Working in Manila
Manila, also referred to as the National Capital Region, is the capital city of the Philippines and the country's economic heart. This bustling city proved to be very welcoming toward both foreigners and expats. Many exciting careers await you in Manila if you know where to look. But, it is crucial to be aware of the local labour market conditions and laws before finally deciding to relocate to Manila.
Metro Manila, also known as the National Capital Region (NCR), is made up of the cities of Caloocan, Las Pinas, Makati, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Manila, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Paranaque, Pasay, Pasig, Quezon, San Juan, Taguig, and Valenzuela and Municipalities of Navotas and Pateros.
Manila is home to many financial and commercial centres, namely the Makati Central Business District, Rockwell Center, Ortigas Center, Alabang Business District, Bonifacio Global City, Eastwood City and Binondo area (Chinatown). This is where most of the top international corporations have their head offices. These places are the most likely locations for expats to find job opportunities in Manila.
The economy in Manila
The economy of the Philippines is the world's 36th largest by nominal GDP and 15th largest in Asia, according to the (IMF) International Monetary Fund in 2023. Manila is the epicentre of the Philippine economy due to its ports, the financial hub in this city and the trade that flows from the metropolitan area to the city and finally to the provinces and other countries.
With the Philippines' recovery and reform efforts, it is moving from a lower middle-income country to an upper middle-income country which augers well for skilled foreign workers and investors seeking new opportunities.
Job hunting in Manila
Finding a job in Manila involves the same techniques and strategies that you would use in your home country to catch a good position of employment. If you are currently affiliated with a multinational company with offices around the world, including the Philippines, you can negotiate with your superior about the potential of a transfer to Manila. You can also browse the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) website, which is a non-fee-charging multi-employment service facility established to provide helpful services like career counselling, referrals, and labour market particulars and facts for hopeful job seekers.
Manila is a city that moves with the help of technology. Like most countries, almost anything can be searched online, including finding employment. You can take the first step in your job search online by browsing the following websites:
Job seekers in Manila can also look in the classifieds section of newspapers. Otherwise, Manila's DOLE can also provide you with useful resources and job offers in its “Jobseekers” section.
There are, of course, other ways to look for a job in Manila as an expat. Those who spend more time networking stand more chances of finding opportunities that match their profiles. Make contacts; the adage applies insofar as the more people you connect with in your field, the more chances you have of finding a job! Through these contacts and ‘word of mouth', you never know what may arise.
Connecting with recruitment agencies can also be very helpful. Some of the most popular recruitment agencies in Manila are Manila Recruitment, HR Spectacles and Coretto Global Recruitment.
LinkedIn, a gateway to valuable connections, doubles as a source of job openings in Manila. Expatriate forums are also a great avenue to make such connections. Find out more in our article about professional networking in Manila.
Recruitment fairs and events are quite popular in the Philippines; check out the official dates here.
Do not just apply for one job only. Keep in mind that it may take many applications and a long research period before finding luck.
In-demand jobs in Manila
Like any metropolis, there is a plethora of industries and work opportunities in many sectors in Manila. To successfully land a job in Manila, your skills should be in demand and should not take a position away from the local workforce. Currently, the most in-demand skills in Manila are the following: statistical analysis, data mining, coding, database integration, interpersonal and communication, writing, teaching, and organizational skills.
Wages in Manila
During your job search in Manila, it is important to bear in mind that you will be working in an Asian country where salaries may be lower than those offered in Western countries. For instance, the minimum hourly wage in Manila as of 2022 is a P570/ USD 10 and P533/ USD 9.50 daily wage rate for Non-Agriculture and Agriculture workers, respectively.
It is, however, still the region with the highest minimum wage rate in the Philippines. Therefore, make sure to look for a job in companies that require your skills so that you are in a better position to bargain on your salary. It should also be noted that even though the pay is less, the cost of living can be significantly lower too.
As a foreign professional in Manila, you can expect the following salaries for the most in-demand positions:
- data scientist - on average p141,500/ USD 2,541 per month
- software engineer - on average p50,000/ USD 900 US per month
- actuary - on average p60,000/ USD 1,077 per month
- full-stack developer - on average p85,000/ USD 1,526 per month
- IT consultant - on average p75,000/ USD 1,347 per month
- software programmer - on average p50,000/ USD 900 per month
- social media specialist - on average p35,000/ USD 630 per month
- application development analyst - on average- p35,000/ USD 630 per month
- back-end developer - on average p50,000/ USD 898 per month
- graphic designer - on average p35,000/ USD 630 per month
- administration manager - on average p35,000 / USD 630 per month
- sales development manager- approx p175,000 / USD 3,100 per month
- accountant - approximately p35,000 / USD 630 per month
- recruitment specialist - on average p35,000 / USD 630 per month
- ESL teacher - on average p25,000 / USD 500 per month
- marketing specialist - on average p30,000/ USD 538 per month
How to apply for a job in Manila
The next step for the job-hunting expat in Manila is to apply for their preferred position. Starting with an updated CV and a cover letter, applications are usually made through the relevant company website or recruitment agency.
The CV should include a 2'x2' photo on the top left-hand side. Use an international tone rather than the local vernacular. Include references and projects that have been completed. Let your CV speak to the interviewer and their company. The cover letter should be directed at the company, using a courteous and formal tone with hints that you are knowledgeable about the company and industry. Manila is a huge and thriving industrial city, and companies receive hundreds, if not thousands, of job applications in this metropolis. Stand out from the crowd; be professional and slick.
If called for a job interview in Manila, it is advised to dress smart and be on time. Be aware that Manila traffic is renowned for its standstills and craziness and can be prone to making even the most eagle-eyed timekeeper late. Be au fait with the company in question, ask the right questions, and have strong communication skills.
Job interviews in the Philippines are quite similar to Western interviews (apart from a few personal questions which are just a genuine interest in you as a foreigner). Your advantage an expat is your experience back in your home country, your academic background and what transferable skills you can put into the new job.
If you come from an English speaking country, then your language skills will be a bonus, and you will be able to decipher the nuances in international business language. If you speak another language besides English, then this is another bonus as it will help with international translations and certain companies require certain specific languages.
Work visas and permits in the Philippines
Remember that you will require a work permit to be authorized to work in Manila. Therefore, your company will have to apply for an Alien Employment Permit on your behalf at the Philippine embassy or consulate in your home country. In case you have already arrived in the country, you can apply for a work permit yourself at the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). If you have already secured a job offer, you may request your soon-to-be employer to apply for a work visa for you. This is a more straightforward approach to being an expat in the Philippines, as your employer will be the one to arrange your visa for you.
To understand work etiquette, check out our article “Understanding Work Culture in Manila”.
To learn more about the labour market needs and prominent sectors for foreign professionals, read our article “Labor market in Manila”.
Working conditions in Manila
Manila is a modern metropolis, and working conditions should be on par with other cities if you are working for a multinational company. The offices and facilities may not be as up-to-date for national companies, but do check.
Employees in Manila work for approximately eight hours a day, totaling 40 hours a week. Usually, employees have two rest days, which are commonly Saturdays to Sundays (some local companies work Saturdays also, but government bodies only work 5 days). An additional 30% based on the employee's hourly rate is added for any extra time beyond eight hours, but make sure to check your work contract.
Five paid days of leave are also included per year once you have completed a full year of service in the company. Manila, like the rest of the country, has a total of eighteen national holidays each year, and any employee who works on a holiday is entitled to receive double the amount of their regular hourly rate.
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