The Philippines sets minimum wages by region, with rates that can also vary by industry, location and establishment size.
In Metro Manila, the daily minimum wage is ₱755 for non-agricultural workers and ₱718 for agriculture and specified smaller establishments, effective 26 September 2026 under Wage Order No. NCR-28. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) confirmed that employers must reflect the increase in their payroll systems.
Minimum wage rates by region
The following daily rates apply as of 28 September 2026. Ranges include different sectors and establishment categories; the lowest figure is not a rate every employer in that region can use.
| Region or wage-order coverage area | Current daily minimum wage |
|---|---|
| NCR — Metro Manila | ₱718–₱755 |
| Cordillera Administrative Region | ₱505 |
| Region I — Ilocos | ₱480–₱505 |
| Region II — Cagayan Valley | ₱500 |
| Region III — Central Luzon | ₱515–₱600 |
| Region IV-A — CALABARZON | ₱508–₱600 |
| Region IV-B — MIMAROPA | ₱455 |
| Region V — Bicol | ₱455 |
| Region VI — Western Visayas wage-order coverage | ₱520–₱550 |
| Region VII — Central Visayas wage-order coverage | ₱500–₱540 |
| Region VIII — Eastern Visayas | ₱440–₱470 |
| Region IX — Zamboanga Peninsula | ₱451–₱464 |
| Region X — Northern Mindanao | ₱485–₱500 |
| Region XI — Davao | ₱525–₱540 |
| Region XII — SOCCSKSARGEN | ₱443–₱460 |
| Region XIII — Caraga | ₱475 |
| BARMM | ₱401–₱436 |
Sources: NWPC regional wage listings, CALABARZON wage matrix, Central Visayas wage matrix and BARMM wage matrix.
Check provincial coverage as well as the region’s name. Negros Island Region employers should check the wage order covering their particular province. The NWPC listings continue to include Negros Occidental under the Western Visayas wage coverage, while the Central Visayas matrix expressly covers Negros Oriental and Siquijor. NWPC listings, Central Visayas coverage.
Domestic workers follow separate monthly minimum wage orders and are not covered by the daily-rate table above.
Metro Manila minimum wage under NCR-28
Wage Order No. NCR-28 introduced a ₱60 daily increase from 26 September 2026.
| Category | Previous daily minimum | Current daily minimum |
|---|---|---|
| Non-agriculture, except the smaller establishments listed below | ₱695 | ₱755 |
| Agriculture | ₱658 | ₱718 |
| Retail and service establishments employing 15 workers or fewer | ₱658 | ₱718 |
| Manufacturing establishments regularly employing fewer than 10 workers | ₱658 | ₱718 |
DOLE estimates that approximately 1.1 million minimum wage earners benefit from the adjustment. Employers should apply the correct category when updating payroll. DOLE announcement.
What happened to NCR-27?
The earlier NCR-27 order provided for rates of ₱755 and ₱718, followed by another increase in January 2027. However, the NWPC identifies its implementation as awaiting final court decisions.
NCR-28 establishes the current rates. Employers should not treat NCR-27’s January 2027 figures as an unconditional payroll change while its implementation remains subject to litigation. NWPC wage-order status.
Upcoming minimum wage increases
Current rates and future rates should be kept separate in payroll planning.
| Area | Scheduled effective date | New daily rates |
|---|---|---|
| Central Visayas wage-order coverage | 14 October 2026 | ₱542–₱582 |
| Bicol | 1 December 2026 | ₱480 |
| BARMM | 1 December 2026 | ₱426–₱461 |
Central Visayas’ ₱42 increase raises the Class A rate to ₱582 and the Class B rate to ₱542. Negros Oriental and Siquijor remain covered under Class B. Central Visayas wage matrix.
Bicol’s next tranche and BARMM’s second tranche take effect in December. Employers should check the relevant category before applying the new rate. NWPC schedule, BARMM wage matrix.
What employers should check when wages increase
A minimum wage change requires a review of both basic pay and related payroll calculations.
- Applicable rate: Confirm the employee’s location, sector and establishment category.
- Effective date: Apply the adjustment from the date specified in the wage order, including within a payroll period.
- Wage-based benefits: Review overtime, night-shift differential and applicable holiday or rest-day pay when the underlying wage changes.
- Salary differences: Assess whether the new minimum creates a wage distortion between employee groups.
The Labor Code’s employment conditions govern wage-based benefits, while the NWPC wage distortion advisory explains how to identify and address qualifying distortions.
How does an increase affect 13th-month pay?
For covered employees, the minimum 13th-month payment is calculated as:
Total basic salary earned during the calendar year ÷ 12
A midyear wage increase affects the basic salary earned after the adjustment. Employers should use actual basic salary earned across the year, rather than applying the latest wage retrospectively to every month. DOLE guidance on 13th-month pay.
For more information, see RecruitGo’s guide to 13th-month pay.
Do employees above minimum wage automatically receive an increase?
A minimum wage adjustment does not automatically give every higher-paid employee the same peso increase.
Employers must assess whether the adjustment eliminates or severely narrows established pay differences based on factors such as skills or length of service. Where a wage distortion arises, it must be addressed through the applicable process. NWPC wage distortion advisory.
Hiring employees in the Philippines
Minimum wage is one part of employment budgeting. Employers also need to account for statutory contributions, applicable benefits and payroll administration.
For foreign businesses hiring without establishing their own Philippine entity, RecruitGo’s Employer of Record service in the Philippines provides local employment, payroll and statutory benefits administration while the client manages the employee’s day-to-day work.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum wage in Manila in 2026?
From 26 September 2026, the non-agricultural minimum is ₱755 per day. Agriculture and specified smaller retail, service and manufacturing establishments follow the ₱718 rate under NCR-28. DOLE announcement.
Is ₱755 the minimum wage throughout the Philippines?
No. It is Metro Manila’s non-agricultural rate. Other regions and employment categories have different minimums, as shown in the regional table above.
Is the minimum wage in Cebu already ₱582?
As of 28 September 2026, the Class A rate covering Cebu City and the other designated areas remains ₱540. It increases to ₱582 on 14 October 2026. Other areas covered by Class B move from ₱500 to ₱542. Central Visayas wage matrix.
Where can employers verify the applicable rate?
Use the National Wages and Productivity Commission’s regional wage listings and open the relevant regional matrix. Check the location, employment category and effective date before updating payroll.