Have you ever wondered how government workers in the Philippines get paid? The answer lies in a structured pay system known as the salary grade 2023 for government employees. This system helps organize salaries fairly, ensuring that every role—whether big or small—has a clear and transparent pay scale.
What Are Salary Grades?
Salary grades, often shortened as SG, are levels used by the government to decide how much an employee earns. There are 33 salary grades in total.
SG 1 is the lowest, often covering entry-level positions.
SG 33 is the highest, reserved only for the President of the Philippines.
This grading system is not random. Each level matches the duties, skills, and responsibilities required for the job. The higher the grade, the bigger the responsibility—and the higher the pay.
How Salary Steps Work
Aside from grades, there are also steps. Most grades have eight steps that allow employees to earn more money as they gain experience.
Everyone usually starts at Step 1.
After a few years of service (normally three), workers can move to the next step.
Each step adds a small but meaningful salary increase.
The only exception is SG 33, which has just two steps, since it applies only to the President.
Sample Salaries Under the Old System
To give a clearer picture, here are some examples of monthly pay rates from the 2023 table (SSL V, the previous law):
SG 1 Step 1: ₱13,000
SG 10 Step 1: ₱23,176
SG 20 Step 1: ₱57,347
SG 33 Step 2: ₱431,718
The difference is wide, showing how the system rewards both responsibility and rank.
Who Gets Which Salary Grade?
Each position in government is linked to a salary grade. For example:
SG 33 – President of the Philippines
SG 32 – Vice President, Senate President, Speaker of the House, Chief Justice
SG 31 and below – Senators, Department Secretaries, Justices, and other top officials
Other government jobs, like teachers, nurses, clerks, and utility staff, fall into different grades depending on their role and qualifications.
Categories of Employees
To make the system easier, government jobs are grouped into four categories:
Professional Supervisory (SG 9–33) – Jobs that require leadership, such as principals or directors.
Professional Non-Supervisory (SG 8–30) – Roles for professionals with degrees but no staff to supervise.
Sub-Professional Supervisory (SG 4–18) – Supervisors who manage workers in clerical or technical areas.
Sub-Professional Non-Supervisory (SG 1–10) – Support staff like clerks, drivers, and utility workers.
This way, both high-level officials and front-line workers are properly accounted for in the system.
New Changes: Salary Standardization Law VI (SSL VI)
In 2024, the government introduced SSL VI, which brings higher pay and benefits. Here’s what employees can expect:
1st tranche – Applied retroactively from January 1, 2024
2nd tranche – Effective January 1, 2025
3rd tranche – Scheduled for January 1, 2026
4th tranche – Scheduled for January 1, 2027
Medical allowance – Starting in 2025, each worker will receive ₱7,000 annually for health care
This new law ensures that salaries continue to grow steadily, rewarding the hard work of public servants.
Why Salary Grades Matter
Some people may think the salary grade system is complicated, but it plays a very important role. Here’s why it matters:
Fairness – Employees in the same grade and step earn the same pay.
Transparency – Workers clearly know how much they should be receiving.
Motivation – Regular increases through steps and tranches keep employees motivated.
Career Planning – Workers can see how much more they’ll earn if promoted.
For ordinary citizens, this also helps us understand how our taxes are used to support government employees.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many salary grades are there?
There are 33 salary grades in total.
How many steps are in each grade?
Eight steps, except SG 33, which has two.
When do increases happen?
Every three years for step increases, plus bigger adjustments during SSL tranches.
Who earns the highest salary?
The President, under SG 33.
Do LGUs (Local Government Units) follow the same pay?
Yes, but the amount may vary depending on the classification of the city or municipality.
Final Thoughts
The salary grade system may seem technical at first, but it’s really about fairness and growth. It ensures that employees—from utility workers to top government leaders—are paid according to their role and responsibilities.
With the new SSL VI updates, salaries will continue to rise, and additional benefits like the medical allowance will make government service more rewarding. For job seekers, this system offers a clear view of what to expect. For current employees, it’s a path that shows steady career and financial growth.
In short, salary grades bring order, fairness, and motivation to thousands of workers serving the country every day.
