Salary Grade 4 Philippines: Comprehensive Guide for 2025

The monthly salary for Salary Grade 4 positions in the Philippines for 2025 ranges from ₱16,833 to ₱17,724, following the government's standardized step increment system that rewards experience and satisfactory performance with gradual salary increases.

Complete Salary Grade 4 Step Increment Table (2025)

Beyond the base salary, Salary Grade 4 employees receive several valuable benefits that significantly enhance the total compensation package:

• Personnel Economic Relief Allowance (PERA): ₱2,000 monthly
• Uniform/Clothing Allowance: ₱6,000 annually
• Mid-year Bonus: Equivalent to one month's basic salary (May)
• Year-end Bonus: Equivalent to one month's basic salary (November)
• Cash Gift: ₱5,000 annually
• Productivity Enhancement Incentive (PEI): ₱5,000 annually
• PhilHealth insurance coverage
• GSIS retirement and insurance benefits
• Pag-IBIG Fund membership with housing loan eligibility

Financial Insight: When considering the full value of a Salary Grade 4 position, the total package including all monetary benefits typically exceeds the base salary by 35-40%. This brings the effective annual compensation for an SG 4 Step 1 position to approximately ₱273,000 when all benefits are included—significantly higher than the base salary alone suggests.

Salary Grade 4 encompasses various support and basic clerical positions across different government agencies. Here are typical positions classified under this grade:

1. Clerk I: Handles basic document processing and filing
2. Administrative Aide IV: Provides general administrative support
3. Driver I: Operates government vehicles and performs basic record-keeping
4. Utility Worker II: Performs maintenance tasks with some record-keeping duties
5. Data Entry Machine Operator I: Inputs basic data into government systems
6. Dental Aide: Assists dental professionals in government health facilities
7. Laboratory Aide: Provides basic support in government laboratories
8. Security Guard I: Provides security services with basic administrative duties
9. Bookbinder: Maintains and repairs government documents and publications
10. Mail Sorter: Processes incoming and outgoing government correspondence

Industry Observation: Among Salary Grade 4 positions, Clerk I and Administrative Aide IV roles are particularly common across government agencies, making them accessible entry points into government service for those with basic qualifications.

While requirements may vary between agencies and specific positions, most Salary Grade 4 roles typically require:

Educational Requirements

• High school graduate
• Relevant vocational/technical training for specialized positions
• Basic computer literacy for clerical positions

Experience Requirements

• Little or no prior work experience typically required
• Basic familiarity with office procedures for clerical positions

Eligibility Requirements

• Career Service Subprofessional eligibility; OR
• Relevant skills certification for technical positions

Core Competencies

• Basic clerical skills
• Document handling capabilities
• Elementary computer literacy
• Basic written and verbal communication abilities
• Following instructions accurately
• Reliability and punctuality

Expert Advice: For those seeking Salary Grade 4 positions, obtaining the Career Service Subprofessional eligibility through the Civil Service Commission examination provides the most versatile qualification for government employment at this level.

Key Responsibilities of Salary Grade 4 Positions

While specific duties vary by position and agency, Salary Grade 4 roles typically involve:

1. Basic Document Handling: Filing, distributing, and retrieving documents
2. Simple Record-Keeping: Maintaining basic logs and records
3. Elementary Data Entry: Inputting basic information into standard formats
4. Reception Duties: Greeting visitors and directing inquiries
5. Equipment Operation: Using office equipment such as photocopiers and scanners
6. Routine Maintenance: Performing basic maintenance tasks for equipment or facilities
7. Message Delivery: Distributing communications within departments
8. Basic Customer Assistance: Providing simple information to the public

Workplace Reality: Salary Grade 4 positions form the operational foundation of government offices, handling the essential day-to-day tasks that support higher-level functions.

Salary Grade 4 positions offer several pathways for career growth within government service:

Vertical Progression

• Immediate Advancement: Salary Grade 5 positions (Clerk II, Administrative Aide V, etc.)
• Short-Term Target: Salary Grade 6 positions (Clerk III, Administrative Assistant I, etc.)
• Long-Term Potential: Administrative support supervisor positions (SG 7-9) with additional education and experience

Horizontal Development

• Skill Enhancement: Acquiring additional clerical or technical skills
• Cross-Training: Gaining experience in different support functions
• Specialization: Developing expertise in specific operational areas

Key Requirements for Advancement

• Consistent "Very Satisfactory" or "Outstanding" performance ratings
• Acquisition of additional education (high school graduates should pursue vocational training or college courses)
• Relevant training certificates
• Demonstration of reliability and initiative
• Service longevity and institutional knowledge

Career Strategy Tip: Government employees at Salary Grade 4 should focus on pursuing additional education while working, as even vocational certificates or partial college education can significantly improve promotion prospects to higher clerical positions.

Understanding how Salary Grade 4 relates to surrounding grades helps contextualize your position in the government hierarchy:

Analytical Insight: The progression from Salary Grade 4 to Salary Grade 5 typically represents a transition from very basic clerical work to more comprehensive administrative tasks, often requiring additional skills and training.

Financial Planning for Salary Grade 4 Employees

With a monthly salary range of ₱16,833 to ₱17,724, effective financial management becomes essential:

Recommended Budget Allocation

• 60% for Necessities: Housing, food, utilities, transportation
• 20% for Financial Goals: Savings, debt payments, education
• 20% for Personal Expenses: Lifestyle, recreation, discretionary spending

Priority Financial Strategies

1. Emergency Fund: Build savings covering 3 months of expenses
2. GSIS Benefits Optimization: Understand and maximize government pension benefits
3. Debt Avoidance: Minimize high-interest debts and avoid unnecessary loans
4. Education Investment: Allocate resources for further education to qualify for higher positions
5. Basic Protection: Ensure adequate health coverage beyond PhilHealth
6. Simple Savings Plans: Consider Pag-IBIG regular savings for safe growth

Financial Expert Tip: Salary Grade 4 employees should prioritize creating financial security through a modest emergency fund before pursuing other financial goals. The Pag-IBIG regular savings program offers a safe way to build wealth gradually with government guarantees.

If you're targeting a Salary Grade 4 position, understanding the application process improves your chances of success:

Finding Vacancies

• Civil Service Commission Website: Regular publication of government vacancies
• Agency Websites: Direct postings from hiring departments
• PhilJobNet: Government job portal
• Agency Bulletin Boards: Physical postings at government offices

Application Requirements

• Properly completed Personal Data Sheet (CS Form 212)
• High school diploma
• Certificate of eligibility (Civil Service Subprofessional)
• Certificate of trainings attended (if any)
• Certificate of previous employment (if applicable)
• Government-issued identification

Selection Process

• Document screening
• Basic skills assessment
• Possible practical test for technical positions
• Brief interview
• Background verification
• Final selection and appointment

Application Strategy: When applying for Salary Grade 4 positions, emphasize your reliability, willingness to learn, and basic clerical skills. Government hiring managers typically look for candidates who demonstrate dependability and attention to detail for these foundational roles.

Salary Grade 4 represents an essential starting point for individuals with basic skills entering the workforce or looking to build a foundation for future career growth in the Philippines. Understanding the roles, responsibilities, and salary details of this grade can help employees navigate their career path more effectively.

For further details about salary grades and career planning, explore our complete guide to Salary Grade 2025.