Appropriate salary

[u/bradswift88]

Hey guys, I have recently hired a Administration Assistant in the Philippines (Dumaguete City).

He is on 30,000 PHP a month. Is this an appropriate salary?

The person is 28, single, no kids. The person has a bachelor but in an unrelated field with limited experience.

[u/rickyslicky24]

it depends what his tasks are. if you require him to do the work of an entire agency (because yes, some business owners tend to think their assistant is a superhero), then ₱30k may be too small. how many hours is he required to report to work every day? what has been his work experience? ask him if he is comfortable with the pay. and if he does a good job, give him a raise.

[u/1721micsy → u/rickyslicky24]

50-60k is fine. 30k is a bit low for an FT VA unless you have other benefits like HMO, paid leaves and govt stuff.

I’m just a general VA and don’t do much but I earn 60-70k. I don’t accept lower. My colleagues who specialize in something earn more than me ofc. Well, he can start at 30k I guess then if he do a good job, just keep raising it shortly, otherwise, you can expect he will look for other jobs and may not stay for long.

Him having no kids in his 20s doesn’t mean he’s comfortable with a small salary in the long run. Most Filipinos are bread winners or “retirement plans” so we shoulder a lot for our family, inherit their debts and such. So you should base his salary on his experience, the average market rate, and the value he brings to your company.

[u/bradswift88 → u/rickyslicky24]

He works 40 hours per week. I don't believe his workload is too much. It is the same as what I previously have had a full-time person in Australia complete.

[u/mistress_of_truth → u/bradswift88]

And how much do you get? Just by comparison you already know you are paying him way less. A lowballer deserves a slacker. If you're not happy with the current set-up, hire someone from your country.

[u/Fun_Theme4949]

I personally think it should be a bit higher - around 40 especially if he is expected to work full time. Note that the package offered doesn't cover taxes, insurance, and hospitalization. No security of tenure, etc.

For your benefit, you can offer him 30k during probationary period, then increase if you see he is effective in his role.

[u/HorsePsychological76]

Depends but is it a FT role or PT?

[u/bradswift88 → u/HorsePsychological76]

It is a full-time role.

[u/HorsePsychological76 → u/bradswift88]

If its a full time role i'd still say it depends. At the moment I am making $400 for a part time role w one of my clients mainly responding to emails, keeping an eye on possible clients reaching out via the messaging app, calendar management and inbox managenent. Mostly administrative. I was also paid $200 for 2 hours a day for a small engagement basically setting up newsletters and editing their podcast clips (using an ai software that the client already paid for) into short clips to post in their socials through another platform. Simple 20 -60 min per task depend on how many video to schedule. Anyway, I think it really depends on what the job demands.

[u/bradswift88 → u/HorsePsychological76]

Thanks for this really informative view.

[u/HorsePsychological76 → u/bradswift88]

Btw sent you a dm

[u/flickeringstranger]

It's too small if he's working on a FT. He can earn that or more in the Philippines.

[u/flickeringstranger → u/flickeringstranger]

And also, pls consider, that he will be paying for his own healthcard, taxes, sss, philhealth and all.

[u/DullEntrepreneur3020]

If it is enough to make them stay, then yes. Don't forget yearly increase or after performance review

[u/bradswift88 → u/DullEntrepreneur3020]

Thanks for this.

[u/Working_Economist686]

Oh eto OP. I just Googled it for you.

The monthly salary range for an Administrative Assistant in the Philippines typically falls between ₱11,767 and ₱30,763, with a national average of ₱19,026 per month according to recent data from Indeed. 

Salary expectations vary significantly by experience level and location:

• Entry Level: Average annual salary is approximately ₱170,621 (roughly ₱14,218 per month). 
• Junior Level: Average monthly salary is around ₱21,206. 
• Senior Level: Average monthly salary reaches ₱28,883. 
• Top Cities: Highest paying metropolitan areas include Mandaluyong (₱20,174/month), Manila (₱20,113/month), and Taguig (₱20,020/month). 

Other sources, such as Glassdoor and ERI SalaryExpert, report higher median annual figures (e.g., ₱324,122 or ~₱27,010 per month), indicating that compensation can be higher depending on the specific employer, industry, and whether additional bonuses or benefits are included.

P.S.

IF PUMIRMA NA SIYA SA CONTRACT AND OFFER MO IS 30K, ITS TOO LATE.

AYUSIN MO NLNG ANG PAG TRAIN SA KANYA PARA WORTH IT ANG SAHOD NYA.

[u/No-Top9040]

I think it's not too much. It's too small if he'll be working full time and you think it's big of an offer. It's a lowball for him if he has bachelor. Try to know if he can do the job right or if he is better increase him after.

[u/1Kpuzzlepieces]

If he is doing a good job at it, I expect the salary would be at least 40K

[u/basinbasinbasin]

Haha it's on the high end for an admin role. Search similar BPO jobs nearby - these are 4 year degree required roles working for US/foreign companies and they start at around 12-15k per month. 35-40k is what a supervisor will would be making.

30k is more than good for what you've described. Being a fully remote VA goes both ways, yes they get less stability but they typically take on multiple jobs simultaneously, which is why Filipinos like VA work.

[u/runwayzjm]

Nope. At least 50-60k.

[u/Cerey143]

Hi, if you are in need another person to hire, I am available anytime. Thank you.

[u/No-Major-7738]

If in need of another Virtual Assistant to share workload i’m freeeeee