The Highest Paying Jobs in the Philippines this 2023

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) the highest paying job in the Philippines this 2023 are Aircraft Pilots. That would be good news for graduating and undergraduates of the Bachelor of Aviation. For students, a career with a high salary is a significant factor for choosing their undergraduate degree, eventually molding their career pathway. But the big question is, would graduates secure a sustainable income after graduating? In this article, we will delve on to the top 10 highest paying jobs in the Philippines this 2023 and one career path that any graduates can take, providing high income at the same time.

Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in the Philippines on Monthly Average

The OWS conducted monthly average salaries from establishments with 20 or more employees. Wages are measured across wage differentials, typically at the lower wages, to the higher wages, used on wage fixing, wage negotiations, and collective bargaining for private establishments and companies. The OWS has a system called Benchmark occupations, used to benchmark wages compared to minimum wage. 

1. Aircraft Pilots and Related Associate Professionals (Avg. Monthly Salary: P135,363)

The highest paying jobs in the Philippines are Aircraft Pilots and Related Associate Professionals. They perform a range of duties related to the operation, navigation, and safety of aircraft. Their responsibilities can vary depending on the type of aircraft they operate and their specific roles within the aviation industry. 

• Commercial Aircraft Pilot
• Private Aircraft Pilot
• Cargo Pilots
• Air Traffic Controllers
• Government and Military Pilots
• Aircraft Maintenance & Engineering

Undergraduate Degree: 

• BS in Aviation Communication Major in Flight Operations
• BS in Air Transportation
• BS Aircraft Maintenance Technology

2. Software Developers (Avg. Monthly Salary: P70,595)

Software developers are professionals who design, create, and maintain computer software and applications. Their primary focus is on writing code, but their roles can encompass a wide range of activities. Software development has a lot of variation; from game development, software engineering, to data science, software development has a wide scope of responsibilities, varying from job titles, specialization, and skillset

• Software Design
• Coding
• Testing and Debugging
• Database Design
• Security
• Maintenance and Updates
• Quality Assurance

Undergraduate Degrees:

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
• Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering
• Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering
• Bachelor of Science in Information Technology 
• Bachelor of Science in Data Science
• Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems (CIS)
• Bachelor of Science in Game Development
• Bachelor of Science in Web Development
• Bachelor of Science in Mobile App Development
  

3. Mathematicians and Actuaries (Avg. Monthly Salary: P69,654)

Mathematicians and actuaries are professionals who work with mathematical concepts and methods to solve complex problems and make data-driven decisions. In a business sense, they drive decision making in the finance sector of their business economy. They also apply mathematical theories and apply them to solve business challenges with practical solutions. While their roles are distinct, both mathematicians and actuaries use mathematics extensively in their work. 

Mathematicians

• Problem Solving
• Theory and Proof
• Applied Mathematics
• Data Analysis
• Research and Development

Undergraduate Degree:

• Bachelor of Science in Mathematics 

Actuaries

• Insurance and Financial Industry
• Healthcare and Social Security
• Regulatory Compliance
• Data Analysis
• Disaster Risk Assessment

Undergraduate Degree:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, Actuarial Science, Statistics, or Economics

4. Production Supervisors & General Foremen (Avg. Monthly Salary: P63,017)

Production Supervisors oversee manufacturing operations, ensuring efficiency and meeting production targets in industries such as electronics, textiles, and food processing. They maintain product quality through inspections, manage and train production workers, handle workforce scheduling, and enforce safety protocols to create a safe working environment. Their role is to maintain smooth production processes and meet quality standards in various manufacturing sectors within the country.

Key responsibilities of Production Supervisors:

• Oversee manufacturing operations 
• Ensure production efficiency and meet targets.
• Manage product quality control and inspections.
• Supervise and train production workers.
• Handle workforce management and scheduling.
• Enforce safety regulations and conduct training.

Undergraduate Degree: 

• Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or Management with a focus on Operations Management or Production Management

Key responsibilities of General Foreman:

• Manage construction projects, ensuring on-time completion.
• Lead and supervise construction work crews.
• Plan and allocate resources for construction tasks.
• Monitor construction quality and safety.
• Assist in budget management and cost control.
• Facilitate communication among project stakeholders
  

Undergraduate Degree: 

• Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or Architecture

5. Application Programmers (Avg. Monthly Salary: P58,643)

Pretty much self-explanatory, application programmers are software professionals who design, develop, and maintain computer applications and software solutions. 

Key responsibilities of Application Programmers:

• Software development, including coding and programming.
• Debugging code to resolve errors and bugs.
• Collaborating with software architects and designers.
• Designing and implementing database systems.
• Front-end and back-end development.
• Integrating software with other systems and databases.
• Conducting various levels of testing.
• Ongoing software maintenance and updates.
• Implementing security measures to protect data.
• Creating technical documentation.
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.
• Staying updated with industry trends and technologies.

Undergraduate degree:

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
• Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (B.Sc. IT)
• Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering
• Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering
  Bachelor of Science in Web Development
• Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems (CIS)

6. Specialist Medical Practitioners (Avg. Monthly Salary: P57,476)

Note: Specialist’s professional fee is not included in the average monthly salary

Doctors, also known as physicians, are medical professionals who play a critical role in healthcare. Their primary responsibility is to diagnose and treat illnesses, injuries, and medical conditions in patients.

Doctors have a variety of specializations. From cardiology, gastrology, general medicine, orthopedics, surgeons, radiologists, and more. 

Unlike any other profession on this list, before becoming a doctor, to go under residency, fellowship, before becoming a Doctor of Medicine.

Undergraduate degrees

• Bachelor’s Degree with pre-medical coursework (BS in Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, Neuroscience, Psychology, Biomedical Sciences, etc.)
• Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) Degree 
• Residency in Internal Medicine
• Fellowship on specialized field (optional, but highly recommended)

7. Statisticians (Avg. Monthly Salary: P51,607)

Statisticians are professionals who specialize in the collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of data. Statisticians can work in various fields such as science, business, government, healthcare, and social research. 

Key responsibilities of Statisticians

• Collect and manage data from various sources.
• Clean and preprocess data for analysis.
• Analyze data using statistical techniques and software.
• Develop statistical models and algorithms.
• Design experiments and surveys.
• Use statistical software for analysis and reporting.
• Create data visualizations for communication.
• Ensure quality control in manufacturing and production.
• Provide data-driven insights for business decisions.

Undergraduate degree for Statisticians:

Bachelor of Science in Statistics (BS Statistics)

8. Medical Doctors and Generalist Medical Practitioners – (Avg. Monthly Salary: P51,251)

Medical Doctors and Generalist Medical Practitioners perform a range of duties related to healthcare, patient care, and medical treatment. 

Key responsibilities of Medical Doctors

• Diagnose and treat medical conditions
• Provide preventive healthcare advice
• Conduct patient consultations and examinations
• Maintain accurate medical records
• Prescribe medications and educate patients on their use
• Make referrals to specialists when needed
• Respond to emergency medical situations
• Perform surgeries if specialized
• Offer telemedicine consultations when applicable

Undergraduate Degree:

• Bachelor’s Degree with pre-medical coursework (BS in Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, Neuroscience, Psychology, Biomedical Sciences, etc.)
• Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) Degree 
• Residency in Internal Medicine
• Fellowship on specialized field (optional, but highly recommended)

9. Geologist – (Avg. Monthly Salary: P49,059)

Geologists’ work involves various aspects of Earth science, including geological research, environmental management, hazard assessment, and resource exploration.

Key responsibilities of Geologists:

• Geological Mapping
• Mineral Exploration
• Geohazard Assessment
• Volcanic Monitoring
• Environmental Impact Assessment
• Groundwater Assessment
• Seismic Studies
• Geological Research
• Geological Education
• Government Policy and Regulations
• Consulting Services
• Environmental Remediation

Undergraduate Degree:

• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Geology

10.  Accountants & Auditors – (Avg. Monthly Salary: P48,982)

Accountants and auditors play detrimental roles in financial reporting, compliance, and business advisory services. Accountants can work in various industries as every business, establishment, or organization is in need of accountants and auditors. Their responsibilities scope a wide range of financial and accounting functions.

Key Responsibilities of Accountants:

• Financial reporting
• Tax compliance and planning
• Audit preparation and support
• Financial analysis and reporting
• Budgeting and forecasting
• Financial management advice
• Internal control assessment
• Compliance with regulations
• Advisory services
• Forensic accounting (if specialized)

Key Responsibilities of Auditors:

• Examination of financial records
• Assessment of accuracy and compliance
• Internal and external audits
• Assurance of financial transparency
• Compliance with accounting standards
• Evaluation of internal controls
• Detection of fraud or irregularities
• Reporting findings and recommendations
• Expert testimony (forensic auditors)
• Ethical adherence

Undergraduate degree for Accountants and Auditors:

• Bachelor of Science in Accountancy (BSA)
• Bachelor of Science in Accounting Technology (BSAT)
• Bachelor of Science in Management Accounting (BSMA)
• Bachelor of Science in Financial Management (BSFM)

Money-making Career Outside of the List: Entrepreneurship

The list above provides the top 10 highest paying jobs in the Philippines to aspiring professionals that could potentially provide a high salary. But there’s one career path that could potentially earn you more than being an aircraft pilot, a software developer, or a specialized doctor. I bet you’ve heard it a couple of times and it’s on the heading on this section. Yes, you’ve guessed correctly: it’s entrepreneurship.

What is Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship refers to the process of identifying, creating, and pursuing opportunities to start and manage a new business or enterprise. Which involves a lot of risk, but expect great return when done right.

Entrepreneurs are individuals and professionals who take on the role of innovators, risk-takers, and business leaders, often with the goal of achieving financial success and creating value for an industry or society.

Roles and responsibilities of entrepreneurs:

• Innovation: Identifying and developing new ideas or solutions.
• Risk-Taking: Willingness to take calculated risks.
• Business Ownership: Establishing and owning a business.
• Opportunity Recognition: Identifying market gaps and opportunities.
• Value Creation: Generating value for stakeholders.
• Adaptability: Being open to change and pivoting when necessary.
• Financial Management: Effective handling of finances and budgeting.
• Marketing and Sales: Promoting products or services and acquiring customers.
• Networking: Building a supportive network of contacts.
• Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Meeting legal requirements and government regulations

Undergraduate degree for entrepreneurs:

• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA)
• Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship
• Bachelor of Science in Management
• Bachelor of Science in Marketing
• Bachelor of Science in Accounting
• Bachelor of Science in Finance
• Bachelor of Science in Economics
• Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Management
• Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management
• Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management
• Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and Entrepreneurship
• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Entrepreneurship
• Bachelor of Science in Food Technology and Entrepreneurship

Note: Anyone individual, professional, or college student mold themselves into being an entrepreneur. Possessing an entrepreneurial mindset is paramount in becoming a successful entrepreneur. No matter what degree you hold, if you have what it takes to be a risk taker, a go-getter, and an innovative mind, then you’re on the right track to becoming a successful entrepreneur. 

If you’re looking to start your own business and get it online, or an existing startup that needs to get their brand exposed online, the fastest growing B2B eCommerce marketplace, Shoppable Business, can help you take the first steps of being a successful entrepreneur.

Why Become a Seller in Shoppable Business

• Access to a large customer base – giving businesses the opportunity to expand their reach and increase sales
• Increased visibility and brand awareness – a platform for businesses to showcase their products/services and potentially attract new customers
• BNPL (Buy now, Pay later) – grow your ASP; buyers/companies can apply for a loan up to ₱150,000.00

Why Become a Buyer in Shoppable Business

• Wide product selection from different categories – a one-stop-shop solution for businesses’ procurement needs
• Save company time and money – Customized orders, RFQ for specific quantities, bundles, configuration, Track their orders, view purchase history
• Need it now but limited budget – BNPL apply and get up to ₱150,000.00

Start your business as a business buyer for your procurement needs or a seller to provide wholesale, bulk purchasing solutions for your customers.

Conclusion

Working as a professional isn’t the only way to generate high income. Building your career based off the highest paying jobs in the Philippines isn’t the most practical way of achieving success; although if your desired professional is included in this list, then it is good news for you.

While these professions surely do provide a lucrative salary, getting a job isn’t the only way to generate wealth. As a young professional aiming for success by gaining financial stability, hustling by starting a business or becoming an entrepreneur is one of the many ways you can attain a high paying salary.