Average Salary in Japan (2025)

Understanding the average salary in Japan (2025) is crucial for job seekers, businesses, and international professionals considering opportunities in the country. Japan has one of the world’s largest economies, known for its advanced technology, global trade, and strong corporate culture. However, the average wage in Japan varies widely depending on industry, experience level, and location—especially between major cities like Tokyo and Osaka versus rural regions.

In this guide, we’ll cover salary data, minimum wage in Japan 2025, industry-wise salary breakdown, cost of living vs salary, and how Japan compares globally.

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Average Salary in Japan: An Overview

In 2025, the average salary in Japan is approximately ¥4.9 million per year (around ¥410,000 per month, equal to $33,000 USD/year). Salaries in Japan are generally lower than in the USA or Western Europe, but the country balances this with stability, strong social benefits, and a high quality of life.

• Median Salary: ¥4.2 million/year (~$28,000 USD)
• Top 10% Earners: Above ¥9 million/year (~$60,000 USD)
• Entry-Level Workers: Around ¥2.5 million–¥3 million/year (~$18,000–$22,000 USD)

🔗 Looking beyond Japan? Read about the Average Salary in Ethiopia (2025).

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Industry-Wise Salary Breakdown in Japan (2025)

Different sectors in Japan offer varying pay scales. Here’s the breakdown:

• Technology & IT: ¥6.5M–¥10M/year (~$45,000–$70,000)
• Engineering & Manufacturing: ¥5M–¥7.5M/year (~$35,000–$52,000)
• Healthcare (Doctors & Nurses): ¥4.5M–¥9M/year (~$32,000–$63,000)
• Finance & Banking: ¥6M–¥9M/year (~$42,000–$63,000)
• Education (Teachers): ¥3M–¥5M/year (~$21,000–$35,000)
• Hospitality & Retail: ¥2.5M–¥4M/year (~$18,000–$28,000)

This shows Japan offers competitive wages in tech, finance, and healthcare, but modest pay in education and retail.

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Minimum Wage in Japan (2025)

Japan sets minimum wages regionally, not nationwide. In 2025, the average minimum wage across Japan is around ¥1,000 per hour (~$7 USD/hour).

Examples:

• Tokyo: ¥1,113/hour ($7.70)
• Osaka: ¥1,065/hour ($7.35)
• Rural Prefectures: ¥900–¥950/hour (~$6.20–$6.60)

While Japan’s minimum wage is lower than Western economies, its cost of living in smaller cities is also significantly cheaper.

🔗 Looking beyond Japan? Read about the Average Salary in Mexico (2025).

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Cost of Living vs Salary in Japan

The cost of living vs salary in Japan is a key factor for workers and expats.

• Tokyo & Osaka: Living costs are high, with rent in Tokyo averaging ¥150,000/month ($1,000). A salary of ¥6M ($42,000) is needed to live comfortably.
• Regional Cities: Costs drop by 30–40%, making an income of ¥4M (~$28,000) more sustainable.
• Food & Transport: Japan offers affordable groceries and public transport, balancing expenses compared to the USA or UK.

Example: A ¥5M salary in Tokyo offers the same purchasing power as a ¥3.5M salary in a smaller city like Fukuoka.

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Salary Trends in Japan (2025)

In 2025, salary trends in Japan show growth in:

• Technology & AI Jobs – High demand, especially in robotics & software
• Healthcare & Nursing – Driven by Japan’s aging population
• Green Energy & Sustainability Roles – Expanding with global climate goals

However, retail and service wages remain stagnant despite inflation, posing challenges for low-income workers.

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How Japan Salaries Compare Globally

When compared to the average salary worldwide, Japan sits in the mid-range:

• Lower than USA, Germany, Australia, Switzerland
• Higher than China, India, Philippines, and other Asian nations

Japan’s salaries may not be the highest, but combined with stability, safety, and quality of life, it remains attractive for skilled workers.

👉 For a full comparison, visit our Average Salary Worldwide (2025) guide.

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Conclusion

In summary, the average salary in Japan (2025) stands at around ¥4.9 million per year (~$33,000 USD). While this may seem modest compared to the USA or Europe, Japan offers a stable economy, safe lifestyle, and excellent infrastructure.

Understanding the balance between average wage in Japan, minimum wage, and cost of living vs salary is essential for professionals, expats, and businesses evaluating opportunities in the country.

👉 For a full comparison, visit our Average Salary Worldwide (2025) guide.