Japan is one of the world’s largest economies, globally recognized for its robust automobile industry, technological innovation and vibrant culture.
For expats and professionals considering life or work opportunities here, understanding Japan’s work culture and salary landscape can be invaluable.
This guide provides insights about the average salary in Japan, including variations by region, experience, education, industry, and more so you can plan your life in this fascinating country more effectively.
Average Salary in Japan 2025
Earlier this year, we conducted an in-depth research across leading job boards, recruitment platforms, and salary databases and analyzed salary data for over 5,000 professionals working in Japan.
We found the average salary in Japan in 2025 is approximately $515,000 JPY (approx. 3,794 USD) per month or ¥6.1 million JPY (approx. 40,000 USD ) per year. Salaries vary based on industry, experience, and location. Urban areas like Tokyo offer higher wages compared to rural regions. Specialized fields such as tech and finance often pay above the national average.
Salaries in Japan can also vary widely. The lowest and highest salary we found in our survey is below-
- Lowest Average: ¥130,000 JPY (~958 USD)/month
- Highest Average: ¥2,300,000 JPY (~16,944 USD)/month
The upper range represents high-level professional roles, not the maximum achievable salaries.
The median monthly salary in Japan is ¥471,000 JPY (~3,470 USD), meaning half the workforce earn below this level and the other half earn above it.
Minimum Wage in Japan
Japan typically adheres to a 40-hour workweek, and the minimum hourly wage for workers is determined by each region’s Regional Minimum Wage Council.
The current national weighted average minimum wage in Japan is 961 yen.
| Prefecture | Minimum Wage (Hourly) |
|---|---|
| Tokyo | ¥1113 JPY (~8.50 USD) |
| Osaka | ¥1023 JPY |
| Okinawa | ¥893 JPY |
Tokyo workers earning the highest minimum wage in Japan of about 985 JPY (8.5 USD) per hour find themselves in a position comparable to workers in other high-income international cities like Hong Kong and Seoul.
Factors That Shape Salaries in Japan
Four key factors play a role in determining salaries in Japan:
1. Region
Tokyo offers the highest average salary in Japan due to its large business market and the presence of many big corporations. It’s followed by cities like Yokohama and Osaka.
| City | Average Salary/Month |
|---|---|
| Tokyo | 574,000 JPY (4,229 USD) |
| Yokohama | 564,000 JPY (4,155 USD) |
| Osaka | 555,000 JPY (4,089 USD) |
| Nagoya | 545,000 JPY (4,015 USD) |
| Fukuoka | 526,000 JPY (3,875 USD) |
| Kyoto | 505,000 JPY (3,720 USD) |
| Kawasaki | 495,000 JPY (3,647 USD) |
| Saitama | 486,000 JPY (3,580 USD) |
| Hiroshima | 476,000 JPY (3,507 USD) |
| Okinawa | 390,000 JPY (2,873 USD) |
The economic activity in major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Yokohama is what makes salary levels competitive for talent in highly competitive markets.
Tokyo, being the financial and commercial hub, consistently reports the highest salaries across most industries. Those relocating to Japan should expect higher costs — and generally higher pay — in larger cities. In more rural or regional areas, the cost of living is lower, so are the average salaries.
Professionals in rural prefectures may find their salaries 20-30% lower than the national average, which also reflects the economic differences across the country.
2. Education level
Education is one of the strongest predictors of salary potential in Japan. Workers with only a high school diploma typically earn salaries on the lower end or below the national average.
Obtaining a college diploma or bachelor’s degree opens doors to higher-paying sectors like finance, technology, and consulting. Those holding a master’s degree or Ph.D. not only access more specialized career paths but also command substantially higher salaries, particularly in academia, research, healthcare, and senior corporate roles.
Many international companies operating in Japan also place a premium on advanced degrees, making higher education a strategic investment for those aiming to maximize their long-term earning potential.
| Education Level | Salary Increase |
|---|---|
| College or Diploma | 17% more than High School |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 24% more than College or Diploma |
| Master’s Degree | 29% more than Bachelor’s Degree |
| Ph.D. | 23% more than Master’s Degree |
Employees with postgraduate degrees can earn close to double compared to those with only a high school diploma.
3. Experience level
Another key factor in determining an employee’s net income in Japan is their work experience. Generally, employees earn a higher salary if they have more experience.
| Years of Experience | Salary Increase |
|---|---|
| Less than 2 years | Starting Salary |
| 2-5 years | 32% more than less than 2 years |
| 5-10 years | 36% more than less than 5 years |
| 10-15 years | 21% more than less than 10 years |
| 15-20 years | 14% more than less than 15 years |
| Above 20 years | 9% more than less than 20 years |
In Japan, early-career professionals (2–5 years of experience) can expect significant salary jumps compared to entry-level wages. Mid-career employees (5–10 years) usually see even larger gains as they take on managerial roles.
After about 15 years, salary growth slows but continues steadily until peaking just before retirement. Companies highly value loyalty and long-term service, meaning that individuals who stay within one company for many years often benefit from incremental raises, bonuses, and additional perks.
However, younger generations are increasingly seeking faster growth through job changes, especially in international firms where merit-based pay structures are becoming more common.
4. Industry
The average salary in Japan is influenced by the job sector. Different industries offer different salaries for working professionals.
| Industry | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Medical and Health Care | 9,220,000 JPY (67,921 USD) |
| Science and Technical Services | 8,270,000 JPY (60,923 USD) |
| Real Estate | 6,990,000 JPY (51,494 USD) |
| Education | 6,550,000 JPY (48,252 USD) |
| Finance and Accounting | 6,360,000 JPY (46,853 USD) |
Sectors such as healthcare, science and technology, and finance offer higher salaries due to the demand for specialized skills and qualifications.
Medical professionals like doctors and specialists often command top salaries due to rigorous educational requirements and labor shortages. Likewise, engineers and IT consultants are also most lucrative in the job market.
On the other hand, industries such as education and retail typically offer lower average compensation compared to the national average.
5. Profession
Choosing the right career path significantly impacts lifetime earnings in Japan.
Highly specialized and leadership roles tend to offer the highest compensation, while service-oriented or entry-level roles typically pay less. Sectors like healthcare, technology, and executive leadership are among the most lucrative, reflecting the value placed on expertise, education, and strategic responsibility.
| Profession | Average Annual Salary |
| Dentist | ¥15,600,000 JPY |
| CEO | ¥14,200,000 JPY |
| Software Engineer | ¥7,000,000 JPY |
| English Teacher (ALT) | ¥3,200,000 JPY |
| Accountant | ¥6,360,000 JPY |
| Waiter/Waitress | ¥2,400,000 JPY |
6. Age Group
In Japan, salaries tend to rise steadily with age and experience. Younger workers typically start at lower salary levels, and make more with career advancement.
| Age Group | Average Monthly Salary |
| 20s | ¥280,000 JPY |
| 30s | ¥340,000 JPY |
| 40s | ¥400,000 JPY |
| 50s | ¥450,000 JPY |
Workers in their 30s often see significant jumps as they transition from entry-level to more specialized or managerial roles.
Salaries usually peak in the late 40s or early 50s, when many professionals hold senior positions or leadership roles. After reaching their peak, salaries tend to plateau and may decline slightly as retirement nears, reflecting shifts in job responsibilities or part-time transitions.
Gender Pay Gap in Japan
Despite some progress, the gender wage gap in Japan remains notable. According to Nippon.com, women earn approximately 75.7% of what men earn.
In 2023, male workers averaged ¥342,000 JPY/month, compared to ¥259,000 JPY/month for females.
While this gap is closing, it mostly stems from traditional employment practices and lower representation of women in senior leadership roles.
Salary Increment in Japan
Employees in Japan receive an average salary increment of about 8% every 16 months. This increment may vary based on industry and experience level.
Is the Average Salary in Japan Enough to Live Comfortably?
Living comfortably in Japan depends on your location, lifestyle expectations, and personal financial habits. With an average annual salary of around ¥6 million JPY, a single person can afford a modest but comfortable lifestyle in most cities outside the Tokyo metropolitan area.
However, if you are planning to live in Tokyo, the average salary may feel tighter. In Tokyo, a more comfortable lifestyle typically requires an annual salary closer to ¥7–8 million JPY or more, especially when factoring in higher housing costs, transportation, and leisure activities.
Estimated monthly expenses for a single person living in Tokyo:
- Rent (1-bedroom): ¥110,000–150,000 JPY
- Food, transportation, and utilities: ¥100,000–120,000 JPY
Total monthly living cost: approximately ¥210,000–270,000 JPY
For a family of three or four living in Tokyo, a more realistic annual income requirement would be around ¥10–12 million JPY to maintain a middle-class lifestyle.
Family expenses such as larger housing, education fees, childcare, health insurance, and groceries significantly increase the cost of living. Many families allocate at least ¥300,000–400,000 JPY per month for basic living expenses in Tokyo, depending on lifestyle choices.
Cities like Fukuoka, Sapporo, or Hiroshima are much more affordable and rent and daily expenses can be 30-40% lower.
Conclusion
Living in Japan can be a rewarding experience, especially for expats. The cost of living, which includes housing, can be quite manageable, especially when considering the average salaries in the country. For instance, the minimum salary ranges between 30,400 JPY to 39,600 JPY (224 USD to 292 USD) per month, which can cover basic living expenses.
However, it’s important to note that the cost of living can significantly increase in metropolitan areas or for those seeking a more luxurious lifestyle. This article provides an overview of the average income in Japan, taking into account various factors such as region, education level, and industry. This information can be particularly useful when budgeting for living expenses, including housing.
Whether you’re considering moving to Japan or already living there, having a clear understanding of the salary landscape can help you make informed decisions and plan your life in Japan more effectively.
