Pharmacists are the main part of the healthcare departments in the Philippines. They make sure to give the proper medicine to the patients and give the proper guidance about it. If you are a student and want to become a pharmacist and are looking for how much they earn, you are in the right place. Here we give complete details about pharmacist salary Philippines, and all the facts are according to June 2025.
In this article, you’ll discover:
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The estimated monthly and annual salaries of both government and private pharmacists.
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Overview of salary differences on the basis of region and different areas of the country.
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Salary grade of government pharmacist and their salaries according to their levels.
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Along with some beneficial tips to increase your salary as a pharmacist.
Average Salary of Pharmacists in Philippines
As of 2025, licensed pharmacists in the Philippines earn between ₱20,000 to ₱60,000 per month, depending on factors like work experience, location, and employer type.
| Experience Level | Monthly Salary (Estimated) | Annual Salary (Estimated) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–2 years) | ₱20,000 – ₱28,000 | ₱240,000 – ₱336,000 |
| Mid-Level (3–7 years) | ₱29,000 – ₱42,000 | ₱348,000 – ₱504,000 |
| Senior-Level (8+ years) | ₱43,000 – ₱60,000+ | ₱516,000 – ₱720,000+ |
Government vs. Private Sector Pharmacist Salaries
Government Pharmacists
Pharmacists working in public hospitals, local government units (LGU), or DOH-charged agencies fall under the Salary Grants Act (SSL). In 2025, how much you can expect here:
Pharmacist I (SG 11) – ₱ ₱ 27,000/month starts
Pharmacist II (SG 15) – approximately ₱ 36,000/month
Supervisor Pharmacist (SG 22) – ₱ 71,000/month
Public sector jobs also include bonus, danger salary (especially hospitals assigned to hospitals), and government-transport benefits (GSIS, Filhalat, Pag-IBIG).
Private sector pharmacist
Retail chains (eg, mercury drugs, watson), in community pharmacies, or private hospitals, salaries may vary widely:
Chen Pharmacies: ₱ 20,000- ₱ 35,000/month for Pharmacist
Private Hospital: ₱ 25,000- ₱ 50,000/month, based on convenience size and prestige
Pharma Companies (Industry Rolls): ₱ 30,000- ₱ 60,000/month or more for medical matters, regulatory, or R&D roles
Regional Differences in Pharmacist Salaries
Salaries tend to be higher in Metro Manila and urban centers like Cebu and Davao due to demand and cost of living:
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Metro Manila: ₱30,000–₱60,000/month
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Cebu/Davao: ₱25,000–₱45,000/month
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Provincial areas: ₱20,000–₱35,000/month
Remote or rural LGUs sometimes offer hardship or location-based incentives to attract healthcare professionals.
How to Become a Pharmacist in the Philippines
To achieve qualification as a licensed pharmacist and to reach these salary limits, you have to complete the following:
Step-by-Step:
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Earn a Bachelor of Science at Pharmacy-One CHD-4-year program from a recognized university.
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Complete the required internship – usually 600+ hours supervised pharmacy practice.
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Pass the Pharmacist License Examination – Administrated twice a year by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).
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Apply for your PRC license – after passing the board exam
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Maintain continuous business development (CPD) – license is necessary for renewal every three years.
Tips to Increase Your Salary as a Pharmacist
Here are the ways to improve your salary prospects:
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Earn a Bachelor of Science at Pharmacy-One CHD-4-year program from a recognized university.
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Get a master’s degree – postgraduate degree in pharmacy or business (eg, MBA) can lead to managerial roles.
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Work abroad – Filipino pharmacists in the Middle East, Canada, or Australia can earn 100,000+ per month.
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Shift in the pharma industry – Pharmacoviglance, quality assurance, or roles in regulatory matters pay more than community retail.
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Apply for publicity of public hospitals – Moving on SG18 or SG 22 posts can double your salary in the public sector.
FAQs
What is the salary of a fresh graduate pharmacist in the Philippines?
Fresh graduates typically earn between ₱ 20,000 to ₱ 28,000/month, especially if they work in retail chain or provincial hospitals.
Do pharmacists earn more in the government or private?
Government pharmacists can start with low base, but they often get better long -term compensation through promotion, allowances and job protection. Private sector roles can provide high early salary in pharma industry or private hospitals.
Is Pharmacy a good career in the Philippines?
Yes. With the increasing demand of healthcare professionals, pharmacists enjoy job stability, diverse career paths and increasing opportunities in local and abroad.
Can pharmacists work easily abroad?
Yes, but you will usually need to pass additional licensing examination (such as PEBC for FPGEE or Canada for the US) and meet language requirements.
Do pharmacists get danger payments in the Philippines?
Pharmacists working in hospitals or during public health emergency conditions (eg, Covid-19) are eligible for dangerous salary and special risk allowances, especially in the government sector.
Last word
Pharmacy is a respected and developed profession in the Philippines, offering solid income capacity and flexibility of career. Whereas the salary may vary on the basis of where you work and at the level of your experience, the demand for qualified pharmacists is increasing nationwide. Whether you aim to serve your community in a local drug store or pursue a special route in the pharmaceutical industry, your work as a pharmacist will make a real impact – and your earnings can grow with your skills.
