A moderator is someone who facilitates discussions and manages online communities. Their role involves reviewing user-generated content to ensure it aligns with community guidelines, engaging with users, and taking action against rule-breaking content or users. Moderators play an important role in cultivating healthy online spaces.
In the Philippines, moderation work is commonly outsourced by international technology and social media companies. With the growth of the internet and social media, the demand for moderators in the Philippines has significantly increased over the past decade. Filipino moderators are often appreciated for their English language abilities, tech-savviness, and cultural adaptability.
For Filipinos, moderation provides an accessible online job opportunity that allows them to work from home. However, the nature of the work dealing with disturbing content and strict metrics also makes it mentally taxing. Understanding how much moderators make is important for evaluating the fairness of their compensation.
Average Moderator Salaries in the Philippines
Based on job listings and reports, the average monthly salary for a moderator in the Philippines seems to be in the range of **P20,000 – P35,000**.
However, there is significant variation based on factors like:
– Experience level: Entry-level moderators may start at around P15,000 per month, while senior moderators can earn over P40,000.
– Company: Multinational companies like Facebook and Accenture pay higher, while smaller outsourcing firms pay less.
– Work hours: Full-time moderators earn more than part-timers. Most listings are for shifting schedules.
– Client country: Moderators supporting US clients earn higher than those supporting regional clients.
– Languages: Fluency in additional languages besides English commands a pay premium.
Here is a breakdown of average monthly moderator salaries in the Philippines:
| Experience Level | Average Monthly Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry-level (0-2 years) | P15,000 – P25,000 |
| Mid-level (2-5 years) | P20,000 – P30,000 |
| Senior (5+ years) | P30,000 – P45,000 |
While these figures indicate average moderator salaries in the Philippines, compensation can vary significantly based on individual profiles and companies.
Factors Affecting Moderator Salaries
Several factors account for the wide salary ranges among roles that may outwardly seem similar. Here are some aspects that affect moderator pay in the Philippines:
Company Size and Type
Larger multinational technology firms like Facebook, Google, and Accenture have the capacity to pay higher salaries to match international standards.
Smaller outsourcing companies catering to regional clients tend to offer lower salaries to remain cost-competitive. Local Philippine startups fall somewhere in between.
In-house moderator roles directly within a company also pay better than outsourced positions.
Client Location
Moderators supporting clients in developed countries like the US and Europe get higher pay compared to those working for regional clients.
For example, a moderator handling US content may earn P25,000 monthly, while one handling SEA content gets P18,000 for the same role due to localization of pay.
Languages and Skills
Fluency in languages besides English – like Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Spanish, French – attracts a pay premium. Skills like good communication, critical thinking and proficiency in digital platforms also help secure higher salaries.
Physical Location
There can be minor variations in moderator pay based on their physical location within the Philippines due to economic differences.
Metro Manila moderators may be paid slightly more than those in other urban areas like Cebu, reflecting higher costs of living.
Nature and Volume of Content
Moderators handling more sensitive or disturbing type of content, like violent imagery, nudity, etc are better compensated due to the mental toll.
Higher content volume requirements also result in higher pay to account for pressure and fatigue.
Benefits
Besides base pay, the quality of benefits like insurance, leave allowance, bonuses and perks also impact total compensation. Larger firms offer better benefits.
How Much do Top Moderator Employers in the Philippines Pay?
To better understand moderator salaries, here is a breakdown of the pay and benefits offered by some of the top companies employing moderators in the Philippines:
Monthly Salary: P30,000 – P45,000
Benefits: Performance bonuses, 20 paid leave days per year, mental health support
Work Environment: In-house roles, good professional development
Facebook moderators in the Philippines are among the highest paid in the industry. Compensation levels are at par with international standards due to the company’s size and resources. Moderators handle Facebook, Instagram and Whatsapp content.
Accenture
Monthly Salary: P20,000 – P35,000
Benefits: Overtime pay, performance incentives, 15 paid leave days per year
Work Environment: Outsourced roles, high-pressure targets
Accenture moderators work on outsourced contracts supporting the likes of Facebook, YouTube and Twitter. Salaries vary based on client, language skills and experience levels. The role is relatively fast-paced and high-pressure.
Telus International
Monthly Salary: P15,000 – P25,000
Benefits: Performance incentives, internet allowance, 20 leave days per year
Work Environment: Outsourced roles, offers part-time positions
As a major BPO employer, Telus International offers large-scale moderation jobs supporting global tech firms. The pay is competitive for the industry, although management practices have drawn labor complaints.
Monthly Salary: P35,000 – P50,000
Benefits: Generous health benefits, travel opportunities, skill-based bonuses
Work Environment: In-house roles, good work-life balance
Google moderators in the Philippines are among the top-tier in terms of compensation, at par with internal US-standards. The in-house roles come with good developmental opportunities and work culture.
Thinking Room
Monthly Salary: P15,000 – P20,000
Benefits: Performance incentives, 15 paid leave days per year
Work Environment: Small outsourcing company serving SEA clients
As a niche outsourcing firm focused on the SEA market, Thinking Room offers competitive but lower salaries compared to multinational players. Moderators handle social media content in Filipino, Thai, Vietnamese beside English.
How Much do Moderators Make Relative to Other Jobs in the Philippines?
To better evaluate if the pay is fair, it helps to compare moderator salaries in the Philippines relative to average salaries for other jobs:
| Job Role | Average Monthly Salary |
|---|---|
| Call Center Agent | P20,000 – P30,000 |
| Data Entry Specialist | P15,000 – P25,000 |
| Accountant | P20,000 – P35,000 |
| HR Associate | P25,000 – P40,000 |
| Moderator | P20,000 – P35,000 |
We see that the average moderator pay is broadly in line with BPO roles like call center agents and data entry specialists. It is moderately lower than professional roles like accountants and HR associates.
Given the specific skills and emotional labor involved, there is a case to be made that moderator salaries should be higher relative to call center roles. However, the outsourced nature of the work limits bargaining power.
How Can Moderators Earn More in the Philippines?
While moderator salaries in the Philippines offer livable wages, there is often room for improvement. Here are some tips for moderators to increase their earnings:
– Gain experience and expertise: Build up your moderation skills and familiarity with different types of content over time. Become fluent in multiple languages. Position yourself as a senior-level expert.
– Apply to large multinational companies: Big tech firms pay better to meet global standards. Get your profile visible on recruitment platforms.
– Ask about salary during interviews: Research expected pay ranges and negotiate your salary. Know your worth.
– Take on extra responsibilities: Volunteer for mentorship duties, quality analysis, training new moderators etc. Gain value as a resource.
– Switch firms strategically: Build up your profile and occasionally switch between leading mass employers like Facebook, Accenture, Telus. Leverage pay bumps.
– Become a team lead: Acquire leadership skills and experience to become a team lead, reviewer or quality analyst. This boosts pay significantly.
– Freelance with foreign clients: Experienced moderators can earn USD 15-30 per hour freelancing with direct foreign clients. Build out your personal brand.
With some diligence and perseverance, Filipino moderators can see their salaries climb over time through valuable experience and strategic moves.
Conclusion
To summarize, moderators in the Philippines earn around P20,000 – P35,000 per month on average. Salaries vary based on experience, skills, languages, company and client. Leading employers like Facebook and Google pay better, while smaller outsourcing firms offer lower ranges.
Relative to other jobs, moderator pay in the Philippines is on par with BPO roles but lower than professional office jobs. There is scope for experienced moderators to earn more by freelancing or taking on leadership roles. Overall, moderation provides a steady livable income for Filipinos given the right strategies. The importance of the work also continues to increase as online communities grow.