How to Know the Salary Grade of a Job Posting | 5-Step Guide

Planning to apply for a government job in the Philippines?

One of the first things you should check is the salary grade so you’ll know how much the position pays.

In this guide, we’ll show you a simple 5-step method on how to know the salary grade of a job posting with ease.

Let’s begin!

What is a Salary Grade?

A Salary Grade (SG) is the number assigned to a government position that determines the basic monthly salary for that job.

In the Philippines, these are standardized under the Salary Standardization Law (SSL), which helps ensure fair compensation across different government agencies and roles.

There are currently 33 salary grades under SSL, ranging from SG 1 (usually for entry-level jobs) to SG 33 (for top government officials like the President).

For example (2025 rates):

• SG 1: ₱14,061
• SG 11: ₱30,024
• SG 24: ₱98,185
• SG 33: ₱438,844

Take note: salaries increase with each “step” under a salary grade. Most government employees move up a step based on years of service.

Why Is It Important to Know the Salary Grade?

Before we dive into the steps, let’s quickly talk about why it’s so important to know the salary grade of a job posting:

1. Sets Your Expectations: You’ll know if the compensation meets your financial goals.
2. Career Planning: Helps you compare different positions and their pay scales.
3. Transparency: You’ll be aware of what the government is offering based on job level.
4. Better Decision-Making: If you receive multiple offers, you can choose the one with the most competitive grade and growth.

Step-by-Step: How to Know the Salary Grade of a Job Posting

Here’s your quick and easy guide on how to know the salary grade of any government job posting in the Philippines.

Step 1: Read the Job Posting Carefully

Most government job posts from official agencies already include the Salary Grade or at least the job title and plantilla item number.

These are usually found in:

• The official government websites
• Job postings on CSC
• Announcements on the agency’s Facebook page

For example, look for lines that say:

• “Salary Grade: SG-9”
• “Plantilla Item Number: BIRB-ADAS3-15-2005”
• “Monthly Salary: ₱23,226”

If it’s not stated outright, don’t worry—you can still find it (see the next steps).

Step 2: Identify the Job Title

Check the job title listed in the posting. This is the key to finding out the correct salary grade of a job role.

Make sure you copy the exact job title as listed—some roles may sound similar but have different grades.

You can also look for additional clues like:

• Rank or level (e.g., Officer I, II, III)
• Job group or category (e.g., Administrative, Technical, Executive)
• The agency or department posting the job

You can also visit our guide on Government Plantilla Positions Salary Grade Table 2025 for the complete list of government positions and their corresponding salary grades.

Step 3: Check the DBM Index of Occupational Services

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) regularly publishes the Index of Occupational Services, Position Titles, and Salary Grades.

Here’s how you can use it:

1. Visit the DBM’s official website: https://www.dbm.gov.ph
2. Search for the latest “Index of Occupational Services” PDF
3. Open the document and look for your job title
4. Find the matching job title and check the SG listed beside it

Example:

• Administrative Officer I – SG 10
• Teacher I – SG 11

Note: Some agencies use different naming standards, so look for the closest match.

Step 4: Visit the Salary Grade Table for 2025

Once you know the Salary Grade, the next step is to check the actual monthly salary for that grade.

You can do this by visiting our guide on Philippine Salary Grade 2025 or by searching “Philippine salary grade 2025” on Google.

This information is also available on the official Department of Budget and Management (DBM) website.

Here’s how to check:

1. Look for the Salary Grade number in the leftmost column.
2. Find the amount listed under Step 1—this shows the base monthly salary for that grade.

Examples (2025 rates):

• SG 11-Step 1 = ₱30,024
• SG 15-Step 1 = ₱40,208

Some positions may start at a higher step, especially if the applicant has relevant experience or tenure, so the actual salary may vary slightly.

Step 5: Double-Check with the Agency’s HR or Posting Authority

If you’re still unsure, or if the job title seems unusual, contact the Human Resources department of the agency directly.

You can call or email them to ask:

“Hi, I’m interested in applying for the position [insert job title]. May I know the salary grade for this item?”

Most HR offices will respond quickly, especially if you’ve already seen the job posting.

Bonus Tip: Use Philippine Go

The Philippine Go website is a helpful resource built to connect jobseekers with the right opportunities in the Philippine government.

It regularly posts updated job vacancies from different agencies, along with career guides and even salary grade information.

Most job postings on Philippine Go already include:

• Salary Grade
• Monthly Salary
• Qualifications
• Application Instructions

It’s one of the most trusted websites for Philippine government jobseekers, making your search faster, easier, and more reliable.

Common Job Titles and Their Salary Grades

Here’s a quick reference for commonly posted government positions:

Job Title	Salary Grade	Monthly Salary (2025)
Administrative Aide IV	SG 4	₱16,833
Administrative Assistant I	SG 7	₱20,110
Administrative Officer I	SG 10	₱25,586
Accountant I	SG 12	₱32,245
Teacher I	SG 11	₱30,024

Note: Salary rates vary depending on the year, tranche, implementation stage, and step level. Always check the latest salary table for the most accurate figures.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the salary grade of a job posting isn’t just about the pay—it helps you make smarter career choices in government service.

Now that you know how to find it, you can apply with confidence and clarity.

Quick recap:

• Read the job post carefully
• Use DBM and CSC resources
• Confirm with HR if needed
• Check the latest salary grade table

Whether you’re new to government jobs or just comparing options, knowing the salary grade of a job posting gives you an edge.

Good luck, and may you land a meaningful role in public service!

References

1. Department of Budget and Management (DBM). (2018, December 11). Dbm.gov.ph. https://www.dbm.gov.ph/
2. Civil Service Commission (CSC). (n.d.). Www.csc.gov.ph. https://www.csc.gov.ph/

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