The average salary in Japan in 2025

The average salary in Japan is always a topic of interest, especially amid economic fluctuations. In 2025, this figure has undergone significant changes, reflecting the country’s economic situation and labor policies.

1. Average salary in Japan in 2025

According to the latest statistics, the average monthly salary for workers in Japan in 2025 is approximately 472,000 JPY (around 3,182 USD). This figure represents the mean income level, meaning half of the workforce earns more than this amount, while the other half earns less.

Unlike the median salary, the average salary can be skewed by extreme cases—such as highly paid CEOs of major corporations or low-skilled workers earning significantly less. Therefore, when analyzing actual income levels, it is essential to consider factors such as industry, experience, and location.

2. Minimum wage in Japan in 2025

Minimum wages in Japan vary significantly across different prefectures. According to the latest updates:

• Prefecture with the lowest minimum wage: Iwate – 893 JPY/hour (~ 6.03 USD), equivalent to 142,880 JPY/month (~ 965 USD).
• Region with the highest minimum wage: Tokyo – 1,113 JPY/hour (~ 7.51 USD), equivalent to 192,920 JPY/month (~ 1,301 USD).

It is important to note that these minimum wages do not include additional allowances such as transportation costs, overtime pay, bonuses, holiday allowances, or night shift compensation. These extra payments must be provided separately in accordance with Japan’s labor laws.

3. Average salary by city in Japan (2025)

The average salary in Japan varies significantly across regions, depending on the level of economic development and cost of living in each city. Tokyo remains the leader with an average monthly salary of 576,000 JPY (approximately 3,884 USD) due to its thriving economy and high labor demand. On the other hand, Sendai, a city in the Tohoku region, has a considerably lower average salary of 467,000 JPY (around 3,149 USD).

In general, major metropolitan areas such as Osaka, Yokohama, and Nagoya also offer higher salaries compared to suburban or rural areas, reflecting differences in job opportunities and living costs.

4. Average salary by education level and gender in Japan (2025)

Education level and gender are two key factors influencing workers’ earnings in Japan. According to 2025 statistics:

• Gender gap: Male workers in Japan earn, on average, 15% more than female workers, even when they have the same education level and work experience. This reflects the persistent income inequality in the Japanese labor market.
• Education level: Workers with postgraduate degrees earn nearly twice as much as those with only a high school diploma. Professionals holding master’s or doctoral degrees often secure senior positions, enabling them to achieve significantly higher salaries.

5. Average salary by occupation in Japan (2025)

Occupational choice plays a crucial role in determining income levels. Below is a ranking of the highest- and lowest-paying professions in Japan in 2025:

Top 5 highest-paid professions

• Dentist – 1,290,000 JPY/month (~8,738 USD)
• Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – 1,220,000 JPY/month (~8,264 USD)
• Chief Financial Officer (CFO) – 1,150,000 JPY/month (~7,790 USD)
• Lawyer – 1,080,000 JPY/month (~7,316 USD)
• Surgeon – 1,050,000 JPY/month (~7,112 USD)

These professions require high levels of expertise, years of experience, and specialized qualifications, which justify their substantial salaries in the labor market.

Top 5 lowest-paid professions

• Restaurant Server – 163,000 JPY/month (~1,104 USD)
• Hotel Receptionist – 192,000 JPY/month (~1,300 USD)
• Customer Service Representative – 201,000 JPY/month (~1,361 USD)
• Preschool Teacher – 203,000 JPY/month (~1,374 USD)
• Mechanic – 203,000 JPY/month (~1,374 USD)

Lower-paying jobs typically fall under the unskilled labor sector, requiring minimal professional qualifications. However, these roles remain essential to Japan’s economy, supporting various industries and daily services.

Overall, Japan’s average salary in 2025 shows a positive growth trend, signaling good news for workers and a crucial factor in shaping the country’s economic landscape.