Teaching is one of the most important professions in the Philippines, with career opportunities in public schools, private schools, colleges, universities, international schools, tutorial centers, and online education.
If you are considering a teaching career, one of the most important questions is: How much do teachers earn in the Philippines? Teacher salaries vary considerably depending on the school, position, qualifications, experience, location, and whether the teacher works in the public or private sector.
For public-school teachers, salaries are based on government salary grades and steps. The national government implemented the third tranche of the updated salary schedule effective January 1, 2026.
There is no single salary for all teachers in the Philippines. Public-school teachers follow government salary grades, while private and international schools generally establish their own compensation packages.
For 2026, a newly appointed Teacher I in the public-school system is assigned to Salary Grade 11. The 2026 Step 1 basic salary is ₱31,705 per month. The salary can increase with step increments and promotion to higher teaching positions.
Public-school teachers employed by the Department of Education (DepEd) are paid according to the government salary schedule. In 2026, the teaching career structure includes positions from Teacher I through Teacher VII, followed by Master Teacher positions.
| Teaching Position | Salary Grade | 2026 Step 1 Basic Salary | Approx. Step 8 Basic Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher I | SG 11 | ₱31,705/month | ₱33,611/month |
| Teacher II | SG 12 | ₱33,947/month | ₱35,850/month |
| Teacher III | SG 13 | ₱36,125/month | ₱38,241/month |
| Teacher IV | SG 14 | Based on government salary schedule | Based on step |
| Teacher V | SG 15 | Based on government salary schedule | Based on step |
| Teacher VI | SG 16 | Based on government salary schedule | Based on step |
| Teacher VII | SG 17 | Based on government salary schedule | Based on step |
| Master Teacher I | SG 18 | Based on government salary schedule | Based on step |
The exact amount received by an individual teacher can be affected by the applicable salary step, allowances, deductions, and other compensation. The figures above refer to basic monthly salary, not take-home pay.
The 2026 government compensation schedule is implemented under Executive Order No. 64, s. 2024, with the third tranche taking effect on January 1, 2026.
Teacher I is the entry-level position in the public-school teaching career line. In 2026, Teacher I is classified as Salary Grade 11, with a Step 1 basic salary of ₱31,705 per month.
Teacher II is classified as Salary Grade 12. In 2026, the Step 1 basic salary is ₱33,947 per month, while Step 8 is ₱35,850 per month.
Teacher III is classified as Salary Grade 13. The position represents a higher level in the public-school teaching career structure and carries a higher salary than Teacher I and Teacher II.
Teachers can increase their earning potential by gaining experience, obtaining additional qualifications, moving into higher teaching positions, or working in schools and institutions that offer higher compensation.
Private-school teacher salaries are not determined by the national government salary-grade system used for government employees. Each private school normally establishes its own compensation structure.
Salary can vary significantly according to:
Teachers in major metropolitan areas and established private schools may have different compensation packages from teachers in smaller schools or rural areas.
International schools in the Philippines may offer teaching positions to qualified Filipino and foreign teachers. Compensation packages vary widely between schools.
International schools may look for teachers with:
Some international schools may follow curricula such as the International Baccalaureate, British, American, or other international programs. Requirements depend on the school and position.
For professional teaching positions, qualifications depend on the type of school and position. The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) administers the licensure system for professional teachers.
For the Philippine Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers, PRC requirements include the appropriate bachelor's degree and academic preparation. PRC lists, among other requirements, a transcript of records with the appropriate remarks for board examination purposes.
DepEd's published qualification requirements for teaching positions include academic credentials, PRC registration/license and LET/PBET information for applicable permanent teaching positions.
Foreign teachers may be able to work in the Philippines, but they must comply with Philippine immigration, employment and professional-practice requirements.
For regulated professional practice, foreign nationals are subject to PRC rules. PRC states that foreign nationals who intend to practice a regulated profession in the Philippines must obtain the appropriate authorization, and its current advisory specifically states that a Special Temporary Permit (STP) is required for foreign professionals practicing a regulated profession when applicable.
Foreign applicants seeking permanent registration through a Philippine professional licensure examination may also be subject to reciprocity or international-agreement requirements.
Therefore, foreign teachers should confirm their professional, immigration and employment requirements with the relevant Philippine authorities and their prospective school before starting work.
Filipino teachers are also in demand internationally, and teaching qualifications can provide opportunities in schools outside the Philippines.
Teachers planning to work overseas should check:
| Factor | Public Schools | Private Schools |
|---|---|---|
| Salary Structure | Government salary grades | Set by individual school |
| Licensing | Professional qualifications generally required | Depends on position and school requirements |
| Benefits | Government employee benefits and applicable allowances | Varies by employer |
| Career Progression | Formal government career structure | Depends on school |
| Job Competition | Can be competitive | Varies by school and location |
A teacher's salary should always be considered together with the cost of living in the location where they work.
Teachers living in Metro Manila may face higher housing and transportation expenses than teachers in many provincial areas. However, salaries and employment opportunities can also differ significantly between regions and employers.
When comparing teaching jobs, consider the complete compensation package rather than salary alone.
A public-school Teacher I is classified as Salary Grade 11. In 2026, the Step 1 basic salary is ₱31,705 per month, before applicable deductions and excluding other compensation.
Teacher II is Salary Grade 12. In 2026, the Step 1 basic salary is ₱33,947 per month, while Step 8 is ₱35,850.
Teacher III is classified as Salary Grade 13 under the current public-school teaching career structure. Salary depends on the applicable step of the government salary schedule.
Teacher salaries vary widely. Public-school teachers have a structured government salary system, while private-school compensation varies by employer. Experienced teachers, specialized educators, school leaders and teachers at higher-paying institutions can earn substantially more than entry-level teachers.
Professional teaching is regulated in the Philippines. The PRC administers the Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers and the registration of professional teachers. Requirements depend on the applicant and applicable regulations.
Foreign teachers may work in the Philippines subject to applicable immigration, employment and professional-practice rules. Foreign professionals practicing regulated professions must obtain the appropriate PRC authorization when required.
Teaching can provide a stable and meaningful career, particularly for professionals who value education, public service and long-term career development. Opportunities exist in public schools, private schools, universities, international schools, tutorial centers and online education.
Requirements depend on the position and applicable DepEd rules. Academic qualifications, professional teacher registration and licensure requirements are important components of the recruitment process. DepEd's published requirements for teaching positions include relevant degrees, PRC registration and applicable LET/PBET credentials.