Are you planning to become a public school teacher? Or do you want to know how much a government teacher earns?
This guide will help you understand the Teacher I salary in 2026 based on the latest government pay schedule.
This article is useful for job seekers, education graduates, and anyone interested in teaching in a public school in the Philippines.
Table of Contents
What Is a Teacher I?
In the Philippines, a Teacher I is the first-level position for public school teachers under the Department of Education (DepEd).
These are usually new teachers who are assigned to elementary or high schools.
Basic Requirements:
- Pass the Licensure Exam for Teachers (LET)
- Graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education or a similar course
- Complete the DepEd hiring process
Teacher I Salary in 2026
Public school teachers in this position belong to Salary Grade 11 (SG-11). In 2026, the monthly salary for SG-11, Step 1, is Php 31,705.
| Position | Salary Grade (SG) | Step | Monthly Rate (PHP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher I | SG 11 | 1 | ₱31,705 |
This new rate is part of the government’s plan to increase wages and help teachers earn better pay.
Benefits and Incentives of a Teacher I in 2026
Aside from the salary of ₱31,705 per month, teachers also receive many bonuses, allowances, and other benefits.
Here is a complete list of what public school teachers get in 2026.
Yearly Benefits
| Benefit/Allowance | Amount / Description |
|---|---|
| Clothing/Uniform Allowance | ₱6,000 every year |
| Mid-Year Bonus | 1-month salary (₱31,705), given in May |
| Year-End Bonus (13th Month Pay) | 1-month salary (₱31,705), given in November |
| Cash Gift | ₱5,000, given with the year-end bonus |
| Productivity Enhancement Incentive | ₱5,000 every year |
| Anniversary Bonus | ₱3,000 (only every 5 years) |
| Performance-Based Bonus (PBB) | 50–65% of monthly salary, based on school performance |
| Proportional Vacation Pay (PVP) | 70 days of pay during summer and Christmas breaks |
| Cash/Chalk Allowance | ₱10,000 per year (for school supplies) |
Other Benefits
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Step Increase | Extra pay every 3 years of good service |
| Merit Step Increase | Extra steps based on good performance (RPMS) |
| Loyalty Cash Incentive | ₱10,000 after 10 years, then ₱5,000 every 5 years |
| Special Hardship Allowance | Extra 25% pay for teachers in far areas or difficult posts |
| Teaching Overload Pay | Extra pay if you handle more classes (if funds are available) |
| Leave Benefits | Maternity, paternity, and study leave |
| Local Government Allowances | Extra pay depending on the local area (LGU) |
| Vacation Service Credits | Up to 15 days of credit per year |
| Mobile Teacher Transportation | ₱2,000/month for travel costs |
| Instructional Materials Allowance | ₱5,000/year for teaching tools (for mobile/DALC teachers) |
| In-Service Training Fund | Funded training for teachers |
| GSIS Benefits | Includes retirement and life insurance (RLIP) |
| PhilHealth Benefits | Health coverage and checkups |
| Employee Compensation (ECP) | Support for work-related injuries or illnesses |
Total Yearly Pay (2026)
Here is an estimate of how much a Teacher I can earn in a year, not including the PBB or LGU bonuses:
| Income Type | Amount (PHP) |
|---|---|
| Basic Salary (₱31,705 × 12 months) | ₱380,460 |
| Mid-Year Bonus | ₱31,705 |
| Year-End Bonus | ₱31,705 |
| Cash Gift | ₱5,000 |
| Clothing Allowance | ₱6,000 |
| Chalk Allowance | ₱10,000 |
| PEI | ₱5,000 |
| Total (without PBB) | ₱469,870 |
With the Performance-Based Bonus, the total pay can be even higher.
Career Growth for Teachers
Teacher I is just the starting point. You can move up in rank as you gain more experience, do well in your job, and attend training.
| Rank | Salary Grade |
|---|---|
| Teacher I | SG 11 |
| Teacher II | SG 12 |
| Teacher III | SG 13 |
| Master Teacher I | SG 18 |
| Master Teacher II | SG 19 |
| Master Teacher III | SG 20 |
| Master Teacher IV | SG 21 |
Each promotion means a higher salary and more responsibilities.
To learn about the monthly salary of public school teachers by position, visit our comprehensive guide: Public Teacher Salary Grade 2026.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a public school teacher in the Philippines is a rewarding career. In 2026, a Teacher I earns ₱31,705 per month, plus many bonuses and benefits.
This guide gives you a full picture of the pay, perks, and career growth you can expect.
If you’re a new graduate, a job seeker, or someone who wants to help shape the future of young Filipinos, teaching is a great path to take.
With stable income, government benefits, and a chance to grow, being a public school teacher is more than just a job—it’s a calling.
References
- (2021).Officialgazette.gov.ph. https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2024-08-02/executive-order-no-64-s-2024/
- Department of Education. (2017). Deped.gov.ph. https://www.deped.gov.ph/
Related Articles