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  • Writer's pictureSebastian Elliot Osborne

In Focus: Outsourcing in the Philippines and the Top 11 Outsourced Industries


Skyscrapers in Manila

If you are looking for an insight of the top industries that businesses around the world outsource in the Philippines, this read is for you. Find out what makes the Philippines a top offshore outsourcing destination in Asia, and in the world to be precise.


In recent years, we are aware that outsourcing has become a strategic imperative for companies seeking efficiency, flexibility, and cost savings. These are the common reasons why companies need outsourcing services.


And among the premier outsourcing destinations, the Philippines has emerged as a powerhouse, boasting a large and dynamic talent pool. From Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), that started with the emergence of call centers in the country, to now a highly-technical Knowledge Process Outsourcing (KPO) services, the country is now in full-service in any of the outsourcing needs of businesses around the world. 


This article aims to help you gain more knowledge in outsourcing in the Philippines, and ultimately help you elevate your business while also shedding light on the top 11 industries that have propelled the country into the forefront of the global outsourcing industry.


 

A woman cashier doing customer service

1. Customer Service/Support Outsourcing

One of the standout advantages of outsourcing customer service and support to the Philippines lies in its vast talent pool. Boasting over a million professionals, the country offers a workforce with exceptional English communication skills and a customer-service-oriented culture. This unique edge positions the Philippines as a preferred destination for companies looking to enhance their customer interactions.


Beyond linguistic prowess, the Philippines provides substantial cost savings for businesses. Entry-level salaries hover around $8 per hour, while experienced customer service agents can command $12-$15 per hour. This cost efficiency, especially when compared to North American or European rates, makes the Philippines an attractive hub for customer service outsourcing. The sheer scale of the talent pool in the Philippines adds a layer of flexibility and scalability for businesses. 


office workers

2. Back-Office Processing Outsourcing

Moving beyond customer service, the Philippines stands out in back-office processing outsourcing. Its skilled workforce is adept at handling data entry, bookkeeping, and other administrative tasks. This proficiency in back-office functions adds another dimension to the country's outsourcing prowess.


In addition to skill, cost savings are a compelling factor for companies seeking back-office support. Tasks such as data entry can be accomplished at rates ranging from $5 to $10 per hour, making the Philippines a cost-effective solution for administrative functions. The adaptability of the talent pool in back-office processing is a key asset, especially for staff leasing.


content ideation of a woman

3. Content Moderation/Data Annotation Outsourcing

As we traverse the outsourcing landscape in the Philippines, the focus now shifts to content moderation and data annotation. Here, the Philippines showcases its strength in understanding cultural nuances, a crucial aspect for tasks requiring content moderation. The meticulous approach in data annotation further underlines the country's expertise in these domains.


Cost efficiency remains a driving force, especially when human oversight is a necessity. Rates for data entry services can start as low as $3-$5 per hour, offering businesses an affordable yet quality solution for tasks demanding attention to detail. As the demand for such services increases, the Philippines continues to invest in training programs, ensuring a skilled and adaptable talent pool.


a software develeper coding

4. Software Development & IT Outsourcing

Transitioning to the heart of technological outsourcing, the Philippines boasts a large pool of IT professionals with expertise in various programming languages and frameworks. This edge positions the country as a prime destination for companies seeking software development and IT solutions.


Cost savings in software development can be substantial, with rates for junior developers starting around $18-$22 per hour and senior developers commanding rates upwards of $30 per hour. This section explores how these rates, coupled with high-quality output, make the Philippines an attractive choice for IT outsourcing. The Philippines' IT landscape is diverse, covering a wide spectrum of expertise.


an animator doing sketches

5. Animation & Graphic Design Outsourcing


In creativity, the Philippines also stands out with a creative talent pool known for its strong work ethic. From animation to graphic design, this edge positions the country as a hub for businesses seeking cost-effective yet top-notch creative solutions.


The potential for cost savings in creative projects is a significant draw for companies looking to outsource animation and graphic design. Rates can vary based on project complexity and designer experience, ranging from $15 to $40 per hour. The Philippines' creative landscape is not only rich in talent but also adaptable to diverse project requirements.


A person woking in healthcare

6. Healthcare Outsourcing (Medical Coding, Transcription)


Shifting gears to a critical sector, healthcare outsourcing in the Philippines leverages skilled professionals familiar with medical terminology and U.S. healthcare practices. This edge ensures accuracy and compliance in tasks like medical coding and transcription.


For medical practices seeking cost-effective back-office support, the Philippines offers rates starting at $8-$12 per hour for medical transcriptionists and $15-$20 per hour for medical coders. This section outlines the potential cost savings in outsourcing healthcare-related tasks. The Philippines continually invests in healthcare outsourcing to meet the increasing demand for skilled professionals in this sector and receives relevant training to stay abreast of industry standards.


A woman in sales

7. Sales & Marketing Outsourcing


In the dynamic industry of sales and marketing, the Philippines stands out for its workforce's English fluency and cultural understanding. This edge is particularly advantageous for outbound sales, telemarketing, and lead generation, making it a strategic choice for businesses aiming to expand their market reach, and more recently digital marketing outsourcing.


For companies looking to cut costs without compromising on quality, the Philippines offers potential savings in telemarketing and sales development. Rates can vary based on roles and experience levels, ranging from $8-$15 per hour for telemarketing to $15-$25 per hour for experienced sales development representatives. The Philippines accommodates varying expertise. From telemarketing specialists to seasoned sales professionals, businesses can find the right fit for their specific outsourcing needs.


A civil engineer doing his job

8. Engineering Services (CAD Design) Outsourcing


In the field of engineering services, the Philippines boasts a workforce with expertise in various disciplines. This edge positions the country as a cost-effective option for engineering projects requiring additional support.


With rates ranging from $18-$30 per hour, depending on the engineering specialization and experience level, businesses can benefit from cost-effective support in CAD design and other engineering tasks. This section explores the potential savings and quality output that the Philippines offers in engineering services outsourcing. While highlighting the strengths, it's important to acknowledge data limitations on specific engineering talent pool sizes. 


A woman recruiter

9. Recruitment Outsourcing


Navigating the intricacies of the Philippine job market, recruitment outsourcing leverages the edge of local knowledge and market understanding. Companies outsourcing recruitment processes benefit from professionals who comprehend the nuances of the Philippine job landscape.


For businesses looking to streamline recruitment costs, the Philippines offers potential savings with various fee structures. Recruitment fees can vary, ranging from a percentage of the first year's salary to a fixed fee. The talent pool for recruitment outsourcing is diverse and adaptable to the specific needs of businesses. 


Legal services provider

10. Legal Services (Paralegals) Outsourcing


In legal services outsourcing, the Philippines boasts law graduates with strong legal research and writing skills. This edge positions the country as a potential hub for businesses seeking cost-effective solutions for legal research and administrative tasks. For legal practices and businesses requiring legal support, the Philippines offers potential cost savings with rates starting around $10-$15 per hour. 


Poeple working in finance

11. Financial Services (Accounting, Loan Processing) Outsourcing


In financial services outsourcing, the Philippines stands out for its skilled professionals with experience in international financial regulations. This edge ensures that businesses seeking support in accounting and loan processing can rely on a workforce well-versed in the complexities of global financial standards.


With rates ranging from $15-$25 per hour, financial services outsourcing in the Philippines offers potential cost savings for businesses requiring back-office support in accounting and loan processing. This section explores the affordability and quality of outsourcing financial tasks. From entry-level accounting to seasoned financial professionals, businesses can find the right skill set for their specific financial outsourcing needs.


Your Offshourcing Advice


In conclusion, this exploration into outsourcing in the Philippines and the top 11 outsourced industries reveals a compelling narrative of a nation that has firmly established itself as a global outsourcing powerhouse. The Philippines has seamlessly transitioned from being a key player in Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) to becoming a versatile destination offering a full spectrum of outsourcing services, ranging from customer service to highly-technical Knowledge Process Outsourcing (KPO).


The standout advantage of the Philippines lies in its vast and dynamic talent pool, a force to be reckoned with in various industries. The country's proficiency in English communication, coupled with a customer-service-oriented culture, makes it an ideal destination for customer service and support outsourcing. Moreover, the scalability and adaptability of the talent pool enhance its appeal for businesses seeking flexible solutions.


Moving beyond customer service, the Philippines excels in back-office processing outsourcing, content moderation/data annotation outsourcing, software development, animation and graphic design outsourcing, healthcare outsourcing, sales and marketing outsourcing, engineering services outsourcing, recruitment outsourcing, legal services outsourcing, and financial services outsourcing. Each industry benefits from the unique strengths of the Filipino workforce, ranging from cost efficiency and linguistic prowess to cultural understanding and technical expertise.


The cost savings offered by the Philippines across these industries are significant, making it an attractive choice for businesses aiming to enhance efficiency while maintaining budgetary considerations. From entry-level positions to seasoned professionals, the Philippines provides a diverse talent pool that caters to the specific needs of businesses across different sectors.


As this comprehensive overview illustrates, the Philippines has evolved into a multifaceted outsourcing destination, offering not only cost-effective solutions but also high-quality outputs across various domains. Businesses worldwide can leverage the expertise and capabilities of the Filipino workforce to elevate their operations and achieve strategic objectives. 


In essence, the Philippines has firmly positioned itself as a top-tier global outsourcing partner, ready to meet the evolving demands of businesses in the dynamic landscape of outsourcing services.



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