Doctor Salary In Philippines Per Month

Making yourself a doctor in the Philippines is a noble and highly respected career, but it is also one of the most demanding. The most common questions asked by aspiring doctors and even professionals who work considering relocation or specialization is: How much do doctors really earn in the Philippines a month?

In this guide, we will break the average monthly salaries for doctors at different stages of their careers, including government and private sectors, by specialization and location. We will also lead you to factors that affect gains and answer common questions that people have about this vital profession.

Average Monthly Salary of Doctors

Doctor salaries in the Philippines vary significantly depending on their level of experience, employment setting (government vs. private), specialization, and location.

Here’s a general monthly salary range as of 2025:

These figures represent gross monthly income and do not yet deduct taxes, association dues, or professional expenses.

Factors That Affect a Doctor’s Salary

Several variables can influence how much you’ll take home as a physician:

1. Specialization – Surgeons, anesthesiologists, and cardiologists tend to earn more compared to general practitioners.

2. Experience level – Newly licensed doctors earn significantly less than those with 10+ years in practice.

3. Location – Urban areas usually offer higher compensation, but competition among doctors is also stronger.

4. Type of practice – Solo practice, group clinics, or hospital employment all affect your income streams.

5. Additional roles – Some doctors teach in universities, work in corporate health departments, or consult for NGOs, boosting their overall income.

How a Doctor’s Career Progresses?

Understanding how a medical career progresses in the Philippines can help you estimate your future income. Here’s a general path most doctors take:

Step 1: Medical School (4–5 years)

You won’t earn yet during this period, but expect expenses of ₱100,000 to ₱250,000 per year, depending on the school.

Step 2: Post-Graduate Internship

• Duration: 1 year

• Pay: ₱12,000–₱18,000/month (allowance-based)

Step 3: Physician Licensure Exam

Once you pass the Philippine Physician Licensure Examination, you become a licensed doctor.

Step 4: Residency Training

• Duration: 3–6 years depending on specialization

• Pay: ₱45,000–₱100,000/month

Step 5: Fellowship (Optional)

For subspecialties like pediatric surgery or oncology.

• Pay: Varies but generally lower due to training status

Step 6: Consultant or Attending Physician

• Once certified, you can practice privately or work as a hospital consultant.

• Pay: ₱150,000 to ₱400,000+/month, depending on patient load and reputation

Salary Differences Between Public and Private Practice

Where you work has a major impact on your earnings.

• Government hospitals: Offer stable pay, fixed hours, and benefits such as health insurance, retirement, and paid leaves. Salaries are based on the SSL pay scale, ensuring transparency and regular increases.

• Private hospitals: May provide lower base pay but allow doctors to increase income through professional fees (PF) for consultations, procedures, or surgeries. Specialists in private practice often earn more due to higher PF rates, especially in urban centers like Metro Manila, Cebu, and Davao.

• Rural assignments: Under the Doctors to the Barrios program, physicians serving in underserved communities earn around ₱80,000–₱100,000 per month, plus allowances, housing, and hazard pay. And this profession is one of the Highest Paying Jobs.

Additional Earning Sources for Filipino Doctors

Many doctors earn income outside of hospital work. These include:

• Clinic consultations

• Telemedicine (e.g., KonsultaMD, HealthNow): ₱500–₱1,500 per consult

• Teaching in universities: ₱30,000–₱80,000/month

• Medical missions or partnerships with NGOs

• Corporate HMO affiliations

How to Maximize Your Earnings as a Doctor?

If you’re entering the medical field in the Philippines, here’s how you can steadily increase your earning potential:

Step 1: Gain government hospital experience.
Start with public service to build clinical skills while earning a steady salary and benefits.

Step 2: Pursue a specialization.
Residency training can be 3–7 years, but specialized doctors command higher fees.

Step 3: Open a private practice.
Once you’ve established credibility, running your own clinic or joining a group practice can significantly boost your income.

Step 4: Take on multiple income streams.
Teaching, research, telemedicine, or serving as a corporate physician are excellent supplements to hospital work.

Step 5: Relocate strategically.
If you’re willing to serve in underserved areas, you may qualify for government incentive programs with higher allowances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Career in the Philippines as a doctor is not just about financial benefits; it is a commitment to serve people’s lives and health. Although early years can bring minor benefits, especially for experts or professional doctors, long -lengthy capacity is important.

If you are emotional about the medicine, the number suggests that your dedication can become a rewarded and durable support. As the health sector develops and expands digital health, the Philippines is now more than ever before to enrich both professional and economically.