Teacher Salary Philippines 2026: Salary Grades Explained

Every LET reviewee eventually googles the same question: magkano ba talaga ang sweldo ng teacher? Here are the verified 2026 numbers, the allowances that do not show up in the headline figure, and the honest private-school comparison.

Quick answer: In 2026, a DepEd Teacher I (Salary Grade 11) earns ₱31,705 monthly basic pay at Step 1 under the Third Tranche of EO 64, plus ₱2,000 PERA, teaching allowances, and government benefits — with another tranche increase coming in 2027. Details below.

DepEd Teacher Salary 2026 (The Verified Numbers)

Under the Third Tranche of Executive Order No. 64 (effective January 1, 2026):

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Within Teacher I alone, the 8-step ladder runs from ₱31,705 (Step 1) to ₱33,611 (Step 8) — one step earned per 3 years of satisfactory service. Add the ₱2,000 monthly PERA and a starting Teacher I's recurring gross is roughly ₱33,705 before deductions.

What the Basic Pay Doesn't Show

DepEd compensation includes items private-sector comparisons often miss:

• 13th month pay and cash gift; mid-year bonus
• Teaching allowances (chalk/cash allowance and similar supplements released per DepEd guidelines)
• Proportional vacation pay structure unique to teaching
• GSIS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG, leave credits
• Annual medical allowance under EO 64
• The 2027 fourth tranche — one more scheduled increase under the current law

The Career Ladder Is the Real Salary Story

Teacher I is the entry point, not the destination. Reclassification to Teacher II and III, and especially the Master Teacher track (SG 18 and beyond, starting at ₱53,818), is where DepEd pay becomes genuinely competitive. Positions requiring graduate units reward the master's degree you can chip away at while teaching.

Private School Teacher Salary 2026

The honest range is enormous:

• Many small private schools pay below Teacher I's ₱31,705 — sometimes far below, particularly in the provinces
• Established private schools and universities pay competitively with government, with different workload profiles
• International schools pay the top of the local market but hire selectively (experience + credentials)

The classic strategy remains: private school first for experience (which earns DepEd ranking points), government item when you win one. Full ranking mechanics: DepEd Teacher 1 Ranking Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a Teacher I salary in 2026?

₱31,705 monthly basic at Step 1 (SG 11) under the 2026 Third Tranche, plus ₱2,000 PERA and teaching allowances.

Will teacher salaries increase again?

Yes — the fourth tranche under EO 64 takes effect in 2027.

How much does a Master Teacher earn?

The Master Teacher track starts around SG 18 — ₱53,818 monthly basic at Step 1 in 2026 — and climbs with rank.

How do I move from Teacher I to Teacher II?

Through reclassification based on education, experience, training, and performance per DepEd guidelines — graduate units are the accelerator.

Do private school teachers earn less?

Often at entry, yes, though established institutions compete with government pay. Private experience earns points toward DepEd ranking either way.