Discover the Top Highest Paying Jobs in Japan (2024)

Global HR Highest paying jobs

Published On: March 06, 2024

Discover the Top Highest Paying Jobs in Japan (1)

Highest Paying Jobs in Japan: From Tokyo To Osaka

Japan is a country steeped in tradition and innovation, balancing ancient history with cutting-edge technology, all set against a backdrop of spectacular natural beauty.

Stretching over 3,000 kilometers in the northwest Pacific Ocean, Japan forms an extensive island chain. Honshu, Hokkaido, Shikoku, and Kyushu - the four major considered islands of Japan - collectively dominate more than 95% of its landmass.

See also: Hiring in Japan

Cultural Values of Japan

Ancient temples and samurai warriors have given way to anime and manga, as Japan's cultural heritage vibrantly evolves with a rich history and tradition.

People highly value politeness and social etiquette and emphasize respect and harmony. They deeply embed concepts like "wa" (harmony) and "omotenashi" (hospitality).

Rich artistic traditions, "encompassing calligraphy, tea ceremony, kabuki theatre, and exquisite gardens," are critical elements of Japan.

Japanese cuisine is known for its "freshness, seasonality, and exquisite presentation:" it highlights sushi, sashimi, ramen, and tempura.

Learn about the average salary in Japan.

Why Do People Seek Employment in Japan?

Japan holds the number one position in technological prowess. The nation leads the world in robotics, artificial intelligence, and other cutting-edge technologies. Add to thisits strong economy, high standard of living, rich culture, and excellent public safety.

Discover the Top Highest Paying Jobs in Japan (2)

Top 18 Highest-Paying Jobs in Japan:

1. Human Resource Director (HRD):

The HR Director is in charge of developing and implementing the organization's HR policies and operations. An HR Director handles processes from recruiting and onboarding to performance management, promotion, and departure interviews.

Payscale Range: JP¥ 13,000,000

2. Software Engineer:

In great demand, particularly in the emerging technology industry. Salaries in this sector can range from entry-level to million yen per year, based on experience and skill set.

Payscale Range: JP¥ 63,91,562

3. Sales Director:

Leading sales teams can bring in significant compensation, potentially exceeding 15 million yen annually, with bonuses. Being at the helm of sales teams can rake in some serious cash, going over 15 million yen a year with great bonus perks.

Payscale Range: JP¥ 15000000

4. Marketing Manager:

As the Marketing Manager, you'll need to plan and manage integrated demand-generation campaigns targeting Japanese and global audiences. Marketing managers at leading companies can earn a significant salary.

Payscale Range: JP¥ 88,71,395

5. Risk Analyst:

Risk Analysts study a company's investment portfolios, particularly its abroad interests, and assess the risk associated with such selections. Their analytical skills to forecast possible losses and provide suggestions to reduce risk through diversification, currency exchanges, and other investment techniques are crucial.

Payscale Range: Between JP¥5,364 to 000 JP¥6,477,000

6. Engineers:

Japan's car industry is a powerhouse, offering competitive salaries for engineers (Electrical, Software, Hardware). Potential earnings can reach an impressive millions of yen annually. Software engineering is among the most popular and in-demand careers in Japan. As technology progresses, these engineers will be required to create and maintain software systems.

Payscale Range: JP¥3,66,00,000

7. Research Scientist:

Heading up research projects, especially in sought-after fields, can earn the highest salaries. It demands scientists to undertake and present scientific research for the benefit of society while maintaining quality, integrity, respect, fairness, trustworthiness, clarity, and transparency.

Payscale Range: JP¥85,00,000

8. Airline Pilot:

Prepare and submit flight plans to air traffic controllers. Communicate with air traffic control via the aircraft's radio equipment. Operate and control aircraft following scheduled routes, as well as during takeoff and landing. Throughout the flight, keep an eye on the engines, fuel consumption, and other aircraft systems. Experienced pilots can earn well over 10 million yen annually.

Payscale Range: JP¥11511201

9. Investment bankers:

Investment bankers working in fast-paced financial markets can earn substantial compensation, potentially exceeding more than twenty million yen annually with bonuses. In the hustle and bustle of those markets, their pay can be pretty hefty.

Payscale Range: JP¥90,00,000

10. Data scientists:

Data scientists with expertise in analyzing and interpreting data for strategic decision-making have the potential to earn the badge of the highest-paying jobs in Japan. Such technical roles are in high demand with the lucrative pay scale range.

Payscale Range: JP¥6,53,57,528

11. Neurosurgeon:

A highly specialized and highest paying job in Japan in the medical field, earning salaries of millions of yen annually. They work to prevent, diagnose, and treat illnesses of the brain, spine, and nerves— while also curing and controlling diseases that disrupt the flow of blood to the brain.

Payscale Range: JP¥ 110000000

12. Lawyer:

Legal private practice equity partners earn a minimum of 50 million yen annually, recorded as the highest-paying jobs in Japan. These professionals specialize in private equity deals within law and legal firms.

Payscale Range: JP¥1,25,00,000

13. Medical Affairs Head:

The Head of Medical Affairs (Healthcare & Life Sciences) earns millions of yen annually and is one of the highest-paying jobs in Japan. They oversee medical and scientific communication for pharmaceutical companies.

Payscale Range: JP¥ 27,780,678

14. CFO (Chief Financial Officer):

The CFO in Banking & Financial Services can earn millions of yen annually. CFOs assume responsibility for ensuring a company's financial health, which requires the best knowledge in the financial and banking sectors.

Payscale Range: JP¥16500000

15. Legal Counsel:

Private Practice Counsel or Legal Counsel (Private Practice) are the highest paying jobs in Japan in the legal field, with salaries reaching into the millions.

Payscale Range: JP¥14,000,000

16. Country Manager:

A CM controls a company's whole activity in a particular nation; this may vary depending on a variety of criteria. However, the function of these highest-paying jobs in Japan chance may involve confidence and managing knowledge and talents.

Payscale Range: JP¥2,20,00,000

17. Business Development Manager:

BDMs in Japan earn high salaries and are accountable for creating and implementing business growth strategies. BDM is one of the highest-paying jobs in Japan and requires extensive industry knowledge, strong analytical skills, and practical communication abilities. Additionally, the salary of BDMs can vary depending on their specific industry and individual performance levels. Hence, considering these factors is essential when evaluating compensation packages for professionals in this role.

Payscale Range: JP¥ $8840000

18. Supply Chain Manager:

The Supply Chain Senior Manager oversees the efficient flow of goods and services within a company. The compensation can vary depending on industry and expertise. SCM roles are the highest paying jobs in Japan and require a keen eye for detail of every single good and organization's service.

Payscale Range: JP¥ 7450000

Global Expansion Can Support Your Japanese Workforce

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Discover the Top Highest Paying Jobs in Japan (3)

Discover the Top Highest Paying Jobs in Japan (2024)

FAQs

What is a very good salary in Japan? ›

Highest Paying Jobs in Japan
High-Paying Jobs in JapanAverage Annual Salary in Japan (JPY)Salary in Japan (INR)
Software Engineer65,00,00036.48 Lakhs
Mechanical Engineer60,00,00033.67 Lakhs
Marketing Coordinator49,00,00027.50 Lakhs
Hotel Manager36,00,00020.20 Lakhs
3 more rows

What is the number 1 job that pays the most? ›

Highest-Paying Careers
RankOccupationTypical Education
1Oral and Maxillofacial SurgeonsDoctoral or professional degree
1Orthopedic Surgeons, Except PediatricDoctoral or professional degree
1Pediatric SurgeonsDoctoral or professional degree
8 more rows

What is the majority of jobs in Japan? ›

About 68 million people in Japan are employed. The manufacturing industry employs the largest number of foreign people in Japan. Japan's unemployment rate is about 2.97%. The retail and wholesale industry is Japan's largest employer.

What kind of job is easy to get in Japan? ›

The easiest way to get a job in Japan, if you don't speak Japanese, is to teach English. This is how most foreigners find jobs in Japan. Work on your English language ability and try to get certified in TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language). You also need a degree.

What is the easiest job to get in Japan? ›

English Teaching Jobs

Among foreign languages, English teaching opportunities are the highest. Teaching English is by far the easiest job to get without any knowledge of the Japanese language. Please check this guide to English teaching job opportunities in Japan.

Is 200k a good salary in Japan? ›

200,000 yen is $2,000 a month and is around the minimum wage. So, it isn't a lot of money. In Tokyo, people struggle to live on 200,000 a month unless they have parents to subsidize their living, or they share housing like students and some young workers do.

How much is rent in Japan? ›

Average Rent in Japan

Prices in the capital range from a single room in shared housing for about 20,000 JPY (190 USD) per month to over 150,000 JPY (1,400 USD) for a private apartment. The average amount for a two-bedroom unit is a little over 200,000 JPY (1,870 USD) monthly.

Is it expensive to live in Japan? ›

It is one of the most expensive cities to call home, globally and nationally. On average, a single person spends ¥143,000 per month in Japan's capital, while a family of four might spend around ¥510,000 (excluding rent – 家賃, yachin). When compared to other major cities, Tokyo is: 50% higher than Shanghai.

What job pays the highest without a degree? ›

Here are the top 10 highest-paying jobs that don't require a degree.
  • Airline and commercial pilot. ...
  • Information security analyst. ...
  • Elevator and escalator installer and repairer. ...
  • Special effects artist and animator. ...
  • Transportation, storage, and distribution manager. ...
  • First-line supervisors of police and detective.
Jan 28, 2024

What is the richest job in? ›

Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in India in 2024 With Salary Package
  • Doctors and Surgeons:
  • Data Scientists:
  • Blockchain Developers:
  • Full Stack Developers:
  • Investment Bankers:
  • Chartered Accountants:
  • Machine Learning Engineers:
  • FAQs:-
Apr 25, 2024

What's the most easiest high-paying job? ›

Flexible and Easy, High-Paying Jobs
  • Data Entry Jobs.
  • Transcription Jobs.
  • Tutoring Jobs.
  • Writing Jobs.
  • Animals & Wildlife Jobs.
  • Social Media Jobs.
  • Sports & Fitness Jobs.
  • Customer Service Jobs.

What jobs are in shortage in Japan? ›

Skill Shortage impacts Technology Growth in Japan
Jobs in demandSkills in demand
Cyber Security
SOC/Incident Response Information Security Manager Security Engineer GRC (Governance Risk & Controls Manager) IT Risk ManagementCISSP Certification Strong Networking Exposure Python Penetration Testing Experience
Analytics
5 more rows
Feb 6, 2024

What are the most respected jobs in Japan? ›

Some highly respected jobs are medical doctors, high level finance professionals, others in the medical profession on a higher level. These come to mind.

Do jobs in Japan pay well? ›

The average monthly salary in Japan is around 515,000 Japanese yen. Salaries can range from a low average of 130,000 yen to a high average of 2,300,000 yen. However, the actual maximum salary is even higher than this highest average. Japan plays a big role in the world's economy.

Do foreigners get paid more in Japan? ›

Excluding black,small & mom/pop companies ,I would say that foreigners are paid equally or better than locals. In my personal opinion,Japanese companies are the most generous in allowances and offer lifetime employment. Generally speaking ,they would provide you housing,transportation,insurance and family allowances.

What is the most common job for foreigners in Japan? ›

The Most Popular Jobs in Japan for Foreigners
  • English Teacher. Teaching English as a second language (ESL) is one of the go-to career choices for foreigners working in Japan. ...
  • Service Staff. ...
  • IT Professional. ...
  • Translator or Interpreter. ...
  • Engineer. ...
  • Do Your Research. ...
  • Look for Job Opportunities Online. ...
  • Prepare Your Resume.
Sep 5, 2023

Is 10 million yen a good salary in Japan? ›

Yes, it's a good salary which will put you in the top few percents of regular earners.

Why is Japan's salary so high? ›

As one of the world's leading economies, Japan offers competitive salaries, especially in the IT, technology, and manufacturing sectors. The average monthly salary in Japan has been steadily increasing over the years, reflecting the country's economic stability and growth.

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