If you’re pursuing a career in higher education or already working in academia, one of your biggest questions might be: How much does an associate professor earn in the Philippines in 2025? With the latest salary adjustments under Salary Standardization Law VI (SSL VI) now in effect, understanding the new figures is key for planning your professional future.
Whether you’re working in a public state university or aiming to join one, this guide will help you understand how associate professor salaries work, how much you can earn in 2025, and what benefits come with the role.
2025 Salary of Associate Professors (Tranche 2 – SSL VI)
In 2025, the government implemented Tranche 2 of SSL VI, adjusting all public servant salaries upward. Here’s the updated pay scale for associate professors under the Salary Grade Table (Step 1):
| Associate Professor Rank | Salary Grade (SG) | 2025 Monthly Basic Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Professor I | SG 19 | ₱56,390 |
| Associate Professor II | SG 20 | ₱62,967 |
| Associate Professor III | SG 21 | ₱70,103 |
| Associate Professor IV | SG 22 | ₱78,162 |
| Associate Professor V | SG 23 | ₱87,315 |
These figures apply to Step 1, which is the base level within each grade. Faculty can progress to Step 8, with gradual salary increases every 3 years or through merit-based promotions.
What Is an Associate Professor?
An associate professor is a mid-level to senior academic position, generally above assistant professor and below full professor. They are expected to:
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Deliver lectures and guide student research
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Publish scholarly papers
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Serve on academic committees
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Lead community or institutional development projects
To become one, you typically need:
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A master’s degree (minimum) or PhD/EdD (preferred)
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5–10 years of teaching or research experience
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Strong academic credentials and published work
Public vs. Private University Salaries
Public Universities (SUCs)
Salaries in government-run institutions follow the Salary Grade (SG) system under the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). These salaries are uniform across all state universities and colleges (SUCs), as long as the faculty is tenured or regular.
Private Universities
In contrast, salaries in private institutions are set internally. They may be:
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Higher in elite universities (e.g., Ateneo, La Salle, UST)
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Lower in smaller colleges, especially in provinces
Private university salaries often range from ₱35,000 to ₱100,000+, depending on workload, academic qualifications, and institutional budget. However, this guide focuses on government salary standards, which are transparent and widely followed.
What Else Affects an Associate Professor’s Pay?
Salary Step Increments
Each SG has 8 steps, with higher steps offering better pay. You move up a step typically every 3 years of continuous service with good performance.
Academic Credentials
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Professors with doctorates often start at a higher SG.
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Those without a PhD may stay in the lower sub-ranks unless their research and service record compensates.
Special Duties
Associate professors who take on administrative roles (e.g., program head, research director) may receive:
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Representation and transportation allowances (RATA)
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Honoraria or stipends for committee work
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Overload pay for extra teaching units
Benefits and Allowances
As a government employee, you’re entitled to several mandatory and optional benefits, including:
| Benefit | Amount / Description |
|---|---|
| PERA (Personnel Economic Relief) | ₱2,000/month |
| Mid-year Bonus | One month’s basic salary (released mid-year) |
| Year-end Bonus | One month’s basic salary + ₱5,000 cash gift |
| Clothing Allowance | ₱6,000/year |
| Loyalty Award | ₱5,000+ for 10+ years of service |
| Leave Credits | 15 days vacation + 15 days sick leave/year |
| GSIS Benefits | Life insurance, pension, and loans |
How to Become an Associate Professor?
Step 1: Get the Right Degree
Most universities require at least a master’s degree, while a PhD is preferred or mandatory for higher ranks.
Step 2: Gain Experience
You typically need:
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5+ years of college teaching
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Research experience
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Community engagement or service work
Step 3: Publish Academic Work
Prepare peer-reviewed journal articles, research papers, or books to build your academic record.
Step 4: Apply for Promotion
Submit your credentials to your university’s Faculty Evaluation Committee. Promotion involves assessment based on teaching, research, extension work, and professional development.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the annual salary of an associate professor in 2025?
At SG 21 (₱70,103/month), you would earn about ₱841,236/year, excluding bonuses and allowances.
Can associate professors earn additional income?
Yes. Many take on:
• Extra teaching loads
• Consulting projects
• Research grants or honoraria
• Book royalties or speaking engagements
Do private universities pay more than public ones?
Elite private universities may offer competitive salaries (₱80k–₱120k/month), but many provincial colleges offer less than public SUCs.
Can I become an associate professor without a PhD?
Yes, but it’s harder. Some institutions allow master’s degree holders with strong experience and output to be promoted, but a doctorate is generally required for SG 22 and above.
Will my salary increase every year?
Not automatically. Salary steps take three years of service per step. However, SSL VI Tranches increase your base salary annually until 2027.
Being an associate professor in a Philippine public university is more than just a title it’s a respected role with a clear path to financial and professional growth. In 2025, with the second tranche of SSL VI in place, your salary will reflect your academic rank, performance, and experience.
By investing in continuous learning, contributing to your field through research, and engaging in meaningful academic service, you’ll not only climb the salary scale but also help shape the future of higher education in the country.
