Planning to join the Philippine Coast Guard or curious about the Philippine Coast Guard Salary and Ranks in 2026?
This guide covers the updated salaries, ranks, benefits, and career opportunities in a clear and simple way.
Whether you’re an aspiring applicant or just exploring your options, this article will help you understand what to expect.
Let’s go through the details step by step.
Table of Contents
PCG Salary 2026
The updated salaries are based on Executive Order No. 107, s. 2025, signed by the President of the Philippines in the City of Manila on December 3, 2025.
The updated Base Pay Schedule for Military and Uniformed Personnel (MUP) will be implemented in three (3) tranches:
- First Tranche: Effective January 1, 2026
- Second Tranche: Effective January 1, 2027
- Third Tranche: Effective January 1, 2028
Below, you can see the salary table for PCG Commissioned and Non-Commissioned Officers, effective January 1, 2026.
PCG Commissioned Officers Salary
Here are the salaries of Commissioned Officers by rank from highest to lowest:
| Rank | Base Pay |
|---|---|
| Admiral | Php 131,853 |
| Vice Admiral | Php 119,947 |
| Rear Admiral | Php 108,041 |
| Commodore | Php 95,611 |
| Captain | Php 84,612 |
| Commander | Php 74,879 |
| Lieutenant Commander | Php 65,683 |
| Lieutenant Senior Grade | Php 59,411 |
| Lieutenant Junior Grade | Php 52,004 |
| Ensign | Php 46,020 |
| Probationary Ensign | Php 40,284 |
PCG Non-Commissioned Officers Salary
Here are the salaries of Non-Commissioned Officers by rank from highest to lowest:
| Rank | Base Pay |
|---|---|
| First Master Chief Petty Officer | Php 40,284 |
| Master Chief Petty Officer | Php 36,499 |
| Senior Chief Petty Officer | Php 35,783 |
| Chief Petty Officer | Php 35,082 |
| Petty Officer I | Php 34,394 |
| Petty Officer II | Php 33,720 |
| Petty Officer III | Php 33,058 |
| Seaman First Class | Php 32,410 |
| Seaman Second Class | Php 31,774 |
| Apprentice Seaman / Seaman Third Class | Php 31,151 |
In the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) for 2026, officer ranks and pay differ, with the Admiral at the top earning Php 131,853 and the First Master Chief Petty Officer, the highest non-commissioned rank, getting Php 40,284.
Entry-level positions include the Probationary Ensign, the lowest among officers, with a salary of Php 40,284, and the Seaman Third Class, the starting rank for non-officers, with a pay of Php 31,151.
PCG Benefits
In addition to basic pay, Philippine Coast Guard personnel also receive several benefits and allowances, including:
- Cost of living allowance (COLA): A monetary allowance to help government employees with a high cost of living, varies with salary grade and is adjusted annually based on inflation.
- Hazard pay: Additional compensation for employees working in dangerous conditions, including Coast Guard personnel in law enforcement, search and rescue, and disaster response.
- Subsistence allowance: A daily allowance for personnel on official duty in remote areas without government housing or dining facilities.
- Clothing allowance: An annual allowance for purchasing uniforms and required clothing.
- Medical and dental benefits: Offered to personnel and their dependents by the PCG.
- Retirement benefits: These are available to personnel with at least 15 years of service, including a lump sum and a monthly pension based on years of service.
Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) people get a salary and enjoy benefits like vacation time, sick leave, and parental leave.
The amount of pay and benefits varies depending on rank, role, and length of service. Government policy updates can also change these.
Working for the PCG is rewarding. It offers a chance to serve the country and ensure maritime safety, along with competitive pay and additional benefits.
If you’re interested in joining, it’s important to understand the requirements and opportunities for advancement in this career.
What is Salary Grade?
Government jobs in the Philippines are assigned a salary grade (SG), which is like a level or score that shows how complex, important, or senior a job is. This salary grade also determines how much a person gets paid monthly.
The system has 33 salary grades:
- Grade 1 is for the simplest jobs with the lowest pay.
- Grade 33 is for the highest-ranking position, like the President, with the highest salary.
In general, the higher the salary grade, the higher the pay.
FURTHER READING
→ Philippine Salary Grade 2026 | Comprehensive Guide
How to Join the Philippine Coast Guard
Joining the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) requires meeting qualifications, completing training, and passing the recruitment process. Here are the steps:
- Check Eligibility
- Ensure you meet PCG requirements, such as age, height, and educational background.
- Complete Education
- Most positions require at least a bachelor’s degree, but some require specific fields, such as engineering, IT, or marine science.
- Apply for Recruitment
- Look for recruitment announcements on the PCG website or social media. Submit an application with your personal details, education, and work experience.
- Take the Exams
- Once accepted, you’ll take tests, including an aptitude test, physical fitness test, and medical exam.
- Attend the Interview
- If you pass the exams, you’ll be interviewed by a panel of officers.
- Undergo Training
- Successful candidates will undergo basic military and technical training for their roles.
- Pass the Final Evaluation
- After training, you’ll be evaluated and, if successful, appointed as a PCG member.
Joining the PCG requires determination, physical fitness, and a commitment to serve the country.
Applicants should also be prepared for strict selection, intense training, and evaluation.
PCG Qualifications
To become a PCG officer, you must meet the following qualifications:
- Citizenship and Character
- Must be a natural-born Filipino citizen.
- Should have good moral character.
- Civil Status and Age
- Must be single.
- Should be at least 21 but not more than 28 years old at the appointment time.
- Height Requirements
- For males: at least 5’2″ (157.48 cm).
- For females: at least 5’0″ (152.4 cm).
- Health and Fitness
- Must be physically and mentally fit.
- Educational and Eligibility Requirements
- Must hold a Baccalaureate Degree.
- Must have Professional Civil Service Eligibility with at least an 80% rating or:
- A PRC License for Deck and Engineering Officers.
- A Pilot License issued by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) or an equivalent certification.
Tips for Aspiring PCG Officers:
- Learn about Ranks and Salaries – Understanding the structure can motivate you to set career goals.
- Prepare Your Documents – Ensure all requirements are complete and organized.
- Stay Fit and Healthy – Regular exercise and a balanced lifestyle can help you meet fitness standards.
- Seek Guidance – Talk to current or former PCG members to gain insights about the job.
- Stay Focused – The application process may take time, so remain patient and committed to your goals.
Priority Courses
If you’re planning to join the Philippine Coast Guard, completing any of these priority courses can increase your chances:
Marine Environmental Protection:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Fisheries
- Environmental Science
- Agriculture/Geology
- Petroleum Engineering
- Sanitary Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Forestry
- Applied Science (Lab Tech)
- Mining Engineering
Maritime Security/Law Enforcement:
- Political Science/Legal Management
- Peace and Studies/Legal Management
- Consular Diplomatic Affairs
- Foreign Service
- Forensic Science
- Technology Communication
Maritime Safety:
- Marine Engineering
- Marine Transportation
- Naval Architecture
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electronics Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronics Communication Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical Technology/Mechatronics
Technical Services:
- Juris Doctor
- Doctor of Medicine
- Dentistry
- Nursing
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
- Chaplain
- Doctor of Medicine Specialized in Psychiatry
- Master of Arts in Psychology
Others:
- Accountancy
- Applied Mathematics/Statistics
- IT Related Courses
- TESDA NCII Certificate on Computer Servicing
Note: The priority courses of the Philippine Coast Guard may change every year or depending on the recruitment needs.
Watch: The Three (3) Ways to Join the Philippine Coast Guard
About the Philippine Coast Guard
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is like a unique group of people who wear uniforms and carry weapons. They started in 1967.
Their main job is to ensure the rules are followed in the waters around the Philippines.
They also work to keep ocean life and valuable things safe and conduct missions to ensure the seas’ security.
Additionally, the PCG is responsible for conducting maritime search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, and ensuring safety and environmental protection.
Although it is attached to the Department of Transportation (DOTr), it also serves under the Department of National Defense (DND) during wartime.
Learn more about:
PCG Organization and Structure
The Philippine Coast Guard has various departments and units responsible for carrying out its functions effectively.
The main departments include:
- Office of the Commandant: responsible for overall management and direction of the PCG.
- Coast Guard Staff: responsible for developing policies and procedures for the PCG.
- Coast Guard Operating Forces: responsible for maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, and other maritime operations.
- Coast Guard Education and Training Command: responsible for training and developing PCG personnel.
- Coast Guard Fleet: responsible for maintaining and operating PCG vessels and aircraft.
- Coast Guard Support Commands: responsible for providing logistics and administrative support to the PCG.
- Coast Guard Auxiliary: is a voluntary civilian organization that supports the PCG’s activities.
PCG Responsibilities
The Philippine Coast Guard performs various maritime safety, security, and environmental protection functions.
Some of its primary responsibilities include:
- Conducting search and rescue operations to save lives and property at sea.
- Enforcing laws related to maritime safety and security, including the prevention of maritime crime and smuggling.
- Assisting in natural disasters and emergencies.
- Promoting environmental protection and conservation of the marine ecosystem.
- Conducting maritime safety administration and oversight, including inspecting vessels and maritime facilities.
PCG Ranks Classification
Do you know how the Philippine Coast Guard is organized like an organized team? They arrange their people in a particular order, like how players are ranked in a sports team.
There are two main groups: one with officers who have particular degrees from a special school and the other who have finished a specific training course.
Commissioned Officers
The following are the ranks for commissioned officers in the Philippine Coast Guard from highest to lowest:
- Admiral
- Vice Admiral
- Rear Admiral
- Commodore
- Captain
- Commander
- Lieutenant Commander
- Lieutenant Senior Grade
- Lieutenant Junior Grade
- Ensign
- Probationary Ensign
Non-Commissioned Officers
The following are the ranks of non-commissioned officers in the Philippine Coast Guard from highest to lowest:
- First Master Chief Petty Officer
- Master Chief Petty Officer
- Senior Chief Petty Officer
- Chief Petty Officer
- Petty Officer I
- Petty Officer II
- Petty Officer III
- Seaman First Class
- Seaman Second Class
- Apprentice Seaman / Seaman Third Class
WATCH: Rank and Insignias of the Philippine Coast Guard
Conclusion
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is an important organization that works to keep the seas around the Philippines safe, secure, and protected.
It has a clear system of ranks, good salaries, many benefits, and opportunities for career growth, making it a great choice for people who want to serve their country.
This guide provides all the necessary information if you want to join the PCG, learn more about its responsibilities, or explore its career paths.
The PCG plays a big role in protecting the country’s waters and ensuring everyone’s safety.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
References
- IMPLEMENTATION OF THE INCREASE IN BASE PAY OF THE MILITARY AND UNIFORMED PERSONNEL (MUP) IN THE GOVERNMENT BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2026, AND OTHER PROVISIONS OF EXECUTIVE ORDER (EO) NO. 107, S. 2025. (n.d.). Retrieved January 15, 2026, from https://www.dbm.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/Issuances/2026/National-Budget-Circular/NATIONAL-BUDGET-CIRCULAR-NO-600.pdf
- Executive Order No. 107, s. 2025 | GOVPH. (2025, December 3). Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines. https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2025-12-03/executive-order-no-107-s-2025/
- Philippine Coast Guard Official Website. (n.d.). Coastguard.gov.ph. https://coastguard.gov.ph/
- The Three Ways to Join the Philippine Coast Guard | ExpertistTV. (n.d.). Www.youtube.com. Retrieved April 5, 2024, from https://www.youtube.com/watch
- PJSPORTS TV VLOGS – YouTube. (n.d.). Www.youtube.com. Retrieved April 5, 2024, from https://www.youtube.com/-@PJSPORTSTV15
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