Electrical Engineering Demand in the Philippines vs Its Salary

By: Mark Anthony S. Supiter

If there’s a career that has remained enduring through the years, it’s engineering. [1] Engineering is a widely-liked major in college due to its longevity as well as the financial and professional benefits. They are always in demand because businesses rely on them to create innovations, systems, and products. Since innovation requires advancement in technology and such, electrical engineering plays a vital role. Electrical engineering is a plus for aspiring engineers who are interested in electricity, circuits, and power generation. It is in charge of production, delivery, and energy efficiency. Due to the interesting nature of their work, which covers the entire pipeline of designing integrated circuits and systems, telecommunication technologies, and other communication and network systems, electrical engineers also play a significant part in industries. [1] 

In pursuing electrical engineering here in the Philippines, one should look out for two factors: its demand and its salary.

Electrical Engineering Demand in the Philippines

The pandemic has sped up digital transformation, creating a larger digital ecosystem that includes cloud, IoT, cybersecurity, and other areas. Particularly in a post-pandemic world, the move has aided firms in capturing new possibilities and fostering growth. [2] With this, career opportunities regarding electrical engineering has broaden in the Philippines.

J.M., a BSEE graduate and currently working as a production supervisor at Nestle Philippines, recommended electrical engineering as an optimal choice since this program is in demand all the time. “It is broad and you can use different field of expertise you can develop”, he said. His first job was at Koyo manufacturing as a production engineer. He used his knowledge about PLC and skills in Autocad. On his current job he used the principles that he learned in college like thermodynamics.

This shows that a degree in electrical engineering can allow you to pursue a job in almost any industry you can think of. After all, everyone uses electricity and electrical devices, so industries demand skilled professionals to build, repair, and improve these devices. Pursuing electrical engineering in the Philippines maybe worth it since you can unlock various career options and it is in demand nowadays.

Salary in the Philippines vs Other Countries

Although electrical engineering field is broad and in demand here in the Philippines, there are still high number of Filipinos that prefer to work as an electrical engineers and other correlated jobs abroad. It is because of its salary.

C.A., also a BSEE graduate and currently working as a master electrician in an oil tanker,

recommended electrical engineering but also stated, “You should practice your craft abroad immediately after graduation to ensure you a steady stream of experience and above-average pay”.

Most power manufacturers and electric companies in Dubai, USA, Africa, and Europe have Filipino electrical engineers. From large power plant projects to small-scale electrical companies, you will find Filipino engineers on-site or in top-notch positions.[3] This is due to the fact that salaries of electrical engineers in other countries are bigger that in the Philippines.

 

If you've seen, the data indicates that electrical engineers working in the Philippines with 0–2 years of experience should earn an average income of between ₱15,000 and ₱22,000 per month. When converted into USD, $333 becomes $488.

On the other hand, electrical engineers with the same degree who work in the US earn an average monthly salary between $5,653 and $7,785. This translates to a monthly wage between ₱254,385 and ₱350,325. A huge difference.

Moving on to the electrical engineer at the intermediate level. Our analysis indicates that the average monthly pay for electrical engineers in the Philippines should range from ₱29,000 to

₱62,000. From $645 to $1,377 in US dollars.

Electrical engineers in the US should make an average monthly income of $8,500 to $9,500 and have two to five years of experience in their field. When converted, ₱382,000 to ₱427,500 or the average monthly pay.

The Philippines' most seasoned electrical engineer should be paid between ₱65,000 and

₱140,000 per month. Electrical engineers with expertise have worked in the electric business for more than five years. They should earn an average monthly wage of $1,444 to $3,100 when expressed in USD.

In contrast, the typical monthly pay for an experienced electrical engineer in the US should be between $10,000 and $12,800. This is equivalent to an average monthly wage of ₱450,000 to

₱562,500 in PHP.

To sum it up, an electrical engineer with 0-2 years of experience should have at least ₱15,000 of monthly salary. An electrical engineer with 2-5 years of experience should have ₱29,000 base average monthly salary, and EE with more than 5 years of experience should have at least

₱65,000 average monthly salary. [4]

In other words, electrical engineering here in the Philippines isn’t worth it if we’re referring to its salary alone.

Demand vs Salary

Philippines sure is developing and is slowly adapting to its technological advancements. Thus, making electrical engineering in this country one of the career trend. However, Philippines’

economy isn’t at its good shape thus, affecting its salary. In other words, high demand, less salary.

In choosing a career option, one should consider having a high demand, and a big salary. But in electrical engineering here in the Philippines, these two factors did not coincide. One would consider high demand for convenience and the other one would consider big salary thus, moving to another country to be successful.

In conclusion, in the world of electrical engineering here in the Philippines, it depends on the needs of an individual if he/she will pursue electrical engineering here in the Philippines or not, regardless if its high demand or high salary.

 

References:

[1] B. Mirror, “Choosing the right field, specialization for a promising career in engineering”, In the News, 20 Aug 22.

[2] A. Hani, “Technology Advancement to Boost the Philippines Digital Economy”, OpenGov, 3 Nov 21.

[3] R. Bagatsing, “The Best Electrical Engineers are Filipinos – Here’s Why”, GineersNow, March 2022.

4.   [4] O. Oganiza, “Electrical Engineer Average Monthly Salary in the Philippines”, Oganiza, 3 July.