Nurse Salary in the Philippines

Nursing is a critical profession that holds immense importance in the healthcare industry. Nurses have always been considered frontline heroes, particularly during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In the Philippines, where the demand for healthcare services is steadily increasing, it becomes crucial to discuss the salaries of nurses.

By exploring the intricacies of nurse compensation in the country, we gain insight into the value placed on their work and the factors that influence their earnings.

Overview of Nursing in the Philippines

Nurses in the Philippines play a pivotal role in delivering quality healthcare services. They provide patient care, administer medication, assist in surgeries, and support doctors and other healthcare professionals. With the growing population and increased focus on healthcare, the demand for nursing professionals continues to rise.

Factors Influencing Nurse Salaries

Several factors contribute to the varying salary levels of nurses in the Philippines. These factors include:

• Experience and Qualifications: Generally, nurses with more experience and higher qualifications, such as advanced degrees or specialized certifications, are likely to earn higher salaries compared to entry-level nurses. Another factor that affects nursing salaries is the qualifications and certifications of the nurse. RNs who have completed post-graduate studies, such as a master’s degree, or acquired specialized certifications, such as critical care or oncology, may have higher salaries compared to those who only have a bachelor’s degree.

• Geographic Location: Nurse salaries can differ significantly based on the region or city in which they work. Metropolitan areas, such as Manila and Cebu City, often offer higher wages compared to rural or remote regions due to the higher cost of living and demand for healthcare services.

• Work Setting: The type of healthcare facility also influences nurse salaries. Nurses employed in public hospitals tend to earn more than those working in private hospitals or clinics.

• Government Policies and Legislation: Government regulations, such as wage orders and salary scales, play a role in determining nurse salaries. Changes in these policies can have an impact on the overall compensation of nurses in the country.

Salary Grade of Nurses in the Philippines

The Salary Grade of Nurses depends on the position. Every Salary Grade has a corresponding amount which again differs from every step. A “step” refers to the incremental progression within a particular Salary Grade. Each Salary Grade is further divided into multiple steps, which represent the different levels or increments within that grade. These steps indicate a progression in salary based on an employee’s length of service or performance.

1. Salary Grade ranges and associated positions:
   • Salary Grade 1 to 10: Typically includes entry-level and administrative positions.
   • Salary Grade 11 to 19: Encompasses technical and professional positions requiring specialized knowledge and skills.
   • Salary Grade 20 to 33: Occupied by high-ranking officials, executive positions, and top government officials.

Here is the corresponding SG of Nurses:

Position	Salary Grade	Step 1	Step 2	Step 3	Step 4	Step 5	Step 6	Step 7	Step 8
Nursing Attendant I	SG 4	15,586	15,706	15,827	15,948	16,071	16,193	16,318	16,443
Nursing Attendant II	SG 6	17,553	17,688	17,824	17,962	18,100	18,238	18,379	18,520
Ward Assistant	SG 7	18,620	18,763	18,907	19,053	19,198	19,346	19,494	19,644
Nurse I	SG 15	36,619	36,997	37,380	37,768	38,160	38,557	38,959	39,367
Nurse II	SG 16	39,672	40,088	40,509	40,935	41,367	41,804	42,247	42,694
Nurse III	SG 17	43,030	43,488	43,951	44,420	44,895	45,376	45,862	46,355
Nurse IV	SG 19	51,357	52,096	52,847	53,610	54,386	55,174	55,976	56,790
Nurse V	SG 20	57,347	58,181	59,030	59,892	60,769	61,660	62,565	63,485
Nurse VI	SG 22	71,511	72,577	73,661	74,762	75,881	77,019	78,175	79,349
Nurse VII	SG 24	90,078	91,548	93,043	94,562	96,105	97,674	99,268	100,888

Conclusion

In conclusion, the current salary range of nurses in the Philippines depends on the following factors such as level of experience, qualifications and certifications, location, and work setting affect the salary range of nurses.

The government and private healthcare facilities should address this issue by offering competitive salaries and benefits to healthcare professionals to retain them in the country and improve the quality of healthcare services for Filipinos.