Back to Resources
🇵🇭

The Complete Guide to Hiring in the Philippines (2026)

English-proficient talent for customer-facing, creative, and tech roles at competitive costs.

KopiRecruit Research February 2026 11 min read

Overview

The Philippines is the world's leading destination for English-speaking offshore talent. With over 110 million people and one of the highest English proficiency rates in Asia, the Philippines excels in customer-facing roles, creative work, and increasingly in software development.

Manila (Metro Manila) is the primary talent hub, with Cebu and Clark emerging as secondary centers. The BPO industry has created a deep pool of professionals experienced in working with Western companies, making cultural alignment significantly easier than many other Asian markets.

Salary Benchmarks (USD/Year)

Junior vs. Senior salary ranges for key roles in Philippines.

Software DevVideo EditorSDR/BDRCustomer SvcContent WriterVirtual Asst$0k$6k$11k$17k$22k
  • Junior
  • Senior

Employer Cost Breakdown

Mandatory employer contributions as a percentage of gross salary.

Employer Contribution

~14% of gross salary

Notice Period

30 days standard

Annual Leave

5 days SIL + public holidays

EOR Availability

Very common — mature EOR market

IT Graduate Talent Pipeline

Annual IT/tech graduate output showing the growing talent supply in Philippines.

2021202220232024202520260k45k90k135k180k

Talent Quality & Insights

Filipino professionals are known for their exceptional English skills, warm communication style, and adaptability. The BPO industry has trained millions in Western business practices, making the Philippines ideal for customer-facing and creative roles.

Pros & Cons

✓Advantages

  • • Highest English proficiency in Southeast Asia
  • • Strong cultural alignment with Western companies
  • • Massive BPO-trained talent pool (1.4M+ BPO workers)
  • • Competitive costs — 50-65% savings vs. Singapore
  • • Creative talent excels in video editing, design, and content
  • • Strong work ethic and customer service orientation

!Considerations

  • • Infrastructure challenges (internet reliability in some areas)
  • • Typhoon season can cause disruptions (June-November)
  • • Software development talent pool is smaller than Vietnam's
  • • Higher attrition in BPO-adjacent roles
  • • Timezone (GMT+8) may not suit all markets

Best Roles to Hire in Philippines

Video Editors & Motion GraphicsSDRs / BDRsCustomer Service RepresentativesContent Writers & CopywritersVirtual AssistantsGraphic DesignersSocial Media Managers

Ready to Hire in Philippines?

Book a free strategy call and get a customized cost analysis for your team.