Salaries in Japan: What You Can Expect by Experience & Industry (2024)
Japanese compensation varies widely by sector, seniority, company size, and location. All figures annual gross (JPY), approximate 2023–24 data (1 USD ≈ 150 JPY).
National Averages (MHLW)
- Overall average (full-time): ¥4.41M (~$29,400)
- Median: ~¥3.6M (~$24,000) — skewed by high earners.
- Gender gap: Women ~¥3.1M vs Men ~¥5.0M (career breaks, part-time, sector segregation).
By Career Stage
| Stage | Typical Range (¥M) | USD Approx. | Notes |
|---|
| New grad (entry) | 2.8–3.5 | $19K–$23K | Simultaneous hiring (shūshoku). Bonuses 2–4 mo. |
| 3–5 years exp | 4.0–5.5 | $27K–$37K | Core contributor. Job-hopping rare traditionally. |
| Senior / Specialist (10+ yr) | 6.0–10.0 | $40K–$67K | Section chief (kachō), expert track. |
| Management (buchō+) | 10.0–20.0+ | $67K–$133K+ | Department head, director. Stock options rare. |
| Executive (torishimariyaku) | 20.0–50.0+ | $133K–$333K+ | Top listed cos. Foreign firms pay 2–3×. |
By Industry (Median, Full-Time)
- Finance / Insurance: ¥6.5M+
- IT / Software / AI: ¥5.5–8.0M (foreign firms: ¥10M+)
- Pharma / MedTech: ¥6.0–9.0M
- Manufacturing (auto, precision): ¥5.0–7.0M
- Construction / Real Estate: ¥4.5–6.5M
- Retail / Services / Hospitality: ¥3.0–4.0M
- Education / Non-profit: ¥3.5–5.0M
Regional Differences
- Tokyo (23 wards): +15–30% vs national.
- Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka: ~national avg.
- Rural / Tohoku / Shikoku / Kyushu: −10–20%.
Total Compensation Nuances
- Bonuses: Summer + Winter = 2–6 months base (company performance).
- Allowances: Housing (¥20–50k/mo), commute (full), family, qualification.
- Overtime: "Service overtime" (unpaid) still exists; legal cap 45h/mo, 360h/yr.
- Tax/Social insurance: ~25–30% deducted.
For Foreigners
Specialist/Highly Skilled Professional visa → higher brackets. English-teaching (ALT/eikaiwa): ¥2.5–3.5M. Engineer/IT transfer: ¥6–12M. Negotiate base + bonus + housing.
Wanderlust World