When looking for a entry-level job in public service, one term comes up constantly on job postings from the Civil Service Commission (CSC) and National Government Agencies: Salary Grade 1 (SG 1).
Salary Grade 1 (SG 1) serves as the starting point of the 33-grade Philippine public sector compensation system.
Understanding how Salary Grade (SG 1) works—including current salary schedules, step progressions, eligibility requirements, and promotion pathways—can help set clear expectations for a career in government service.
What is Salary Grade 1 (SG 1)?
Salary Grade 1 (SG 1) is the lowest pay grade in the Philippine government’s standardized salary framework. Governed by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and regulated by Civil Service Commission guidelines, SG 1 applies primarily to general support and entry-level operational roles.
Common Job Titles Under Salary Grade 1 (SG 1)
Positions classified under Salary Grade 1 (SG 1) perform essential everyday tasks that keep government offices running smoothly:
• Utility Worker I
• Administrative Aide I
• General Laborer / Support Staff
• Messenger / Reproduction Machine Operator I
Salary Grade 1 (SG 1) Monthly Pay Schedule
Government compensation in the Philippines is implemented in tranches authorized under Salary Standardization Law (SSL) or executive orders (such as Executive Order No. 64, s. 2024 under the Salary Standardization Law VI framework).
Each salary grade contains 8 Steps. An employee starts at Step 1 and progresses incrementally up to Step 8 based on length of service and performance.
To check exact rates based on your specific LGU income class or agency, use our LGU Salary Grade and Step Verifier or verify national agency rates using the Salary Grade and Step Verifier for NGAs.
MUST TRY:
Salary Grade and Step Verifier for NGAs
LGU Salary Grade and Step Verifier
Also, if you want to understand more about how government salaries really work, read these comprehensive guides.
MUST READ:
The Ultimate Guide to Philippine Government Salaries: Facts Every Public Servant Should Know
How Government Salaries Really Work: Grades, Steps, and the Laws Behind Them
2026–2027 Salary Grade 1 (SG 1) Pay Schedule Table (Steps 1–8)
Under Executive Order No. 64, s. 2024, the Philippine government updated the standardized salary schedule for civilian personnel across national agencies and local government units.
Designed to align public sector pay with market standards and adjust for inflation, this multi-year wage adjustment is implemented in four annual tranches from 2024 through 2027.
The section below outlines the monthly basic salary rates for Salary Grade 1 (SG 1) across all eight step increments, highlighting the scheduled rate adjustments under the current 3rd Tranche (2026) and the upcoming 4th Tranche (2027).
Note: National government rates apply uniformly across national agencies. Local Government Units (LGUs) follow their prescribed schedule subject to local budget capacity and financial categorization (e.g., 1st class vs. 5th class municipalities).
If you want to compare the amount of monthly salary of Salary Grade 1 (SG 1) employees with other salary grade, use our salary verifiers and calculators below.
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Compare Salary Grade 1 (SG 1) with other Salary Grade
Compare Salary Grade 1 (SG 1), Step 1 with other Salary Step
Qualification Standards: Who Qualifies for Salary Grade 1 (SG 1)?
Unlike mid-level or professional government items, Salary Grade 1 (SG 1) positions have accessible Qualification Standards (QS) set by the CSC:
Education
Must be able to read and write (Elementary school completion is usually preferred or required depending on the agency). No college degree required.
Experience
None required (0 hours).
Training
None required (0 hours).
Eligibility
None required (Exempt under MC 11, s. 1996 for sub-professional/trades positions) or Category III/First Level Eligibility depending on specific plantilla duties.
Government Employee Benefits for Salary Grade 1 (SG 1)
On top of the basic monthly salary, regular Salary Grade 1 (SG 1) employees receive fixed monthly allowances like the ₱2,000 Personnel Economic Relief Allowance (PERA) and annual Uniform or Clothing Allowance.
To see when each bonus lands in your payslip throughout the year, check our interactive Benefits Calendar for Government Employees.
Below are standard government benefits and allowances for Salary Grade 1 (SG 1) employees:
1. Mandatory Allowances & Bonuses:
PERA (Personnel Economic Relief Allowance): Additional ₱2,000 monthly allowance. (see Full Guide on PERA)
Mid-Year Bonus: Equivalent to 1 month basic salary (given in May). (see Full Guie on Mid Year Bonus)
Year-End Bonus & Cash Gift: Equivalent to 1 month basic salary + ₱5,000 cash gift (given in November). (see Full Guide on Year End Bonus and Cash Gift)
Uniform / Clothing Allowance: Annual allowance (typically ₱7,000). (see Uniform or Clothing Allowance guidelines)
Productivity Enhancement Incentive (PEI): Annual grant (typically ₱5,000). (see Full Guide on PEI)
2. Social Security & Healthcare Contributions:
GSIS (Government Service Insurance System) retirement & insurance coverage (See more…)
PhilHealth health coverage (See more…)
Pag-IBIG Fund housing and savings benefits (See more…)
3. Leave Credits
15 days Vacation Leave + 15 days Sick Leave earned annually, alongside special privilege leaves, wellness leave, maternity leave, and more.
While the basic pay and allowances provide immediate monthly stability, many readers—especially Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs)—wonder how an entry-level government item fits into a broader family financial plan.
Is a Salary Grade 1 (SG 1) Public Sector Item Worth Returning Home For (OFWs)?
For Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) planning long-term return strategies or securing stable livelihood paths for family members back home, entry-level government positions like Administrative Aide I or Utility Worker I (SG 1) offer distinct long-term stability—even if the initial monthly basic pay (₱14,634/month) seems modest compared to foreign earnings.
Key Advantages of Entry-Level Regular Plantilla Roles for OFWs:
Guaranteed Security of Tenure
Unlike overseas job contracts subject to policy shifts, a regular government plantilla position cannot be terminated without administrative due process.
Read: 10+ Rights of Philippine Government Employees
Government Pension & Social Protection:
Full access to GSIS retirement benefits, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG housing loans for long-term domestic security.
No Civil Service Eligibility Required:
Basic SG 1 trades, crafts, and custodial roles allow immediate entry based on practical skills and literacy under CSC guidelines.
Career Step-Board for Dependents
Provides family members a direct footing inside government agencies, enabling them to pursue career progression and eligibility exams while earning steady benefits.
💡 OFW Tip: If you are financing a family member’s transition into public service, pair this position with TESDA skill certifications or part-time college studies to help them qualify for SG 8 to SG 11 promotions within 3–5 years.
To learn more about the bonuses, allowances, leaves, and pensions for government employees in the Philippines provided under civil service law, explore this list of 100 Philippine Government Employee Benefits.
Career Advancement (Job Promotion): Moving Beyond Salary Grade 1 (SG 1)
Because the salary difference between Step 1 and Step 8 of Salary Grade 1 (SG 1) is modest (about ₱822/month difference), step increments alone will not lead to significant income growth over time. Moving up requires position advancement.
Career Progression Pathway: From SG 1 to Higher Public Roles
Key Strategies for Salary Grade 1 (SG 1) to earn Job Promotion
Civil Service Eligibility
Passing the CSC Sub-Professional or Professional exam unlocks higher-level clerical and technical items.
Education & Skills Training
Pursuing college courses, vocational diplomas (TESDA), or specialized skills training qualifies you for reclassification or promotion to SG 3, SG 4, or SG 6 positions.
Internal Application
Positions are tied to items, not individuals. Salary Grade 1 (SG 1) personnel must apply for vacant higher-grade positions through their agency’s Human Resource Merit Promotion and Selection Board (HRMPSB).
Career Advancement & Step Increments
If career advancement through job promotion is not for you, you can still get higher salary and benefits through step increment.
Just like other salary grades, Salary Grade 1 (SG 1) employees move from Step 1 up to Step 8 every three years of continuous satisfactory service.
Read our full Step Increment guide to understand the difference between length-of-service increases and meritorious performance increments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Do Salary Grade 1 (SG 1) employees need to pass the Civil Service Exam?
For basic support roles like Utility Worker I, passing the Career Service Examination is generally not required. However, taking and passing the exam is highly recommended if you plan to apply for higher salary grades.
2. What is the difference between Job Order (JO) / Contract of Service (COS) and Regular Salary Grade 1 (SG 1)?
A regular Salary Grade 1 (SG 1) employee holds a permanent plantilla position, earning basic pay plus government bonuses, leave credits, and GSIS benefits. Job Order (JO) or Contract of Service (COS) workers are paid an employer-contracted daily rate without employee-employer relationships, bonuses, or leave credits.
3. Is Salary Grade 1 (SG 1) higher than regional minimum wage in the private sector?
Yes. When combining the monthly basic pay (₱14,634+ in 2026) with the ₱2,000 PERA allowance, full-time Salary Grade 1 (SG 1) compensation typically exceeds the regional non-agricultural minimum wage in most areas, with the added benefit of fixed government bonuses. Check how much is Salary Grade 1 (SG 1) salary and PERA here.
Editorial Disclaimer
The content published on this page is for educational and informational purposes only and does not serve as an official government document or administrative ruling. Salary rates, qualification standards, and benefit guidelines are based on executive orders and CSC/DBM issuances effective as of the publication date. For official agency transactions, payroll verification, or legal matters, please coordinate directly with your agency’s HRMO or refer to official DBM and CSC circulars.
