Salary Grade 19 Philippines (2025): Complete Guide for Government Employees

According to the latest SSL implementation for 2025, government employees under Salary Grade 19 receive the following monthly compensation across eight steps:

This represents a significant increase from previous years, reflecting the government's commitment to providing competitive compensation for public servants.

Salary Grade 19 typically encompasses Director III positions and other equivalent roles across various government agencies. These positions require substantial experience, advanced educational qualifications, and demonstrated leadership capabilities. 3

Common positions under SG 19 include:

1. Director III - Typically heads a division within a government bureau or agency
2. Chief Administrative Officer - In larger departments
3. Chief of Hospital II - In government healthcare facilities
4. University/College Professor IV - In state universities and colleges
5. Attorney V - In legal departments of government agencies
6. Chief Professional Regulations Officer - In regulatory bodies

These positions represent critical leadership roles that require extensive expertise in their respective fields.

To qualify for Salary Grade 19 positions, candidates typically need:

• Master's degree relevant to the position
• At least 4-5 years of supervisory/management experience
• Relevant professional license (if applicable)
• Civil Service eligibility (Professional or equivalent)
• Leadership training and development courses
• Demonstrated expertise in the specific field

These requirements ensure that individuals in SG 19 positions have the necessary qualifications to handle their significant responsibilities.

Government employees under Salary Grade 19 are subject to the standard progressive tax rates in the Philippines. With a monthly basic salary ranging from PHP 56,390 to PHP 62,089, the withholding tax significantly impacts take-home pay.

Approximate monthly deductions include:

• Income Tax: Approximately PHP 8,500-10,000
• GSIS Contributions: 9% of basic salary
• PhilHealth: Based on the salary bracket
• Pag-IBIG: PHP 100 (standard contribution)

After deductions, the estimated net take-home pay ranges from PHP 41,000 to PHP 46,000 monthly, depending on step level and personal circumstances.

Understanding how SG 19 compares to adjacent grades helps contextualize its position in the government hierarchy:

This progression shows the significant jumps in compensation that accompany increased responsibilities at these management levels.

Beyond the basic salary, SG 19 government employees receive several benefits:

1. Personnel Economic Relief Allowance (PERA): PHP 2,000 monthly
2. Representation and Transportation Allowance (RATA): Approximately PHP 10,000-14,000 monthly
3. Mid-year and Year-end Bonuses: Equivalent to one month's basic salary each
4. Cash Gift: PHP 5,000 annually
5. Productivity Enhancement Incentive (PEI): PHP 5,000-15,000 annually
6. Clothing Allowance: PHP 6,000 annually
7. Anniversary Bonus: When applicable

These additional benefits significantly enhance the total compensation package for SG 19 employees.

For professionals at Salary Grade 19, several career advancement options exist:

1. Vertical Progression: Advancement to Director IV (SG 20) or Assistant Bureau Director (SG 24) positions
2. Horizontal Movement: Transfer to equivalent SG 19 positions in other agencies that might offer better RATA or special allowances
3. Specialization: Developing expertise in high-demand areas that may lead to consultancy roles
4. Academic Pursuit: Obtaining doctoral degrees to qualify for higher positions in academic or specialized agencies

Career advancement typically requires a combination of additional qualifications, performance excellence, and strategic networking within government circles.

While many university and college professors can reach Salary Grade 19 (Professor IV level), this grade is not typically applicable to basic education teachers in public schools. The highest regular teaching positions in DepEd usually reach only up to SG 13-15.

However, supervisory positions in education such as Education Program Supervisors or School Division Superintendents may reach SG 19, making this salary grade relevant for career educators seeking administrative paths

Salary Grade 19 represents a significant achievement in the Philippine government service hierarchy. With monthly compensation ranging from PHP 56,390 to PHP 62,089 in 2025, plus substantial allowances and benefits, these positions offer attractive compensation packages for qualified professionals. The positions require substantial expertise and experience but provide corresponding rewards in terms of compensation, authority, and career growth opportunities.

For ambitious government employees, reaching Salary Grade 19 marks entry into senior management, with pathways to even higher positions for those who continue to develop their qualifications and demonstrate exceptional leadership