives structure and fairness to how much each employee earns. For example, when you hear about salary grade 2024, it refers to the official pay scale used for government employees for that year. Knowing how this works can help workers, students, and even job seekers better understand the opportunities available in public service.
What Is a Salary Grade?
A salary grade (often shortened to SG) is a number that represents a specific pay level for government jobs. The Philippines has 33 salary grades in total. The lowest, SG-1, is usually for entry-level or support jobs, such as utility workers or office aides. The highest, SG-33, is reserved for the President of the Philippines.
Each salary grade also has “steps.” These are smaller levels inside each grade that allow employees to earn gradual pay increases as they gain more experience or serve longer in their positions. For example, if someone starts in SG-5 Step 1, they can move to Step 2, Step 3, and so on, with each step giving them a slightly higher salary.
Why the Salary Grade System Is Important
The salary grade system exists to ensure fairness and transparency. Everyone in the same salary grade and step earns the same amount, no matter what agency they work in. This makes it easy to know how much you should be earning and prevents unfair differences in pay.
It also gives workers a clear path for growth. As employees get promoted or move up in steps, they can expect predictable salary increases. This stability is one reason why government jobs are attractive to many Filipinos.
Who Belongs to Each Salary Grade?
The distribution of salary grades depends on the type of work and the level of responsibility. Here’s a simple breakdown:
SG-1 to SG-10: These are entry-level jobs, such as clerks, administrative aides, or utility workers.
SG-11 to SG-20: These are skilled jobs, including teachers, nurses, and accountants.
SG-21 to SG-29: These are supervisory and managerial positions, like principals, directors, or police superintendents.
SG-30 to SG-33: These grades are for the top government leaders, such as senators, justices, and the President.
This clear structure helps workers know where they fit and what to aim for if they want to move up in their careers.
Salary Standardization Law and Updates
The Philippine government regularly adjusts salaries through the Salary Standardization Law (SSL). The latest version, sometimes called SSL VI, started in 2024 and will be completed in 2027. It is being rolled out in four stages, or “tranches”:
First Tranche – effective January 2024 (applied retroactively)
Second Tranche – effective January 2025
Third Tranche – effective January 2026
Fourth Tranche – effective January 2027
This means that salaries will continue to rise every year until the fourth tranche is fully applied. For example, the monthly salary of an SG-1 employee is gradually increasing, while higher grades like SG-32 and SG-33 also receive structured adjustments.
Along with these increases, government workers also receive extra benefits, like a ₱7,000 annual medical allowance starting in 2025. This is similar to health coverage provided in private companies, making government jobs even more competitive.
Differences in Local Government Salaries
It’s also worth noting that not all government salaries are exactly the same. Local Government Units (LGUs)—such as cities, municipalities, and provinces—adjust salaries depending on their income class.
Special cities and 1st class provinces: 100% of the standard salary
Middle-class municipalities: around 70–85%
6th class municipalities: 65%
This sliding scale ensures that even smaller LGUs can still afford to pay their employees fairly.
Taxes and Take-Home Pay
Like all employees, government workers are subject to income tax. Thanks to the TRAIN Law, workers earning up to ₱250,000 per year are exempt. Those earning above this amount pay taxes depending on their income bracket. For example:
₱250,000–₱400,000: 15% of the excess over ₱250,000
₱400,000–₱800,000: ₱22,500 + 20% of the excess over ₱400,000
₱800,000–₱2,000,000: ₱102,500 + 25% of the excess over ₱800,000
This means that while the salary grade shows your gross pay, your actual take-home salary depends on your tax bracket.
Why This System Matters for Filipinos
The salary grade system is more than just numbers—it is a way to value the hard work of government employees. With the new pay hikes and added benefits, workers in public service can look forward to better compensation and stability.
For ordinary Filipinos, understanding this system helps you know what to expect if you plan to apply for a government job. It also builds trust, because the process is open and transparent.
Final Thoughts
The Philippine salary grade system is a reliable guide for government pay. It shows how much an employee earns, how salaries grow over time, and how benefits are distributed. With the ongoing adjustments from 2024 to 2027, workers can expect higher pay and better support.
Whether you’re a student exploring future career options, a current employee planning your growth, or simply curious about public service, knowing how salary grades work gives you a clear picture of opportunities in government service.
