Every city or town in the country is led by a mayor who makes sure services reach the people. With such a big role, many Filipinos often ask about the salary of mayor in the philippines. Knowing how much they earn helps us understand the value of their work and the responsibilities they carry.

Average Salary of Mayors

The salary of a mayor depends on the income class of the city or municipality they govern. Cities with higher revenues pay more than smaller towns. Here’s a look at the average monthly salary:

• 1st Class Cities/Municipalities: ₱185,000 – ₱213,000

• 2nd Class: ₱145,000 – ₱160,000

• 3rd Class: ₱125,000 – ₱135,000

• 4th to 6th Class: ₱95,000 – ₱115,000

This means mayors of large cities like Manila, Quezon City, or Cebu earn more compared to mayors of smaller municipalities.

Why Do Salaries Differ?

Not all mayors receive the same pay. Several factors explain the differences:

1. City or Municipality Income – Richer LGUs can pay higher salaries.

2. Salary Standardization Law (SSL) – This law sets the official salary range for public officials.

3. Position Type – City mayors usually receive higher pay than municipal mayors.

4. Added Benefits – Mayors also receive allowances and other incentives.

What’s Included Beyond Salary?

Aside from their monthly pay, mayors also enjoy several benefits such as:

• Representation and Transportation Allowance (RATA)

• Mid-year and year-end bonuses

• Cash allowances like PERA (Personal Economic Relief Allowance)

• Other local incentives depending on their LGU

These benefits add up and can make the overall compensation much higher than the base salary alone.

Responsibilities of a Mayor

The role of a mayor goes far beyond receiving a paycheck. Their responsibilities include:

• Ensuring delivery of health, education, and social services

• Managing local projects such as roads, markets, and public facilities

• Keeping peace and order in the community

• Preparing for and responding to disasters and emergencies

• Making sure local funds are used properly and transparently

Clearly, the work is challenging, and the salary reflects the weight of these duties.

Salary Compared With Other Officials

To put it into perspective, let’s compare a mayor’s pay with other government leaders:

• Barangay Captain: Around ₱20,000 – ₱25,000 plus allowances

• Governor: Similar to mayors of big cities, often ₱185,000 – ₱213,000

• Vice Mayor: Slightly less than the mayor, depending on city classification

This shows that mayors, especially those in highly urbanized areas, are among the better-paid officials in local government.

Why the Role is Important

Mayors act as the “chief executive” of their city or town. Their decisions affect thousands, sometimes even millions, of residents. From garbage collection to disaster response, people rely on mayors to ensure services run smoothly.

Their salary, while significant, is a reflection of the trust and responsibility given to them by the public.

Challenges of Being a Mayor

While the salary is attractive, the job is not easy. Mayors often face:

• Demands from residents for better services

• Limited budgets, especially in smaller towns

• Emergencies like typhoons, floods, and health crises

• Political conflicts with other local officials

Handling these challenges requires leadership, patience, and dedication.

Final Thoughts

The salary of mayors in the Philippines varies depending on the income class of their city or municipality. Mayors of wealthy cities can earn over ₱200,000 monthly, while those in smaller towns earn less. On top of this, they receive allowances and bonuses.

But more than the salary, being a mayor means carrying the responsibility of serving the community. It’s a job that comes with both rewards and challenges, requiring true dedication to public service.