Minimum wage Philippines 2026: rates by region
Metro Manila pays ₱645/day for non-agriculture workers. But rates vary across 17 regions — and paying below the applicable rate in any region exposes you to DOLE enforcement. Every current rate in one place.
In this guide
- How minimum wage works in the Philippines
- 2026 minimum wage rates by region
- COLA and other wage components
- Who sets minimum wages?
- Who is exempt?
- Exemptions for distressed establishments
- Non-compliance penalties
- FAQs
How minimum wage works in the Philippines
The Philippines does not have a single national minimum wage. Rates are set per region by Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards (RTWPBs) — 16 regional boards plus one for the National Capital Region. Each board issues Wage Orders applicable to private sector employers within its jurisdiction.
The rate also differs by industry sector (agriculture vs non-agriculture) and, in some regions, by company size. Always check the specific Wage Order for your region and sector.
Multi-region employers
If your company operates in multiple regions — NCR head office plus provincial branches, for example — each location must comply with its applicable regional Wage Order. Applying the NCR rate across all locations is not compliant if lower-rate regions apply.
2026 minimum wage rates by region (non-agriculture)
| Region | Daily minimum wage (non-agriculture) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| NCR — National Capital Region | ₱645 | Effective per latest Wage Order NCR |
| Region I — Ilocos Region | ₱420–₱460 | Varies by sector and city classification |
| Region II — Cagayan Valley | ₱420–₱440 | |
| Region III — Central Luzon | ₱480–₱530 | Higher rates for Bulacan, Pampanga |
| Region IV-A — CALABARZON | ₱500–₱570 | Varies significantly by province |
| Region IV-B — MIMAROPA | ₱370–₱400 | |
| Region V — Bicol Region | ₱400–₱430 | |
| Region VI — Western Visayas | ₱430–₱455 | |
| Region VII — Central Visayas | ₱455–₱495 | Higher for Cebu City |
| Region VIII — Eastern Visayas | ₱385–₱415 | |
| Region IX — Zamboanga Peninsula | ₱380–₱410 | |
| Region X — Northern Mindanao | ₱430–₱455 | |
| Region XI — Davao Region | ₱466–₱492 | Higher for Davao City |
| Region XII — SOCCSKSARGEN | ₱390–₱420 | |
| Region XIII — Caraga | ₱370–₱400 | |
| BARMM | ₱360–₱390 | |
| CAR — Cordillera Administrative Region | ₱390–₱430 |
Always verify against the current Wage Order
These rates reflect the best available information as of May 2026. RTWPBs issue new Wage Orders periodically. Always confirm the applicable rate against the latest Wage Order for your specific region and sector at the DOLE or NWPC website before processing payroll.
COLA and other wage components
Some Wage Orders include a Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) as a separate component from the basic daily wage. COLA may be integrated into the basic wage or remain separate depending on the Wage Order.
| Component | Taxable? | Included in OT base? | Included in 13th month base? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic minimum wage | Exempt for minimum wage earners | Yes | Yes |
| COLA (if separate) | Exempt for minimum wage earners | No | No |
| Overtime pay | Exempt for minimum wage earners | N/A | No |
| Holiday pay | Exempt for minimum wage earners | N/A | No |
Who sets minimum wages?
Each Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) reviews and adjusts minimum wages based on petitions from employer or worker groups, or motu proprio. The National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) reviews RTWPB decisions and can modify or set aside Wage Orders.
Congress has periodically debated a unified national minimum wage — but as of 2026, the regional system remains in place.
Who is exempt from minimum wage?
| Category | Basis |
|---|---|
| Household or domestic workers (kasambahays) | RA 10361 — separate floor wage applies |
| Barangay micro business enterprises (BMBEs) | RA 9178 — BMBE certificate required |
| Apprentices and learners | RA 7796 — minimum 75% of applicable minimum wage |
| Persons with disabilities (PWDs) | RA 7277 — may receive 25% discount on wage with DOLE approval |
| Workers on probation during prescribed period | No exemption — full minimum wage applies |
Non-compliance penalties
Paying below the applicable minimum wage is a violation of the Labor Code. DOLE enforcement includes:
| Violation | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Underpayment of wages | Order to pay wage differential (back pay) to all affected employees |
| Repeated/willful non-compliance | Fine of ₱25,000–₱100,000 per affected employee per period |
| Obstruction of DOLE inspection | Additional fines and possible criminal referral |
| Non-payment after DOLE order | Writ of execution — levy on employer assets |
Minimum wage compliance — built into every payroll run.
KAMI Payroll is configured with the applicable Wage Order for each of your locations. It flags any employee whose computed pay falls below the regional minimum wage before the payslip is generated — not after the DOLE shows up.
No slides. We'll show you your PH payroll, running on KAMI.
Frequently asked questions
Does minimum wage apply to monthly-rate employees?
Yes. Monthly-rate employees must receive at least the equivalent of the daily minimum wage multiplied by the applicable number of working days per month. For NCR: ₱645 × 26 working days = ₱16,770 minimum monthly equivalent.
Can the employer and employee agree to a lower wage?
No. Any agreement to pay below the minimum wage is void. The minimum wage is a floor — not a negotiating baseline.
Does overtime pay apply to minimum wage earners?
Yes. Minimum wage earners are entitled to overtime, holiday, rest day, and night shift differential pay at the same rates as other rank-and-file employees. These premiums are also exempt from income tax for minimum wage earners.
How often do minimum wages change?
There is no fixed schedule. RTWPBs issue Wage Orders as petitions are filed and evaluated. Some regions have not had increases in 2–3 years; others adjust more frequently. Monitor DOLE advisories for your region.
This guide reflects Philippine law and DOLE/BIR guidelines current as of May 2026. Regulations change — always verify against the latest government issuances, or consult a licensed Philippine labour lawyer for specific situations. Published by KAMI Workforce.
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