Doctor Salary in the Philippines [Latest: 2026]
You’ll find doctor salaries in the Philippines ranging from ₱316,500 to ₱1.5 million annually, depending on your specialty and experience.
Entry-level positions start at ₱52,000-₱65,000 monthly in public hospitals, while specialists in Metro Manila earn 30-50% more than provincial counterparts.
Surgical specialties like neurosurgery and cardiac surgery command the highest compensation. Your earnings can increase significantly through private practice, telemedicine platforms, and additional certifications.
Highest-Paying Medical Specialties
Among medical specialties in the Philippines, surgeons and specialists consistently rank as the highest income earners in the healthcare sector.
If you’re considering a medical career path, surgical specialties like neurosurgery, cardiac surgery, and orthopedic surgery tend to offer the most lucrative compensation packages compared to primary care positions.
While specific salary figures vary by institution, location, and experience level, specializing in surgery can significantly boost your earning potential.
The advanced technical skills, longer training requirements, and high-stakes nature of surgical work command premium compensation.
You’ll generally find that tertiary hospitals in major urban centers, particularly in Metro Manila, provide the highest salaries for surgical specialists.
Primary care physicians typically earn less than their surgical counterparts, though they still maintain above-average incomes in the Philippine healthcare system.
Your choice of specialty will greatly impact your long-term earning trajectory as a medical professional.
Average Doctor Salaries by Experience Level
As doctors progress through their careers in the Philippines, their salaries typically range from ₱316,500 for entry-level positions to ₱1.5 million annually for senior specialists.
- Your entry-level earnings as a new doctor will likely fall between ₱316,500 and ₱500,000 annually, with public hospital positions offering ₱52,000-₱65,000 monthly.
- In your mid-career progression, you’ll see your income increase to ₱330,000-₱850,000 annually, especially if you’ve gained specialized skills or moved into leadership roles. Working in private practice or securing performance-based bonuses can boost your earnings during this stage.
- At the senior level, you can expect to earn up to ₱1.5 million annually as a surgeon, consultant, or specialist. You’ll find additional income opportunities through clinic ownership, corporate medical director positions, or part-time consulting work.
Cities like Metro Manila typically offer higher compensation compared to provincial areas across all experience levels.
Regional Salary Differences and Growth Opportunities
Location significantly impacts your earning potential as a doctor in the Philippines, with Metro Manila offering salaries 30-50% higher than provincial areas.
These regional disparities stem from varying healthcare infrastructure and patient volumes, creating distinct salary trends across urban and rural settings.
While government positions offer lower base pay but stable benefits, private hospitals in major cities provide competitive compensation, especially for specialists.
- You’ll earn PHP 50,000/month in Metro Manila compared to PHP 20,000-30,000/month in provinces, highlighting the stark urban-rural divide.
- Your specialization choice dramatically affects earnings – surgeons and oncologists in Manila earn significantly more than rural general practitioners.
- You can boost your income through telemedicine platforms, offering remote consultations at higher hourly rates.
- Foreign-affiliated facilities and multinational clinics typically offer premium compensation packages.
- Your earning potential increases substantially with additional certifications, subspecialties, or participation in international health workforce programs.
People Also Ask
What Medical Insurance Benefits Do Doctors Typically Receive in the Philippines?
You’ll receive comprehensive medical insurance benefits including HMO coverage, critical illness protection, professional liability insurance, and retirement programs.
Many employers offer supplementary dental, optical, and wellness program benefits.
How Many Hours per Week Do Filipino Doctors Usually Work?
You’ll typically work 48-60 hours weekly, with standard 8-hour shifts in private hospitals and longer hours in public facilities.
Work-life balance varies between 5-day and 6-day schedules.
Can Foreign-Trained Doctors Practice Medicine in the Philippines?
You’ll need foreign recognition and fulfill licensing requirements to practice in the Philippines.
You must have a CHED-accredited MD degree, complete a 12-month internship, and obtain PRC registration.
What Percentage of Filipino Doctors Eventually Work or Migrate Abroad?
You’ll find that approximately 50% of Filipino doctors pursue overseas employment, with many choosing doctor migration or taking nursing positions abroad for better compensation and working conditions.
Are Government Hospital Doctors Paid Differently From Private Hospital Physicians?
You’ll find significant wage disparity between sectors.
Government doctors receive fixed salaries around ₱316,500 yearly with stable employment benefits, while private physicians can earn ₱1.5 M+ through professional fees and incentives.
Final Words
Your earning potential as a doctor in the Philippines will vary significantly based on your specialty, location, and experience level.
You’ll find the highest compensation in specialized fields like cardiology (₱150,000-300,000/month) and neurosurgery (₱180,000-350,000/month).
If you’re practicing in Metro Manila, you can expect 30-40% higher salaries than in provincial areas. With 10+ years of experience, you’ll typically earn double your starting salary.
