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Updated July 20266 min read

Government Doctor Salary 2026 — Medical Officer Pay Table

A government physician typically enters as a Medical Officer III at ₱73,303/month in 2026 (Salary Grade 21, Step 1) — the usual plantilla item for a licensed doctor. Public-sector medical pay rises through Medical Officer IV (₱91,306) and higher, before Magna Carta allowances and hazard pay.

Medical Officer salary by level (2026, Step 1)

Government physicians are hired into the Medical Officer series. Licensed doctors are usually appointed as Medical Officer III (SG 21) — Medical Officer I and II are lower plantilla items used for non-physician or trainee medical roles.

Government Medical Officer salary — 2026 Step 1 basic pay
PositionSalary Grade2026 monthly (Step 1)
Medical Officer ISG 14₱38,764
Medical Officer IISG 16₱45,694
Medical Officer III (physician entry)SG 21₱73,303
Medical Officer IVSG 23₱91,306
Medical Officer VSG 24₱102,603

Third Tranche of the EO 64 schedule, effective 1 Jan 2026 (DBM NBC 601). DOH job postings list Medical Officer III at SG 21 as the standard entry item for a licensed physician; senior consultant and chief-of-hospital roles sit at higher grades.

Magna Carta allowances for public-health doctors

Government doctors are public health workers under the Magna Carta (RA 7305), which adds substantial amounts on top of the basic SG figure:

  • Hazard pay — a percentage of basic pay for those in hazardous or remote posts
  • Subsistence and laundry allowance
  • Longevity pay — rising with years of service
  • PERA — ₱2,000/month, plus the standard bonuses and cash gift

Career path and specialisation

From Medical Officer III, physicians advance to Medical Officer IV and higher, then into Medical Specialist and Chief of Hospital / Medical Center Chief roles that reach the top of the Salary Grade table. Doctors who serve in far-flung areas through the Doctors to the Barrios program also receive additional incentives on top of the base Medical Officer pay.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a government doctor earn in 2026?

A government physician usually enters as Medical Officer III at ₱73,303/month (SG 21, Step 1) in 2026, plus Magna Carta hazard pay, subsistence allowance and PERA on top of the basic figure.

Medical Officer III is Salary Grade 21, which pays ₱73,303/month at Step 1 in 2026. DOH facilities commonly post this as the entry plantilla item for licensed physicians.

Medical Officer I (SG 14) and II (SG 16) are lower plantilla items used for non-physician or trainee roles. Licensed doctors are appointed at Medical Officer III (SG 21), which pays well above the nurse entry grade.

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