Women freelancers earn less than their male peers on average, but the gender pay gap in the Philippines is significantly smaller than in many other countries, according to a report by Remitly.
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The Washington-based remittance company reported that, among the 54 countries included in the study, the Philippines ranked 46th for freelancer hourly rates. This indicates that Filipino freelancers generally charge lower rates for their services compared to those in many other countries.
The report found that Filipino women freelancers charge an average of 12.7% less per hour than men, earning an average of $15.49 (P942.85) per hour. Meanwhile, their male counterparts charge an average of $17.75 (P1,080.41) per hour.
This means that women freelancers in the Philippines effectively work “for free” until February 15, compared to men, a date that comes 24 days earlier than the global Freelancer Equal Pay Day on March 11.
The report also showed that another Southeast Asian country, Thailand, recorded the widest gender pay gap among freelancers. Women freelancers there charge an average of $30.68 per hour, while their male counterparts charge $63.57, resulting in a 51.7% gender pay gap.
For the study, Remitly analyzed the hourly rates of freelancers across featured roles in each major work category on Upwork, an online platform where freelancers can be hired by businesses and professionals worldwide.
If you’re planning to pursue freelancing, the report recommends determining your base rate first—a rate that allows you to cover your essential expenses while ensuring you are fairly compensated for your work. At the same time, avoid underselling yourself, and make sure you can demonstrate that you’re a trustworthy and credible professional.
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