80% of Pinoy workers feel fairly paid, while only 59% are satisfied with their salaries: survey
A recent survey found that while most Filipinos feel they are fairly compensated for their work, a significant number still feel that their salary could be better.
Per a Salary Pulse report published by JobStreet by SEEK, 80% of Filipinos feel that they are fairly paid, but only 59% are satisfied with their salaries.
"Pay is a foundational factor shaping how workers in the Philippines feel about work, yet it's one of the most challenging topics to talk about openly," it said.
"The financial strain that many are under is no secret. Cost of living challenges continue to weigh on household budgets and consumer confidence remains subdued, leaving candidates with less bargaining power than they once had. In this environment, how people feel about their pay can be the difference between staying in a role or moving on," it added.
Across the Asia-Pacific region, most workers also feel that they're being paid fairly, but there's still a distinct gap between feeling fairly paid and feeling satisfied with their salary.
Indonesia has the most workers who feel content with their wage, at 66%. This is followed by the Philippines.
"While cultural positivity in survey responses may be contributing, these results still point to stronger salary optimism in these markets. A great sense of confidence likely supports this, with workers in Indonesia and the Philippines feeling the most comfortable in asking for a pay rise," the report read.
Thailand comes next at 50%, then Malaysia and Australia at 49%.
At the other end of the spectrum, the countries that were found to have the weakest levels of pay satisfaction are New Zealand at 41%, Singapore at 37%, and Hong Kong at 34%.
In the Philippines in particular, 24% of female workers feel that they are more likely to feel unfairly paid than men (18%).
Among the key findings of the report is that salary happiness comes from feeling meaningfully rewarded and that it "boosts motivation and reduces the risk of turnover."
The study also found that while 28% of workers in the Philippines are willing to make compromises for a higher salary by moving to another city or country, some also won't sacrifice a positive workplace environment just for a pay increase. Only 3% would work for a company with a toxic culture, and 2% would work for a boss they don't respect.
Ukari Warmann, Business Partnering Director at SEEK, said that effective salary conversations come down to "timing, preparation, and commercial awareness."
"Don’t wait for your performance review, speak to your manager in advance to understand what’s required, set expectations, and align your goals accordingly," he advised. "Come ready with evidence-based examples: revenue generated, efficiencies improved, and responsibilities taken on beyond your role."
"Remember, salary increases are based on the value you deliver, not personal financial pressures. Understand how pay decisions are made in your organization, seek regular feedback year-round, and let the conversation grow naturally from there," he added.
The study was conducted via an online survey in February 2026. Responses were gathered from 1,009 workers in the Philippines aged 18 to 64 who are currently employed.
