The Truth About Remote Work Pay for Filipinos
I’ve been seeing a lot of misconceptions about remote work and international compensation lately.
Some people think earning $8-$15 per hour working for a US company is exploitation. Others assume that if you’re working remotely, you should be earning Silicon Valley salaries.
Let’s break this down with some real talk.
The Old Reality vs. The New Opportunity
Not too long ago, if you wanted a better life as a Filipino, your best option was to leave the country. OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) sacrificed time with their families just to send money back home. It was the only path to financial stability for many.
But today, the game has changed. A new generation of Filipino professionals is building global careers without leaving their homes. And while $8-$15/hour might seem low by Western standards, let’s put that in perspective.
A typical office employee in the Philippines earns around ₱18,000 - ₱25,000 per month ($300-$430) and spends four hours a day commuting through Metro Manila traffic. That’s 20 hours a week wasted.
Now, compare that to a Filipino working remotely for a US company:
They earn 3-4x more than a local office job.
They skip the commute and get back hours of their life every day.
They have dinner with their family every night instead of being stuck in traffic.
They upskill from basic customer service to high-demand skills like digital marketing, project management, or software development.
They build their own businesses, mentor others, and create more opportunities for fellow Filipinos.
Remote work compensation isn’t about “settling for less.” It’s about taking control of your career and using remote work as a stepping stone to something bigger.
$8/Hour is Not Exploitation
A lot of people get emotional when they see remote jobs paying $8-$15/hour. They compare it to Western salaries and immediately assume it's unfair. But context matters.
Here’s what $8/hour actually means for a Filipino remote worker:
$1,300 per month (₱75,000) is already above market average in the Philippines.
That income can support a comfortable lifestyle, covering rent, food, savings, and even investments.
For someone starting out, it’s an opportunity to gain international experience and build a career trajectory that wasn’t possible before.
Now, let’s be clear: The goal isn’t to stay at $8/hour forever.
The best remote workers don’t just clock in and do the bare minimum. They leverage their experience to increase their rates, expand their skills, and position themselves for bigger opportunities.
I’ve personally seen it happen:
Virtual assistants who became business owners
Customer service reps who worked their way up to operations managers
Content writers who built successful agencies
I can use my personal experience as an example as well. Before co-founding Shepherd, I started with freelance work. My experience and skillsets eventually helped me land a job at Need/Want, where I met my Shepherd co-founder, Marshall.
And the rest, they say, is history.
Remote work is a launchpad for bigger opportunities. The people who understand this and take advantage of it are the ones who get ahead.
The Real Remote Work Mindset
If you’re complaining that $8/hour isn’t enough, ask yourself: Are you improving your skills?
Because the truth is, the best Filipino remote workers are earning $25, $50, even $100/hour.
Here’s how they do it:
Specialize in high-value skills – Instead of being a general VA, become a sales funnel expert, a high-level project manager, or a technical SEO consultant.
Work with better clients – Not all remote jobs are created equal. The best-paying ones demand proactive problem solvers who bring value.
Charge based on results, not time – Remote workers who deliver business results can charge premium rates, rather than getting stuck in hourly wage thinking.
Invest in learning – Take courses, follow industry leaders, and never stop improving.
The biggest mistake you can make is staying stagnant. If you treat remote work like a dead-end job, that’s exactly what it will be.
What Remote Work Gives Filipinos
More than anything, remote work gives Filipinos a choice—something the previous generation didn’t have.
A choice to:
Stay with family instead of working abroad.
Work for top international companies without leaving home.
Earn beyond what local employers are willing to pay.
Build businesses, brands, and careers that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise.
For the first time, we’re not just competing locally—we’re competing globally. And the ones who take this seriously are the ones who will thrive.
What’s Your Move?
If you’re already working remotely, how are you leveling up?
If you’re on the fence, what’s stopping you from taking the first step?
And if you still think $8/hour is exploitation, take a step back and ask yourself: Are you seeing the bigger picture, or just focusing on the number?
Remote work isn’t perfect, but for many Filipinos, it’s the best shot at a career that pays well, provides flexibility, and offers real growth.
The opportunity is there. What you do with it is up to you.
