Whether you're a student mapping your future, a fresh graduate looking to kickstart a career, or an employee looking for a fresh start, it’s always good to be up-to-date on some of the high-paying jobs in the Philippines. Planning and choosing the right career path can land you big opportunities, huge salaries, and even bigger titles to boast about.
We listed some high-paying jobs according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)’s Occupational Wages Survey released in September 2023. Although their rankings and the estimated salary may change or fluctuate, these professions have continuously topped the list over the years.
 |
| The Philippines notes that most of the top high-paying jobs are in the aviation, finance, and healthcare industries. Photo courtesy: The Summit Express |
1. Pilots / Aircraft Engineers
Other professions may change their ranks in the list, but pilots and aircraft engineers remain constant at number 1. Working in the aviation industry, especially as a commercial pilot, means being responsible for hundreds of lives on one flight. It also requires highly technical skills to pass as a pilot or an aircraft engineer and to keep up with international standards, making them the top earners in the country.
Their estimated salary as of 2022 is P135,363 per month.
2. Software / IT Engineers
Software engineers are essential for companies seeking to modernize their operations and improve efficiency through technological advancements. The information technology industry is also highly competitive. The more advanced and skilled engineers get to earn even more.
IT managers can earn around P85,000 to P100,000 monthly, while software engineers earn no less than P70,595 per month.
3. Mathematicians and Actuaries
They have a specialized skill set that is highly in demand across industries in analyzing data, financial planning, and strategic operations. There are also very few qualified individuals for these professions, making them sought-after.
Depending on the complexity of their job, mathematicians and actuaries earn an estimate of P70,000 to P85,000 monthly.
4. Production Supervisors and General Foremen
These occupations are rewarded with high pay because of their critical roles in overseeing manufacturing and production processes. Not only do they have highly technical skills, but they are also required to have analytical skills to be able to solve complex issues and manage the company’s large-scale operations and productions.
Their estimated salary is P63,000 for entry-level positions and may increase, especially in larger companies or specialized industries.
5. Application Programmers
Similar to other jobs in the IT industry, application programmers are also highly sought-after occupations that require specialized skills. They are responsible for designing, developing, and implementing software or hardware solutions tailored to meet specific client needs.
Their estimated monthly salary is P58, 643 per month, depending on the industry and skillset.
6. Specialist Medical Practitioners
Most high-paying medical jobs in the Philippines are tied to specializations. Specialists undergo extensive education and training compared to general medicine to offer specialized care. Some of the top medical professions are those with varied subspecialties in neurology, cardiology, oncology, surgery, and more.
The PSA estimates their monthly income at P57,000 but they could actually earn as much as P100,000 or more depending on their procedures and volume of patients.
7. Statisticians
The skills of statisticians to interpret and analyze data have a great impact on the research of companies across a variety of industries, including finance, government, IT, healthcare, and more.
The PSA estimates the salary of a statistician at P51,607, but it could go as high as P100,000 for senior-level positions of giant corporations.
8. General Medical Doctors
The need for medical services is among the basic necessities that will always be in demand. Private medical practitioners can significantly boost their earnings based on their ability to maintain and attract a patient base. Aside from consultations and procedures, they also get to have other income streams as speakers or teachers.
The PSA’s estimated salary is at the conservative level of P51,000, but it can increase according to patient volume, engagements, and location of their practice.
9. Geologists
Geologists are highly in demand due to their technical skills to study and analyze various natural resources, materials, and structures. They are particularly crucial in major industrial sectors such as mining, oil and coal, construction, and others. They are mostly required to do risky fieldwork, requiring them to receive higher compensation.
The estimated salary is at P49,000 but it can go higher depending on the company and their roles in resource management.
10. Accountants
From small to large corporations, they need competent accountants to help manage and analyze their financial information. They often do tax planning, financial analysis, auditing, and other financial tasks that require a high level of expertise.
The PSA notes the salary at P48,982, but this could only be entry-level as other senior-level accountants earn as much as P90,000 a month.
High-salary jobs are often determined by a combination of expertise, skills, market demand, and the scarcity of qualified professionals in a particular field. For more detailed insights, you can explore further on the government websites of PSA, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and job search platforms like JobStreet, and others.
— Sally, The Summit Express
