The July 2025 Salary Report published by Frog, Inc., provides insightful data on the current salary trends in Japan's job market. Here are some key insights:
Market Overview
According to Japan's Cabinet Office, the nominal wage growth for 2024 recorded its highest increase in 33 years. This trend is expected to continue into the 2025 spring labor negotiations, with significant pay raises anticipated for younger workers entering the labor market. However, it's noted that wage increases for middle-aged workers remain muted, reflecting disparities within age demographics.
The report synthesizes job listing data collected from various employment sites to present a clear picture of salary offerings, which have risen considerably over the past five years.
Key Highlights
- - The overall average advertised salary in the job market has increased by 13.43% over the last five and a half years, reaching ¥288,623 as of July 2025.
- - Groving Co., Ltd. tops the salary rankings with a staggering ¥1,666,666, followed by other managerial positions from numerous firms.
- - Consulting and specialized firms show the highest sector average salary at ¥357,897, while IT engineer roles lead in job type with an average of ¥318,967.
- - Aomori Prefecture leads the salary growth rate among regions, seeing an impressive increase of 5.59% year-over-year.
Market Dynamics
The job listings specifically targeting permanent positions saw a steep decline of 15.80% in May 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, recovery began shortly after, leading to consistent growth. As of July 2025, job postings have surged to 290,067, marking a 221.48% increase compared to January 2020 numbers. The average advertised salaries have shown a steady upward trajectory, despite minor fluctuations month-over-month.
Company Salaries
Groving Co., Ltd. has emerged as the frontrunner in salary offerings, significantly outpacing competitors. Following closely are:
1. Groving Co., Ltd. - ¥1,666,666
2. Plteron Consulting Co., Ltd. - ¥1,500,000
3. Layers Consulting Co., Ltd. - ¥1,416,666
4. First Digital Co. - ¥1,400,000
5. Three firms including KPMG and College Consulting Co., each offering ¥1,333,333.
All top companies are seeking experienced professionals for high-level roles, particularly in the consulting sector where top salaries are prevalent.
Sector and Role Insights
A breakdown of salary averages by sector indicates that the consulting and specialized professions lead with an average salary markedly higher than other sectors. The IT sector also maintains a robust presence, reflecting the growing demand for technologists post-pandemic.
Regional Trends
In terms of regional salary growth, Aomori once again stands out, showcasing significant upward mobility in salary averages compared to the national rate of 2.01%. This signals that while salary levels in the capital region remain high, other regions are increasingly catching up in terms of growth rates.
In conclusion, the findings from this report underscore the vibrant recovery of Japan's job market, driven largely by increases in salary offerings in high-demand sectors such as IT and consulting. As both firms and professionals adapt to the evolving market, this trend looks set to continue, with competition heating up, particularly in regions previously lagging behind in pay rates.
This in-depth analysis leverages extensive data from leading job platforms such as doda and Mynavi, providing a comprehensive view of Japan's hiring landscape. The insights gathered offer valuable perspective for companies looking to navigate the competitive hiring space and for job seekers aiming to capitalize on the opportunities presented in this dynamic environment.
Research Methodology
Data for this report was sourced from prominent job vacancies on major employment platforms. The average salary calculations were derived from aggregating the lower salary thresholds listed, while industry-specific categories were established via a tailored mapping process for greater accuracy.
At Frog, Inc., we constantly monitor labor market dynamics to empower both companies and candidates with the information they need to thrive.
Company Background
Frog, Inc. specializes in job market analytics and data collection, offering services that support recruitment strategies and labor market analysis. Founded in January 2021, the company continues to expand its footprint across Japan's hiring landscape, providing actionable insights for all stakeholders involved.