【 Latest 】 What is the average annual income of foreigners living in Japan? The average annual income of Japanese by genre is also explained!
For a foreigner to live alone in Japan, he/she must work in Japan to earn money. However, some may not know how much salary a foreigner can earn in Japan.
This article therefore provides a detailed explanation of average income and wages in Japan, including by age and industry.
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Average annual income of foreigners working in Japan
The average annual income of foreign workers in Japan is approximately 2.48 million yen. By status of residence, the highest income is in the professional/technical field (excluding specified skills) at approximately 3 million yen, with those working in professional/technical fields tending to have higher incomes.
| status of residence (in Japan) | Amount of money |
|---|---|
| Total Foreign Workers | 2,484,000 yen |
| Professional and technical fields (excluding specific skills) | 2,996,000 yen |
| specific skill | 2,057,000 yen |
| based on a person's identity | 2,807,000 yen |
| technical internship | 1,778,000 yen |
| Others (activities other than specified activities and study abroad) | 2,209,000 yen |
However, it tends to be somewhat lower than that of the Japanese. For reference, the average age of workers in "professional and technical fields (excluding specified skills)" is 31.9 years old, and the average annual income of Japanese workers in their 30s is approximately 4.47 million yen.
What is the average annual income of Japanese people?
The average annual income of Japanese in 2022 was approximately 4.58 million yen, and has been gradually increasing since 2014. Changes over the past 10 years are shown below.
【 Average annual income in Japan over the past 10 years】
| fiscal year (usu. April 1 to March 31) | annual income |
|---|---|
| 2014 | 4,209,000 yen |
| Year 2015 | 4,234,000 yen |
| Year 2008 | 4,250,000 |
| Year 2009 | 4,336,000 yen |
| Year 2008 | 4,391,000 yen |
| 2028 | 4,384,000 yen |
| 2020 | 4,351,000 yen |
| 2021 | 4,457,000 yen |
| 2022 | 4,576,000 yen |
Since the average annual income is an overall average regardless of gender, age, etc., let's look at the differences in the average annual income of Japanese by gender, age, education, prefecture, etc. in a little more detail in the next section.
Average annual income in Japan by genre
The average annual income of Japanese by gender and age is shown below. Overall, men have higher annual incomes, and the gender gap tends to widen as age increases. This is thought to be related to the fact that women often take time off from work due to marriage or childbirth, making it harder for them to hone their work skills as much as men.
1. by gender and age
The average annual income of Japanese by gender and age is shown below. Overall, men have higher annual incomes, and the gender gap tends to widen as age increases. This is thought to be related to the fact that women often take time off from work due to marriage or childbirth, making it harder for them to hone their work skills as much as men.
【 Average annual income in Japan by gender and age 】
| age | masculine gender | female | combined for men and women |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20-24 years old | 2,205,000 yen | 2,163,000 yen | 2,185,000 yen |
| 25-29 years old | 2,593,000 yen | 2,408,000 yen | 2,512,000 yen |
| 30-34 years old | 2,970,000 yen | 2,540,000 | 2,810,000 |
| 35-39 years old | 3,358,000 yen | 2,682,000 yen | 3,125,000 yen |
| 40-44 years old | 3,636,000 yen | 2,755,000 yen | 3,337,000 yen |
| 45-49 years old | 3,881,000 yen | 2,785,000 yen | 3,492,000 yen |
| 50-54 years old | 4,109,000 yen | 2,792,000 yen | 3,647,000 yen |
| 55-59 years old | 4,165,000 yen | 2.8 million | 3.7 million |
| 60-64 years old | 3,218,000 yen | 2,373,000 yen | 2,956,000 yen |
| 65-69 years old | 2,745,000 yen | 2,165,000 yen | 2,576,000 yen |
| 70 to years old | 2,459,000 yen | 2,178,000 yen | 2,381,000 yen |
2. by educational background
The average annual income of Japanese by educational background is as follows. The higher the academic background, the higher the average annual income. For those with postgraduate degrees, men earn an average of approximately 4.78 million yen, while women earn an average of approximately 4.04 million yen. Overall, annual incomes are higher for men, and for women, those with technical college or junior college degrees are slightly higher than those with technical college or junior college degrees.
【 Average annual income in Japan by education level 】
| academic background | masculine gender | female | combined for men and women |
|---|---|---|---|
| high school graduate | 2,975,000 yen | 2,229,000 yen | 2,738,000 yen |
| vocational school graduate | 3,160,000 | 2,694,000 yen | 2,942,000 yen |
| Technical college and junior college graduates | 3,483,000 yen | 2,693,000 yen | 2,925,000 yen |
| university graduate | 3,921,000 yen | 2,940,000 | 3,628,000 yen |
| graduate-school graduate | 4,784,000 yen | 4,043,000 yen | 4,642,000 yen |
3. by prefecture
Average annual salaries for the major prefectures are as follows. When viewed nationally, Tokyo has the highest average of approximately 3.76 million yen, and Aomori has the lowest at approximately 2.48 million yen.
Major regional cities such as Hokkaido, Miyagi, and Hiroshima are generally around 3 million yen. Urban prefectures with larger populations tend to have higher annual incomes.
【 Average annual income in major prefectures 】
| administrative divisions of Japan: Tokyo-to, Hokkai-do, Osaka-fu and Kyoto-fu | average annual income |
|---|---|
| National total | 2,975,000 yen |
| Tokyo Metropolitan area | 3,755,000 yen |
| Osaka (metropolitan area) | 3,309,000 yen |
| Aichi prefecture (Chuubu area) | 3,126,000 yen |
| Hokkaido | 2,677,000 yen |
| Aomori prefecture (Tohoku area) | 2,476,000 yen |
| Miyagi prefecture (Tohoku area) | 3,052,000 yen |
| Hiroshima prefecture (Chuugoku area) | 2,961,000 yen |
| Kagawa prefecture (Shikoku) | 2,828,000 yen |
| Fukuoka prefecture (Kyushu) | 2,965,000 yen |
4. by industry
The average annual income of Japanese by industry is as follows. The information and communication industry and the education industry tend to be high, while the accommodation and restaurant industry is low. In the information and communication industry, IT engineers such as programmers are the easiest for foreigners to find employment. In the education industry, foreign language instructors are likely to find employment.
【 Average annual income in Japan by industry 】
| type of industry | masculine gender | female | combined for men and women |
|---|---|---|---|
| manufacturing industry | 3,263,000 yen | 2,293,000 yen | 3,015,000 yen |
| telecommunications industry | 4,022,000 yen | 3,145,000 yen | 3,788,000 yen |
| Wholesale and retail | 3,510,000 | 2,464,000 yen | 3,146,000 yen |
| Lodging and food services | 2,914,000 yen | 2,161,000 yen | 2,574,000 yen |
| Education and learning support industry | 4,366,000 yen | 3,165,0005000 yen | 3,777,000 yen |
| Medical and welfare | 3,582,000 yen | 2,717,000 yen | 2,967,000 yen |
Recommended jobs for foreigners living in Japan
From here, we will introduce specific recommended jobs (industries) in Japan for foreigners who are living in Japan or who want to live in Japan in the future.
1. language teacher/interpreter/translator
Working as a teacher of English or one's native language, or as an interpreter or translator, is an easy career choice for foreigners. In Japan, there are still many people who speak no other language than Japanese, and businesses such as English conversation schools have been in existence for many years.
Although the number of companies looking to expand overseas is expected to continue to increase, it is unlikely that the number of Japanese who can speak English will suddenly skyrocket, so jobs where language skills can be utilized will continue to be in demand. Foreigners who can teach native English or their native language well will continue to be in demand.
2. engineer
IT-related jobs, called software engineers or programmers in English, are also recommended for foreigners. Even if you are not comfortable with your level of Japanese, you can expect a certain level of treatment if you have good skills as an engineer.
Another advantage is that tasks such as programming have relatively low language barriers and do not require that much communication.
3. receptionist
Receptionist work at hotels, commercial facilities, office buildings, etc., where you deal with foreign customers, is also a good job for foreigners. You will be able to make use of your native language and greet customers from abroad with a smile.
Receptionist work can be performed even if your Japanese is not perfect, as most of the responses are basically in fixed phrases. It is a challenging job that allows you to fully demonstrate your communication skills in a foreign language.
4. wholesale and retail
The wholesale business connects companies that manufacture products with companies that sell them, and its main duties include product management, sorting, and delivery at warehouses and other locations. Most of the work is relatively simple and does not require a high level of Japanese language skills.
On the other hand, there may be occasions when you have to deal with foreign companies, and in such situations, you can make full use of your native language skills.
Jobs in the retail industry, or working in retail stores, include working at a cash register in a convenience store or supermarket or setting out items in a store. Because there are many opportunities to serve customers, there are many situations where Japanese is used, but this is a good position for those who would rather actively learn Japanese.
5. nursing care business
With the aging of Japan's population, nursing care work is expected to be in increasing demand in the future, and with the new "nursing care" residence status established in 2017, the number of foreign nationals working in the nursing care field is expected to increase.
The work is centered on supporting the daily lives of the elderly, assisting them with meals, bathing, toileting, and so on. As there is a serious shortage of labor in this field, it is a challenging and rewarding field to work in. The ability to learn nursing care knowledge and skills while improving your Japanese language skills is also an attractive feature of the job.
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summary
In this article, we have detailed the average annual income of foreigners working in Japan, the average annual income of Japanese by genre, and recommended jobs for foreigners living in Japan.
To start a new life in Japan, the most important thing is to first find a job and earn an income. We recommend that you choose a job from various perspectives, such as a field where you can utilize your skills or a type of work you would like to try while also learning Japanese.
For more information on popular Japanese companies for foreigners and recommended jobs with high salaries, please refer to the following article.
・The latest ranking of Japanese companies recommended for foreigners!
・Must-see for foreigners who want to work in Japan! 10 recommended jobs with high salary
We hope this article will be of some help to foreign residents who want to work in Japan. We hope you will find a job that suits you and lead a fulfilling life in Japan.
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