Top 10 High-Paying Jobs in the Philippines

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Salary is one of the critical factors students and jobseekers consider when choosing a career path or applying for a job. High remuneration is what usually attracts or motivates them seek for opportunities abroad which can be observed through the high influx of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in countries like the U.S.A., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and some countries in the Middle East, most of which offer higher salaries compared to what is provided locally.

Despite the stiff salary competition, the Philippine economy remains resilient. Recent reports indicate that the Philippine economy has performed well, garnering a growth of 7.1% in the 3rd quarter of 2012, making it one of the best performers among ASEAN economies, followed by Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Singapore and is now considered to be one of the strongest economies in Asia. Director-General Arsenio Balisacan of the Philippine National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) said that the developments in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and value of goods produced and services rendered are expected to result to more jobs and better income for Filipinos.

With the economy expected to sustain its growth and create more jobs in industries such as Information Technology (IT), Banking and Finance, Health, Tourism, Manufacturing, and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), comes local professions that offer high earnings and opportunities for Filipino jobseekers.

Based on the 2010 survey done by the Bureau of Labor Employment Statistics (BLES) on the Average Monthly Wage Rates of Time-Rate Workers on Full-Time Basis in selected industries and occupations, the Bureau of Local Employment (BLE) has compiled a list of top high paying occupations in the country.

#1 Art DirectorMedian salary: Php 69,286/month.Creative Industry

Topping the list of high-paying occupations in the country is the Art Director. Typically working with production designers, the Art Director in the film industry serves as the head of the art department. He attends production meetings, oversees the film sets and special effects, supervises the production staff, and is responsible for allocating and maximizing the budget for the art department. Depending on the qualifications, with a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts or any related course and with enough experience, one could earn as much as Php 70,000 a month, especially those who work in big budget films.

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A geologist is responsible for determining the location, and assessing the quality and quantity of mineral deposits with the use of high-tech computer applications. He surveys sites, collects samples, records, and analyzes data through fieldwork. He prepares reports, maps, and research papers, as well as plans program of exploration of sites of different natural resources such as oil, water, and gas.

#2 GeologistMedian salary: Php 64,889/month.Mining Industry

#3 Aircraft Pilot, Navigator and FlightEngineerMedian salary: Php57,789/month.Aviation Industry

Graduates of Bachelor of Science in Aviation usually become aircraft pilots who fly airplanes or helicopters to transport passengers to different locations, while flight engineers are responsible for making sure that airplanes are well maintained and safe for departure. A navigator on the other hand, guides the airline to its destination through the use of modern equipment.

#4 Mining Engineer and Metallurgical EngineerMedian salary: Php55,638/monthMining Industry

Mining Engineers are responsible for assessing the viability of mining structures as well as modeling and planning mine sites. They conduct feasibility studies and oversee major construction projects to ensure that operations are running smoothly.

Specializing in chemical, physical or process metallurgy, Metallurgical Engineers, on the other hand, are responsible for designing and fabricating metals like

To become a geologist, a bachelor’s degree in Geology is required, although employers prefer those with post-graduate qualifications. Experienced Geologists can get a higher salary by acting as consultants for multinational companies in the mining industry.

foundries, tinplate, iron, and steel, converting them to new and useful materials. They can also be tasked to do research on certain alloys and methods of extraction of metals. Metallurgical Engineers usually work in companies that manufacture such metals into jewelry or scientific instruments. They may also work for industrial firms that have research laboratories which run routine metallurgical testing and analysis. To pursue such careers, a degree in Mining Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Geology or any related course is required.

Such occupations in the Aviation industry earn a median salary of Php 57, 789 a month, although, aircraft pilots who work for big commercial airlines could earn a monthly salary of Php 175,000 to Php 200, 000 for a First Class officer and Php 275, 000 to Php 300,000 for a Captain Pilot.

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#5 Computer ProgrammerMedian salary: Php 43, 573/monthCyberservices Industry

#6 Systems Analyst and DesignerMedian salary: Php 42, 112/monthCyberservices Industry

Systems analysts and designers are IT personnel who works on new softwares and system in designing solutions for business problems in order to improve the effiency of a business undertaking. Using a variety of programming languages, operating systems, and computer hardware platforms, they analyze requirements, design computer programs, and recommend/implement improvements in support of users and the functioning of businesses. The systems analysts are the liaisons between vendors and IT professionals as they coordinate and link their business needs and requirements through computer

#7 Production Supervisor and General ForemanMedian salary: Php 36,133/monthManufacturing Industry

Production supervisors and general foremen oversee production activities in a specific unit of an establishment, including the management of the performance of workers. They provide daily instructions to the team, coordinate production control, make sure perfomance levels are met or exceeded, and communicate with other foremen regarding technical problems and output of their team. Production supervisors and general foremen keep the manager informed on all aspects of their shift.

Computer Programmer, one of the project management professionals employed in various subsectors of the IT industry, is one of the top earning occupations in the country. They develop and write programs or software packages depending on the needs of the company/client. They also work with computer operators and systems analysts in resolving system or application problems.

Graduates of Computer Science or any related course earn a monthly salary of Php 43,573 and could even go up to Php 50,000 for the experienced and highly trained.

systems and progams.

These people are usually employed in the Manufacturing and Construction industries. Hiring requirements vary. For manufacturing companies, they generally prefer candidates with experience, training, and background in a manufacturing facility, while a construction company would require applicants with construction experience. A college degree is not a requirement in all companies but completion of both high school and college level education is a definite advantage coupled with years of experience.

When hiring a systems analyst, many employers require applicants who have a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Science/Technology, or Management Information Systems (MIS). Some also hire people who have computer-related bachelor’s degree. A Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) would be an advantage.

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#9 Call Center Representative/ Customer Service AssociateMedian salary: Php 35,424/monthIT/Business Process Outsourcing Industry

Although most customer service representatives work in customer contact centers, there are also others who work in insurance agencies, banks, stores, or other places that provide services/assistance to their clients. Most of them work full time, although part-time and variable schedules are also common.Customer representatives must be good at communicating and dealing with people and must have basic computer and phone skills. They typically have at least a high school diploma as a minimum requirement and are usually trained on the job. However, there are a number of companies which require at least two (2) years of college education. Agencies like TESDA offer scholarship-based programs for contact centre trainings for six (6) months.

Writers Editorial Board Ms. Jasper Joy Bayog Director Maria Criselda Sy Ms. Sharie Anne Atie Ms. Ruth R. Rodriguez

Layout Artists Ms. Jasper Joy Bayog Mr. Michael MaghariMs. Joyce Pagalilawan

#10 StatisticianMedian salary: Php 35,010/monthAcross Industries

Customer service representatives are third party employees who communicate with customers on behalf of an organization. They offer product and service information and respond to customer inquiries and complaints, and provide customers with the best solution to address problems/complaints.

Sources:Bureau of Labor and Employment Statistics (BLES)National Economic Development Authority (NEDA)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

#8 ActuarianMedian salary: Php 35,480/monthBanking and Finance Industry

Statisticians are technical persons who use mathematical techniques to analyze and interpret collected data, draw conclusions and present their findings. Most statisticians work in offices doing desk work, however, they may also travel in order to supervise data gathering through surveys and questionnaires they have designed.

A bachelor's degree related to Statistics and Mathematics are required for entry-level jobs. However, for occupations needing advanced level of expertise, a master's degree in Statistics or Mathematics may be required. Research and academic jobs generally require a Ph.D. Due to the wide array of capabilities of statisticians, being employed in any industry is very easy.

For students and jobseekers having a hard time in choosing what career path to take, the list may provide them enlightenment on what jobs pay good and if their skills and interest fit in them. Having this kind of information and being upbeat with the latest trends in the job market will guide them in deciding properly.

Actuaries evaluate business risks and uncertainties, assess the financial consequences of those risks and provide expert advice. Using their knowledge of mathematics, statistics, and financial theories, they assess the probability that a risk will occur and thereby develop and recommend solutions to minimize the cost of that risk. Actuaries come from a variety of educational backgrounds. To become one, a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, Statistics, Economics, Business and Finance is required.