Salary Grade 1 Philippines (2025): Complete Guide to Entry-Level Government Positions

Salary Grade 1 represents the entry-level tier in the Philippine government's compensation structure, established under the Salary Standardization Law. It is the first level in the 33-grade system used to classify government positions, with SG 1 having the lowest base pay among all salary grades.

The Salary Grade system is a numerical classification that determines the compensation of government employees based on their position's complexity, responsibility, and qualification requirements. This standardized system ensures fair and consistent compensation across different government agencies and departments.

Salary Grade 1 offers a monthly salary between ₱14,061 and ₱14,862. This pay grade is designed for entry-level employees, providing basic compensation while offering a starting point for career development in government or public-sector roles. The salary may vary slightly depending on the specific department or location, but generally, this grade is meant for those just beginning their careers.

Salary Grade 1 typically includes positions that require minimal specialized skills or educational qualifications. These entry-level roles often involve basic clerical, maintenance, or support functions within government agencies. 2

Common Salary Grade 1 Positions:

1. Utility Worker I
2. Laborer
3. Messenger
4. Watchman/Security Guard I
5. Custodial Worker
6. Groundskeeper 2

These positions generally require completion of elementary education or in some cases, high school education, with minimal or no prior work experience. 3

Qualification Requirements

The typical qualifications for Salary Grade 1 positions include:

• Educational Requirement: Elementary school graduate or high school level education
• Experience: None or minimal required
• Training: None or minimal required
• Eligibility: May not require Civil Service eligibility for some positions 2

While these positions have minimal entry requirements, they provide stable employment and serve as potential starting points for career advancement within the government service. 3

Benefits and Allowances

Despite being at the entry level, Salary Grade 1 employees are entitled to various benefits and allowances as mandated by Philippine law:

1. 13th Month Pay: Mandatory additional month's salary paid annually
2. Personal Economic Relief Allowance (PERA): PHP 2,000 monthly
3. Mid-Year and Year-End Bonuses: Equivalent to one month's basic salary each
4. Cash Gift: PHP 5,000 annually
5. Clothing Allowance: PHP 6,000 annually
6. Productivity Enhancement Incentive (PEI): PHP 5,000 annually 1

Additionally, SG 1 employees receive:

• PhilHealth health insurance coverage
• Pag-IBIG Fund membership
• Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) pension benefits
• Special holiday pay
• Service recognition incentives based on years of service

Career Advancement Opportunities

While starting at Salary Grade 1, employees have opportunities for career advancement through:

1. Step Increments: Annual salary increases within the same grade based on performance and length of service
2. Promotion: Movement to higher salary grades by meeting qualification requirements for more advanced positions
3. Educational Advancement: Pursuing further education to qualify for higher positions 2

Many government employees who start at Salary Grade 1 can progress to higher grades by acquiring additional skills, education, and experience, making it a viable entry point for a long-term government career

While Salary Grade 1 represents the lowest compensation tier in government service, it offers several advantages compared to minimum wage positions in the private sector:

1. Job Security: Greater employment stability than many private sector positions
2. Comprehensive Benefits: More extensive benefits package than typically available at equivalent private sector roles
3. Career Path: Clearer advancement opportunities within the government structure 4

These factors make Salary Grade 1 positions attractive options for individuals seeking stable employment with good benefits, particularly in regions where private sector opportunities may be limited

Salary Grade 1 serves as the entry-level pay grade for those beginning their careers in the Philippine government or public sector. While the salary may not be high, it provides a starting point for professional growth and offers opportunities for advancement into higher salary grades. By understanding Salary Grade 1 and the roles associated with it, you can better plan your career and explore future opportunities for growth.

For more detailed information on Salary Grades and career planning, visit our full Salary Grade 2025 guide.

In 2025, the salary for Salary Grade 1 ranges from ₱14,061 to ₱14,862 per month.

Employees in Salary Grade 1 can advance to higher grades like Salary Grade 2 or  3, with opportunities to take on more complex roles and responsibilities.

Most positions in SG 1 require minimal qualifications, typically including a high school diploma or a relevant technical certification. Experience may also be a factor for certain roles.